Officials said a massive tornado that took 25 lives in its deadly path from Ringgold to Apison to Bradley County had recorded wind speeds of 195 miles per hour.
That puts it almost in the category of an EF5 - one of the strongest tornadoes possible. An EF4 has winds of 16-199 miles per hour.
Starting south of Catoosa County, it traveled 35 miles before racing past Bradley County.
Don Allen, county emergency services director, said the path of the tornado is clearly seen from the air.
He said the tornado was about 800 yards wide.
Mr. Allen said over 300 people went to hospitals from the Apison area, in addition to eight who were killed and six who were taken in critical condition.
Mr. Allen said the search and rescue mission at Apison ended at 8 p.m. Thursday. He said, "We do not believe there is anyone out there still who is dead or injured."
He said crews are currently going through the devastated area in Apison assessing the needs of affected residents.
He said three Red Cross units are in the area with water and other basic supplies.
Roads to the damaged area at Apison are still closed except to residents and emergency personnel.
A command center is at Apison Elementary School. A number of supplies for affected residents are available there, and volunteers are serving food to affected residents and to emergency personnel.
Mr. Allen said volunteers are not needed at Apison at this time.