Flash Report #1 Tornadoes and Severe Weather

Thursday, May 09, 2024 | 12:35pm

HIGHLIGHTS

  • The State Emergency Operations Center in Nashville is activated at a Level 4 – Elevated to support local requests and monitor the ongoing severe weather impacting Tennessee.
  • Requests for assistance are being fulfilled.
  • Emergency Service Coordinators (ESCs) from TDOT, TDCI, TDH, THP, TN Department of Human Services,
    and more are monitoring the situation and standing by to provide assistance to local jurisdictions.
  • Crisis Cleanup has been activated for the whole state. If you need assistance with damage from the tornadoes and severe weather, at no cost, call the home cleanup hotline (615-488-1875) for help.

 

CURRENT SITUATION

Several rounds of significant severe weather impacted Tennessee on Wednesday, May 8, 2024. At this time, affected counties include Cheatham, Giles, Lincoln, Maury, Rutherford, Smith, Warren, and Wilson counties. TEMA has deployed personnel at the request of the counties and is coordinating with local officials to assess damages and ensure life safety needs are met. The National Weather Service is surveying potential tornado locations.

POWER OUTAGES & UTILITIES

  • As of 9:00 a.m. on May 9, there are 69,274 reports of power outages statewide.
  • Woodbury Water System in Cannon County has issued a boil water advisory due to flooding at the water treatment plant affecting 11,327 customers.
  • East Fork Utility District in Overton County has issued a boil water advisory due to a main break affecting 150 customers.
  • Woodbury Municipal sewage plant in Cannon County has flooded and is currently inaccessible and inoperable. Impacts are being assessed.

SHELTERS

Local jurisdictions and the American Red Cross have opened storm shelters and overnight shelters in impacted areas. For the most up-to-date shelter locations, visit TEMA’s website.

THP

THP is providing assistance with law enforcement responsibilities.

TDH

The Tennessee Department of Health has confirmed one weather-related fatality in Claiborne County.

TDOT

TDOT is continuing to monitor road conditions across the state and assist with debris removal. Current road closures include:

    o  Montgomery County SR 123 LM 12.8, right lane is closed due to shoulder washed out

    o  Rutherford County SR 266 MM 18.6

PROTECTIVE ACTIONS/KEY MESSAGES

  • Do not enter damaged buildings or hazardous locations.
  • Do not drive through flooded roadways and walkways.
  • Hire only licensed contractors and do not pay the total amount before the work is complete. More
    tips for consumers after a disaster can be found here.
  • Avoid downed power lines.
  • If your house or property sustained damage, take pictures before cleanup efforts and contact your insurance company. Complaint line for insurance: (615) 741-2218 or 1-800-342-4029.
  • Crisis Cleanup has been activated for the whole state. If you need assistance with damage from the tornadoes at no cost, call the home cleanup hotline (615-488-1875) for help.
  • Contact your local emergency management agency if you need immediate assistance.

FORECAST

  • Memphis: Sunny skies during the day with increasing clouds overnight. High temperatures in the mid-80s. Northwesterly winds from 5-10mph. Low temperatures in the lower 60s.
  • Nashville: Decreasing clouds throughout the day, with clouds increasing after midnight. High temperatures in the mid-80s. Westerly winds from 10-15mph, gusting up to 20mph. Low temperatures in the upper 50s.
  • Knoxville: Decreasing clouds, mostly clearing by evening, increasing again around sunrise. High temperatures in the lower 80s. Southwesterly winds this afternoon from 10-15mph, gusting to 25mph, shifting northwesterly and decreasing to 5-10mph overnight. Low temperatures in the upper 50s. Chance of precipitation after sunrise on Friday is 30%.
  • Chattanooga: Decreasing clouds, with sunny skies expected by late afternoon and clouds increasing again after midnight. High temperatures in the mid-80s. Westerly winds this afternoon from 10-15mph, gusting up to 25mph, and 5-10mph overnight. Low temperatures in the lower 60s.