Covington, Tenn.–Covington took a hard hit from last night’s storms and a command post is being set up this morning as search and cleanup continues.
The town sustained widespread damage from a reported tornado, with the hospital hit and patients transfered to Ripley. Families were displaced as homes were hit and an emergency shelter was set up overnight at the Covington Park and Recreation Sportsplex.
According to Covington Police, a commend post will be set up at 10 a.m. today (April 1) at Cobb Parr Park in Covington for anyone wanting to donate water, toiletries, baby necessities, non perishable food, snacks, cleaning supplies, gloves, pet food, pet bedding, and dust mask. “At this time no clothes are needed until volunteers can assess the sizes and needs,” they said.
On Sunday, 10 am they will be organizing volunteers at Cobb Parr Park to assist in clean up of the damaged areas. Please wear work clothing, bring gloves, chainsaws, reflective vest (if available), and boots. “Volunteers will check in at the command Post and be sent out on teams,” they said.
Structures were damaged and destroyed, with trees down, electrical lines down and emergency crews were responding all through the night.
Roadways currently closed to damaged areas:
Old Memphis from Muellar Brass to Junior Drive
Mueller Brass near the National Guard Armory
Jack Bennett at Indian Creek
Hwy 51 at Jack Bennett
Liberty Church Road
Hwy 54 from Hwy 179 to Cotton Lake
Burnett Road from Hwy 50 to Hwy 179
Lindsey Road
Photo: First responders gather overnight in Covington. Covington PD photo.