Five injured after EF-0 tornado

LOUDON COUNTY, Tenn. (WATE) — At least five people were injured after an EF-0 tornado touched down near the Loudon-Monroe county line Friday morning.

Deputies with the Loudon County Sheriff’s Office and other agencies responded to reports of structure damage following storm damage in the Philadelphia Friday morning around 8:30 a.m. Around 12:40 p.m., the National Weather Service released a preliminary report that a survey of the Luttrell area found evidence of an EF-0 tornado.

According to the NWS, the tornado had maximum winds of 85 miles per hour and travelled for approximately two miles with a maximum width of about 200 yards.

The sheriff’s office told 6 News deputies and dozens of other first responders were responding because of structure damage that involved multiple injuries in the 3200 block of Holt Road.

Tennessee Highway Patrol shared that four people have been taken from the Sweetwater area to an area hospital for evaluation. The National Weather Service confirmed to 6 News that one additional person was also injured.

THP asked drivers should avoid the area and use alternate routes.

The sheriff’s office said the storm damage included downed power lines, trees and debris. Those in the area are reminded to assume downed power lines are live and stay clear of them, avoid fallen trees, storm debris and unstable structures, and not to enter damaged buildings until they are cleared by authorities. Hazards in the area should be reported to 911 immediately.

A National Weather Service survey team is expected to arrive at the area of Holt Road and Sweetwater around 11:30 a.m.

Just before 9 a.m., the sheriff’s office posted on social media saying it was monitoring reports of a “possible tornado touchdown” in the area of Philadelphia. Residents were urged to take shelter in basements or interior rooms away from windows, and to stay out of mobile homes and vehicles.

Following the sheriff’s report, the National Weather Service issued a Tornado Warning for areas including Greenback, Townsend and Walland until 9:45 a.m.