Tornadoes Cause Additional Damage to Already Devistated West Tennessee

After a storm system swept through the area earlier yesterday causing major flooding and damage, severe thunderstorms continued to pound the already- distressed region of West Tennessee and the surrounding areas until the early morning hours of May 2, 2010.

As of a 12:30 pm on May 1, 2010, Tennessee had already been declared a level-three state of emergency. Floods caused sinkholes to develop, bridges to crumble, homes to be evacuated, power outages and roads to become impassable. The water had risen so high in some areas that boats were used to rescue those left stranded.

Then after night fall the area faced another threat: Tornadoes.

Tornado warnings were issued throughout the night for the region. Baseball sized hail and dangerous lightning inundated many counties, but the threat of tornadoes in places where the water would prevent underground shelter was the most frightening.

This morning we learned that a three-mile-long tornado tore through Hardeman County, specifically through the downtown of Pocahontas. One death has been reported so far as a result.

In Gibson County, it was predicted that a tornado would touch down, and the radar showed a strong storm traveling through Humbolt and Milan Tennessee. This morning, wind damage is evident, but it's still unsure if a tornado actually developed.

The risk of new weather events causing damage is beginning to die down. However, the danger is not over. The area remains under flash flood and tornado watches, several counties under flash flood warnings. Many Tipton Country residents are urged to remain home if stranded and await rescue crews to assist them rather than try to make their way through the flood.

The danger of water contamination is high where it's flooded. Residents in the towns of Three Point and Medina in Gibson County should boil all water before consuming. The city of Trenton, also in Gibson County, has shut down its water system. It has not been contaminated, but they will not be able to pump water into the system until the flood waters subside. Residents shouldn't use more water than necessary.

The area continues to suffer. Only after the flood waters dry will the damage total be entirely clear, but roads, bridges, homes and businesses have all been flooded or washed away. Here are some YouTube videos showing what is happening around the entire region at this time:

Steam Mill Ferry Road Bridge Collapse

May 1^st 2010 Jackson, TN Flood

Hidden Valley Subdivision Jackson, TN 5/1/10

WBBJ's Photo Gallery of Flood Images

WBBJ has constructed a list of road closings, a list of school closings and a list of church and event closings for the Jackson area. Further, it has also put together a very informative utility and emergency crew update list.

Additional Sources:

The Jackson Sun: Rescue and Recovery Efforts Continue in West Tennessee Today

The National Weather Service: Watches, Warnings or Advisories for Tennessee