An EF-3 tornado has left a trail of destruction in McNairy County, Tennessee, where Action News 5 reported multiple deaths and over 20 injuries. Confirming the severity, the National Weather Service informed WREG that the tornado reached peak wind speeds of 160 mph. Teams on the ground in Selmer, the county’s central hub, observed the extent of the damage, noting that several homes and businesses were significantly damaged if not destroyed.
Amidst the chaos, the American Red Cross has responded by opening a shelter at the Selmer Community Center to provide hot meals for those affected. Tennessee’s state officials, including Governor Bill Lee and Congressman David Kustoff, have visited the damaged areas. President Donald Trump has approved Governor Lee’s Emergency Declaration, as reported by Tennessee Lookout. This move will provide federal aid to all 95 counties of the state, helping local authorities and residents to cope with not only tornado damage but also the increased risk of “generational flooding” as more rain is expected through the week.
The storms unfortunately were not confined to Tennessee, a separate EF-3 tornado with winds reaching 150 mph also struck Bay and Lake City, Arkansas, injuring approximately 15 individuals. However, no fatalities have been reported in Arkansas, which hints at a slim silver lining in an otherwise bleak natural disaster scenario. In response to the widespread impact, various law enforcement agencies from around and outside Selmer, including the Selmer Police Department and Tennessee Highway Patrol, are providing emergency recovery assistance…