The Hamilton County Sheriff's Department reported that more than 50 homes were damaged and 26 people were injured when tornadoes touched down in Harrison and Ooltewah on Friday.
Of the injured, one was airlifted and eight transported to area hospitals with serious injuries. No deaths have been reported.
All roads in the affected area with the exception of Shortail Springs Road, Snowhill Road from Heron Drive to Shorttail Springs and Kittrell, are open at this time, but could be closed at various times due to repair work being conducted by the Electric Power Board. Anyone accessing these areas should use caution.
The 211 system is being activated shortly and will be the single point resource for anyone needing assistance with shelter, relief efforts or to volunteer. If volunteers show up at the Command Center at Ooltewah High School, their information will be taken, then forwarded to 211.
EPB officials said at 5 p.m. on Saturday, "Crews are working to restore power to the remaining 472
homes and businesses without electricity.442 of those are in the Highway 58/Harrison areas that were hit hardest by the storms.
By 10 p.m., EPB crews were working to restore power to the remaining 287 homes and businesses without electricity. Officials said of those 442, 270 are in the Highway 58/Harrison areas that were hit hardest by the storms.
Congressman Chuck Fleischmann made the following statement after touring some of the areas affected by tornadoes with the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office.
“Viewing the areas damaged by tornadoes, it was heartbreaking to see homes and business destroyed, and lives that will need to be rebuilt. While I am thankful that there are no reported deaths at this time in Tennessee, many other states were not so lucky. Thirty-seven people died from these storms nationwide, and I hope that Tennesseans will join me in keeping the victims in our thoughts and prayers.
“As I toured the damage, I was encouraged by the response from our community. Volunteers were out in force, clearing debris and delivering supplies to those in need. As always, our local and state emergency response personnel did an excellent job throughout Tennessee.
“In the coming days I will be traveling throughout East Tennessee, working with county and state authorities to restore services, and help rebuild as quickly as possible. My staff and I are ready to offer any assistance necessary.”