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.
NEW JERSEY – Torrential rainfall has triggered widespread flash flooding across northern New Jersey, leaving roadways submerged, traffic paralyzed, and numerous motorists stranded.
In response to the rapidly deteriorating conditions, Governor Phil Murphy declared a State of Emergency Monday evening at 7:33 p.m., urging residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.
“Please stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. Stay safe, New Jersey,” Murphy wrote in a statement released on social media.
The flash flooding has severely impacted several major roadways, including:
- Route 22: Entire sections of the highway were completely underwater, with numerous vehicles stalled in rising floodwaters. Emergency responders are on scene assisting trapped motorists.
- New Jersey Turnpike: Near Newark, both northbound and southbound lanes experienced heavy flooding, resulting in lane closures and significant traffic delays. Some areas of the Turnpike are reported to be completely impassable as water levels continue to rise.
Residents described scenes of devastation, with roads transformed into rivers and entire neighborhoods inundated. Video footage from affected areas shows cars partially submerged, and water rushing through intersections and parking lots.
Officials have issued a strong warning: “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.” Flash flooding remains an active threat as more rain is forecast throughout the evening and into Tuesday.
Emergency management teams across the state are working to coordinate response efforts, deploy high-water rescue vehicles, and mitigate further flooding.
Despite the swift response, public reaction has been mixed, with some residents criticizing the timing and preparedness of local and state agencies.
One social media user remarked, “Don’t bother calling FEMA, nobody will answer,” reflecting growing frustration over emergency response delays.
The duration of the State of Emergency remains unclear, but officials stress that residents should continue to monitor official alerts, follow emergency guidance, and contact 2-1-1 for shelter assistance if displaced.
If you are experiencing a flood-related emergency, contact local authorities immediately.
This is a developing situation. More updates will follow as the weather event continues to unfold.