Storm damage causes power outages, downed trees

Photos by Randy Cavin and Amanda Mansfield

Early this morning, a line of thunderstorms and strong winds came through our area, causing several trees to fall and localized power outages.

EMA Director Ray Wiggington also reported a woman was killed in a mobile home park in the 5570 block of Greenfield Hwy 54 in Dresden. He says at least a half dozen mobile homes were destroyed by trees.

Several homes and businesses in the county are still without power. Weakley County Municipal Electric System and West Tennessee Gas are working to restore gas and power to the area.

Phone lines have been reported down in Dresden.

It is believed that straight-line winds are the cause of the damage.

We spoke to one local citizen who had several limbs and trees down across his driveway as well as a tree down causing damage to his home, coming through the roof in his guest bedroom.

County and state workers have been out clearing debris from roadways. They are warning people to use caution in driving and to be on the lookout for downed trees and power lines.

Electricity outages have cause Weakley County Schools to close for the day, and stoplights are out in the city of Dresden.

The Weakley County courthouse and health departments have reported closures due to the power outages. COVID-19 vaccination pods are still operating at the health department, however.

There is the chance for more severe weather this afternoon, and citizens are advised to use caution during their afternoon commutes.

Updates will be reported as more information becomes available.