11-02-2025
Homes damaged, livestock lost after tornado ripped through Morgan County
MORGAN COUNTY, Tenn. (WATE) — Many families in Morgan County are picking up the pieces after an EF-2 tornado came through the area. Leaving behind a trail of destruction with buildings torn apart, 39 homes damaged, and even livestock lost.
Sarah Huth, a mother of five, said she was out late that night with her children and when they tried to get back home it was impossible to get through the amount of trees blown down on their street.
Morgan County family recounts 'chaos' after tornado ripped through neighborhood
Her husband was at home watching a show with headphones on and didn't notice what happened at first, but when he did, he took action.
'The wind had blown the garage door open and my treadmill through the garage door. So then he came because he couldn't reach me and I've got five kids, so and he knew we were on the road. He came looking for us and I ended up with Snips and a couple of guys from Sunbright that came. We finally, after a few hours, made it over and under all the branches in order to make it here,' explained Huth.
The family owned 32 chickens, unfortunately about 10 of those and the chicken coop were carried away in the storm.
'Heartbreaking seeing them all impaled and stuff in the wreckage. It's kind of sad and we did have one pregnant cat that we lost. So if anybody finds a Maine Coon, it'd be great she's very loved here,' Huth added.
I-40 reopening date set as nation's 'most expensive emergency relief project' continues
Their power was out for a day and a half, and they just regained phone service and internet last night, but the damage didn't end with the garage.
'We had a two story shop up here that's totally flat and with my husband's machinery and every tool, tractor everything out there and that all got flattened. The hay barn up the road a little bit more on our property that also is flat. Our house is fine. We had a clean, dry, warm place to be that night. So, I mean, really, you can't be anything but thankful,' said Huth.
Huth said she was taken back by the communities' response and the outpouring of help she's received throughout this hardship.
'I think I've just seen such a good sense of community and people coming together and just helping, They came to fix the roof for us, like we didn't even need to ask people. They were just coming and doing stuff,' Huth explained.
Cocke County prepares for possible flooding as Helene recovery continues
Huth shared that her family suffered a lot of damage due to the storm but said 'it's just stuff' and that although she didn't know them, she feels for her two neighbors who lost their lives that night.
The family is now working day by day to slowly build back their assets and clean up the damage. Huth also shared that she is planning to pay the kindness she's received from the community forward next time she's able.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.