Paris, Tenn.–After a preliminary Damage assessment was completed Saturday and Sunday by Henry County Emergency Management and the National Weather Service Memphis, the widespread damage that occurred Friday evening into Saturday morning was determined to be caused by a EF3 tornado.
According to Henry County Emergency Management Director Ron Watkins, “The Tornado appears to be the same storm that caused damage in downtown Dresden to the west. This tornado tracked the entire northern portion of the county from the Weakley County.”
“The national weather service indicated Sunday afternoon the damage in Henry County was caused by an EF3 tornado with wind speed estimated between 136 and 165 mph,” Watkins said. “Five Persons were treated for injuries at Henry County Medical Center. Two persons were transported emergency by Henry County AMR EMS from Elkins Road just north of Hwy 140 and Shady Grove Rd when their home was destroyed by the tornado. Both persons were home when it was hit. Sixteen homes were destroyed with another four with heavy damage. A total 43 houses were listed as light to moderate damage ranging from shingles and siding to some part of roof decking missing.”
Henry County Mayor John Penn Ridgeway said, “Henry County took a hard hit Friday night. I am thankful for the hard work of our first responders, utility workers, Highway Dept crews and neighborhood volunteers who came out to assist those in need. We are truly blessed no one lost their life in this event. Weakley County Mayor Jake Bynam has contacted me asking for assistance with cleanup efforts in Dresden. Manpower, heavy equipment, and dump truck are needed. Henry County has sent a chainsaw crew to Dresden to assist in their downtown area. Any volunteers are asked to check in to the First Baptist Church located at 490 Morrow St or call 731-364-2212.”
As of late Sunday afternoon Paris BPU had repaired the majority of the main line utility damage with around 600 households still without power. Henry county Highway Department had all roads passable in the damaged areas.
Watkins said, ‘Without assistance of neighbors and Paris Henry County rescue squad Rescue squad And county volunteer fire departments county would Still be working to clear roadways. Emergency Management Damage assessment indicated 18 homes destroyed or heavily damaged with another 60 homes with light to moderate damage.”
Hardest hit areas were Cottage Grove along Cox Road , Highway 140 E. West of Cottage Grove, and Lampkins Road. Another area north of Hwy 140 on Shady Grove Road sustained heavy damage as well. The tornado then skipped along Point Pleasant Rd., Hershel Sykes Road, and Rabbit Creek Road into the Cypress Road area. Otts Rd, Bream Rd, and Cypress Bay Road, had structures that were heavily damaged either by wind or trees, Watkins said.
Henry County Sheriff Josh Frey and Mayor John Penn Ridgeway coordinated to open a a shelter Sunday at Jones Chapel Baptist Church on India Road. Local area churches volunteered to supply meals and provide assistance as needed. There were no persons at the shelter on Sunday night, Frey said, and yhe shelter will remain closed until needed.
The Tennessee Valley Authority was able to restore main transmission lines that were downed on Highway 69 north close to Walker Cemetery around 2 AM Sunday morning. A TVA transmission line tower was destroyed by the tornado. These transmission lines provided electricity to Graves County and into Callaway County Kentucky. Saturday Henry County was inundated with folks from Graves and Calloway County filling up with gas, grocery shopping and staying in local hotels because of the power outage in those areas.
The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency has sent large size tarps for homeowners who may need to cover roofs. Henry county is expecting rainfall on Thursday of this week. EMA will get these out to the affected areas as soon as they arrive. Persons can call the EMA office if they wish to receive a tarp to help cover damaged property.
Emergency Management is seeking property owners who may need assistance with debris clean up and/or trees cut up. Some volunteer organizations have contacted the EMA office willing to assist.
For any sheltering needs, tree assistance or to receive a tarp please contact the Emergency Management Emergency Management Operations at 731-642-6055.
On Monday, Charter Assisted Living on Volunteer called for assistance with 21 seniors being moved from their Mayfield, KY sister center to the Paris Facility. EMA provided 21 cots with bedding for the seniors to use until more permanent furnishings can be secured.
Local business and non-profit agencies are collecting donations of money, nonperishable food, toiletry items, and clothing. Please check with the agency for exact items being collected for tornado relief. The Shed, Shady Grove Baptist Church, Carl Perkins Center of Paris, Street Dynamics, Salvation Army, and Tomorrow’s Hope Thrift Store.
Photo: One of the hardest hit areas in Henry County was Lampkins Rd. Shannon McFarlin photo.