By Jeanette Smith
Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2015, Tennessee’s Governor, Bill Haslam approved the recommendation to go to a Level Three State of Emergency. Relentless storms have taken lives today.
Sheriff Nick Weems stated that the storm has taken the lives of two people in Perry County. It was a man and a woman in the 6000 block of Highway 412 East where they were found trapped under debris. Weems reported rescue crews were trying to save them. They cut into the debris to get to them, but they were unable to reach them in time.
A known camper that someone lives in is missing. Weems was not sure if the man was in the camper when it was assumed to have been taken away by the storm.
Several injuries have been reported as the storms continued through Tennessee. Wayne County Sheriff, Rick Wilson spoke with a reporter at Channel 4 and stated that an ambulance had taken several people to the emergency room after a tree fell over a storm shelter trapping a number of people inside.
According to Wilson, Lutts has taken a great amount of damage. There were people trapped in a mobile home and many homes were horribly damaged. The post office may have been destroyed, according to the preliminary reports. He acknowledged that ambulances were being dispatched to Lutts.
In Hickman County, the Sheriff stated Upper Cane Creek Road and the surrounding area has been covered with downed trees. Crews that have been sent out to clear the area, however, are experiencing difficulties getting to the destination needing to be cleared.
Multiple counties statewide have reported damage and downed trees. The Tennessee Emergency Management Plan has been activated.
By Jeanette Smith
Source:
WSMV Channel 4: State of Emergency declared after deadly storms move across Midstate
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