Weather
2 dead, 3 injured after tornado in Deer Lodge, Morgan County
The Tennessee Highway Patrol has deployed at least 30 troopers to assist in response efforts.
Morgan County officials have confirmed that a tornado swept through the area on Thursday night, resulting in two fatalities and injuring three others in the Deer Lodge and Sunbright communities.
According to Aaron Evans, spokesperson for Morgan County Emergency Management, a mother and daughter lost their lives in the storm.
The three injured individuals sustained non-life-threatening injuries, and no additional fatalities are expected at this time.
Emergency crews from local, county, and state agencies continue to conduct search and rescue operations.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol has deployed at least 30 troopers to assist in response efforts.
Authorities have established an Emergency Operations Center at Wartburg Central High School to coordinate relief efforts.
The storm caused significant disruptions to power, phone, and internet services in the affected areas.
Officials are urging residents to stay away from impacted locations to allow emergency crews to work safely and efficiently.
In Sunbright, the severe weather prompted a temporary halt to a high school basketball game after a tornado warning was issued.
Players and spectators took shelter before the game resumed once the storm had passed.
The National Weather Service is expected to release its final damage assessment for Morgan County by 4 p.m. Friday.
Officials continue to assess the extent of the destruction and provide assistance to those affected.
At least three people have died and 12 others were injured after a powerful tornado tore through Union City, Michigan, on Friday, according to the Branch County Sheriff’s Office.
The storm caused widespread destruction as it moved through residential neighborhoods, leaving homes heavily damaged or destroyed and debris scattered across the community.
Emergency officials said three of the injured victims were transported to local hospitals for medical treatment, while others were treated for various injuries.
“Our thoughts are with those who have lost family, friends, and property during this incident,” the Branch County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement as emergency crews continued search, rescue, and recovery operations across the affected area.
Authorities are urging residents to avoid traveling to or through impacted neighborhoods so first responders can safely conduct emergency response efforts.
Deputies also warned the public to take several important safety precautions while recovery operations remain underway.
Residents are advised to:
- Stay away from damaged or unstable structures, including buildings marked by emergency personnel.
- Avoid downed power lines, fallen trees, and scattered debris, which may pose serious hazards.
- Refrain from entering restricted or closed areas where crews are actively working.
Officials also warned that additional severe weather could develop overnight Friday into Saturday, urging residents to remain weather-aware and seek shelter immediately if new warnings are issued.
Authorities encouraged the public to continue monitoring local forecasts and emergency alerts for updated information.
The storm has also caused power outages, road closures, and disruptions to cellular and internet service in some areas.
Emergency crews, utility workers, and local officials are currently working to assess the extent of the damage, restore essential services, and clear roadways.
Further updates are expected to be released as officials gather more information about the storm’s impact and ongoing recovery efforts.