Tragedy struck a small East Tennessee community on Thursday night as a suspected tornado event claimed the lives of two individuals, according to the local emergency management agency. The severe weather swept through Morgan County under the cover of darkness, resulting in the unfortunate deaths of a mother and daughter in the same residence. The county's Emergency Management & Homeland Security office confirmed the devastating news on Friday via a Facebook post, refraining from disclosing specific ages or other identifying details.
In addition to the fatalities, three individuals sustained injuries during the tumultuous weather conditions. The agency expressed its condolences, stating, 'Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of those affected by this tragic event.'
The suspected tornado made landfall in the small communities of Deer Lodge and Sunbright around 8:27 p.m., leaving a trail of severe property damage in its wake. The county reported that more than 100 emergency responders, including a Tennessee Highway Patrol 'strike team,' have been deployed to assist in the aftermath of the disaster.
State Highway Patrol Capt. Stacey Heatherly emphasized the team's mission to locate any missing individuals and provide support wherever possible. As of 7:30 a.m. on Friday, approximately 8 percent of Morgan County remained without power, as indicated by the tracking website PowerOutage.us.
Efforts are ongoing to assess the extent of the damage and provide aid to those affected by the catastrophic event. The community is coming together to support one another during this challenging time, demonstrating resilience and solidarity in the face of adversity.
