McNairy County tornado, flooding caused estimated $30.3 million in damage
Gov. Bill Lee in McNairy County to survey storm damage and meet with survivors following severe weather and flooding that swept through the state overnight April 2. (Photo Office of Gov. Bill Lee):
The tornado that tore through McNairy County in West Tennessee early this month caused an estimated $30.3 million in damage, according to the county's emergency management agency.
An EF-3 tornado with a 43-mile storm track swept through the county early April 3, killing five people. Wind speeds reached up to 160 miles per hour.
The storm hit Selmer, the county's largest city and county seat, home to about 4,500 people. Those killed include three Selmer residents on New Bethel Road, one McNairy County resident on New Bethel Road and one McNairy County resident on Friendship Road, according to the Selmer Police Department.
Residents and business owners bore the brunt of property damage, with preliminary assessments totaling $27.6 million, the McNairy County Emergency Management Agency reported Friday.
Flooding caused by the storm system also damaged roads across the county. The local government response and the cost of damage to public property, roads, utilities, and government facilities totals around $2.7 million.
Of the 332 structures impacted by the storm, 108 were destroyed and 70 sustained major damage, McNairy County EMA reported on April 5.
The preliminary damage assessments will be sent to FEMA, the first step in determining whether McNairy County is eligible for federal assistance with disaster recovery. The Small Business Administration also assessed the damage to determine if the county is eligible for low-interest disaster loans.
A disaster declaration is needed for the county to receive federal aid.
Damage assessments are ongoing.
Tennessee has been under a federal Emergency Declaration since April 2, as severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding slammed West and Middle Tennessee.
Under the declaration, FEMA can provide equipment and resources to support emergency response, and direct federal assistance under the public assistance program will be provided at 75% federal funding, according to the agency.
SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
36 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Stay safe with these tips for using a power generator after a hurricane or tropical storm
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Louisiana consumers are buying and using generators across the state to be prepared for a power outage during hurricane season. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), generators are emergency equipment that provide a secondary power source during an electrical failure. Generators can be useful in the event of a natural disaster and there is a power outage. Though it can be useful, generators can also be dangerous. Some generators emit carbon monoxide, which is colorless and odorless but can be fatal for humans and animals. FEMA recommends not using generators indoors or in poorly ventilated areas. Precaution tips include installing a carbon monoxide alarm in your home to prevent toxic buildups. FEMA says to always use heavy-duty extension cords for appliances. Generators use a huge amount of power and if used improperly, can cause injury or power surges to power lines. Fuel for the generator should be stored outdoors. To avoid electrocution, keep the generator dry and away from rain and wet conditions. When refueling, turn off the generator and allow it to cool down. Fuel spilled on the hot engine parts could ignite a fire. Read the generator's instruction manual to use the recommended fuel type and how much is required. What items should be in hurricane, disaster preparation kit for your family, pets? See here. Costco will let customers shop without crowds (for a price) Where the 'No Kings' anti-Trump military parade protests are planned DOJ calls Newsom legal challenge to National Guard 'crass political stunt' Newsom hits back at DeSantis over offer to send Florida state guard to LA LSU duo named First-Team Freshman All-Americans Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
36 minutes ago
- Yahoo
What items should be in hurricane, disaster preparation kit for your family? See here.
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Hurricane season is here. Here's what you need to know to have your family ready for severe weather. Hurricanes and natural disasters can affect a community at any time. The best way to stay safe is to be prepared for all instances. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), having the proper supplies on hand is key to being prepared during hurricane season, which can last until the end of November. Keep your supplies in an easy-to-carry emergency-preparedness kit that you can use at home or take with you if you must evacuate. Here are a few tips to help keep you and your family prepared. Households should have at least one gallon of water per person per day. This should equal up to a two-week supply if remaining in place. Non-perishable food items are essential in the event of a power outage. This includes dried fruit, packaged fruit, crackers, nuts, beef jerky, canned vegetables and granola bars. Flashlights and a battery-powered radio can be efficient. Lighting candles is a hazard as an open flame can start a fire. The battery-powered radio can be used to remain up-to-date with the current weather status or for further instructions. Cellphone and portable chargers in case of emergency. A first-aid kit will help with minor injuries during severe weather. Personal medication should be included in this kit, as well as generic medication such as pain relievers, cold and flu and antacid medications. Personal hygiene items such as hand sanitizer, mouthwash and wipes. Having cash on hand is an advantage, as the ATMs may be out of order. Buy extra fuel for generators and vehicles if instructed to evacuate. Stay safe with these tips for using a power generator after a hurricane or tropical storm Costco will let customers shop without crowds (for a price) Where the 'No Kings' anti-Trump military parade protests are planned DOJ calls Newsom legal challenge to National Guard 'crass political stunt' Newsom hits back at DeSantis over offer to send Florida state guard to LA LSU duo named First-Team Freshman All-Americans Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CBS News
3 hours ago
- CBS News
Maryland uses new disaster recovery fund to support Allegany County after severe flooding
Maryland to provide nearly $460k to help recovery in Allegany County after heavy rains, floods Maryland to provide nearly $460k to help recovery in Allegany County after heavy rains, floods Maryland to provide nearly $460k to help recovery in Allegany County after heavy rains, floods Maryland allocated $459,375 from its new Disaster Recovery Fund to support Allegany County after severe flooding in May. The flash flooding, brought on by severe storms on May 13, prompted Gov. Wes Moore to declare a State of Emergency, as buildings were damaged and nearly 200 people were rescued from schools. Following the incident, the governor also called on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to conduct a damage assessment. Funding for western Maryland flooding The governor's office said data collected through damage assessments indicated that the recovery needs were beyond the capability of the county. Allegany County officials then requested help from the state's Disaster Recovery Fund. The Maryland Department of Emergency Management worked closely with county officials to provide the funding. The Disaster Recovery Fund, created under a Maryland law, is a form of state-assisted financing that is given to jurisdictions to provide essential help to households, local governments or businesses impacted by disasters, the governor's office said. The funds can be used to supplement needs like housing, repairs or property replacement. "Being the first of its kind in Maryland, the State Disaster Recovery Fund is providing critical support to the residents of Allegany County," said Maryland Department of Emergency Management Secretary Russell Strickland. "Financial assistance availability at crucial times like this is what strengthens our state's resilience and allows our communities to recover." Who is eligible for disaster recovery funding? Allegany and Garrett County residents and business owners can apply for disaster relief loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration Physical Loan program, the governor's office said. An outreach center at 103 1st Street in Westernport is assisting both counties. "In Maryland, we live mission-first, people always. These funds will help Marylanders get back on their feet in the wake of historic flooding," Gov. Moore said. "Our administration has taken a comprehensive approach to our recovery efforts – and we will continue to support our people, uplift our communities, and help Western Maryland bounce back." Find more information about disaster recovery funds HERE.
