The unsettling day included two significant outbreaks of severe weather as reported by the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency. The first came in East Tennessee, but a second was broadcast in Middle Tennessee and in East Tennessee again.
Bradley County losses include at least two businesses valued at $644,400.
George Matthews, meteorologist in charge at the National Weather Service in Morristown, confirmed the EF-2 twister following an on-site inspection on Sunday of the storm’s path.
Hamilton, Bradley, McMinn, Polk and Monroe were among the counties affected during the two waves of tornadoes.
According to TEMA’s Situation Report, 75 Tornado Warnings were issued between 10:25 a.m. and 8 p.m. Friday.
Three people were killed in Middle Tennessee on Feb. 29, but no one died during Friday’s storms.
Local EMA officials reported six homes destroyed. In Hamilton County, 347 homes were affected with 77 destroyed and 23 having major damage, according to Amy Maxwell of Hamilton County Emergency Services. Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation was deployed to Island Cove Marina in Harrison to clean up spilled fuel from sunken boats at Chickamauga Lake.
In McMinn County, 11 homes were reportedly destroyed and Monroe officials reported to TEMA that 33 homes were demolished Friday during the storm.
Polk County also reported seven homes were destroyed near the Delano community along the McMinn and Polk border.
TEMA’s Emergency Operations Center remains at Level 3 State of Emergency.
Tennessee Forestry officials have lifted a burn ban so those affected by the tornado can burn brush but burning should be halted at noon today due to high winds moving into the area. Wednesday’s forecast also indicated high winds and burning safety could be an issue. Officials said shingles and other building debris should not be disposed of by burning.
According to Jerry Johnson Jr. of the local EMA office, individual assistance could be offered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. County government has to show costs of $336,000 regarding response and repair of infrastructure for assistance from FEMA. The state has an $8 million threshold (which includes all counties’ costs) for FEMA aid.
Officials with Cleveland Public Works and Bradley County Road Department indicated 45 roads and streets were affected by downed trees/power lines. Most of those have been cleared, according to Johnson.
The Hiwassee Chapter of the American Red Cross continues feeding meals and snacks to victims of the storms in Bradley, Hamilton, Polk, Monroe and McMinn counties.
Cleveland-Bradley Community Action Network continues to work with individuals and their unmet immediate needs. Reach CAN by calling 308-3467. Bradley Baptist Association has been aiding with tree and brush cutting. BBA can be contacted at 476-5493.
Property owners affected by the storm should contact Cleveland-Bradley County Emergency Management Agency at 728-7289.
