Monday, April 07, 2025 | 05:43pm

HIGHLIGHTS 

• The State Emergency Operations Center in Nashville remains activated at a Level 3 – State of Emergency to support local requests associated with the current severe weather threat and to continue to respond to the Hurricane Helene recovery.

• Damage assessments are ongoing in the multiple impacted counties.

• Do not drive through flooded roads or walkways. Turn around, don’t drown.

• Governor Bill Lee’s Emergency Declaration request was approved to provide emergency protective measures (Category B), limited to direct federal assistance, under the Public Assistance program at 75 percent.

• The Tennessee Department of Health has reported and confirmed 10 weather-related fatalities.

• Sheltering locations can be found on TEMA’s website.

• Many roadways have been impacted by flooding. Before going out, visit TDOT’s SmartWay website.

• Emergency Service Coordinators (ESCs) from TDEC, TDOT, TDCI, TDH, THP, TN National Guard, TN Department of Human Services, and more are monitoring the situation and standing by to provide assistance to local jurisdictions.

CURRENT SITUATION 

On April 2, an impactful storm system entered the area and stalled until moving out of the state on April 6. During that time, an unprecedented period of severe weather and prolific rainfall occurred in several waves of thunderstorms across West and Middle Tennessee. The National Weather Service has completed preliminary surveys of EF-3 damage in McNairy and Hardeman counties and EF-1 damage in Franklin, Hardin, Humphreys, Weakley, and Wilson counties. There are still many areas remaining to be surveyed. Significant rainfall has resulted in catastrophic flash flooding and continued moderate to major river and areal flooding. Flooding is expected to continue in the coming days.

Flooding continues to be the biggest concern. There are many river systems that are seeing record breaking water levels, and these levels are expected to continue to rise until the rivers have crested. Tennesseans that live in the impacted areas need to pay attention and heed any local guidance until the floodwaters begin to recede.

The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) is working with local and federal partners to assess damages that have occurred due to the severe weather to determine whether they meet the federal statutory requirements for a federal major disaster declaration. If your home or property has sustained damage during this week’s severe weather, and it is safe to do so, take photos of damage before cleanup efforts and make note of any losses. We encourage you to report any damages to your local emergency management agency to help expedite this process.

TEMA continues to coordinate and provide resources as requested by local officials. As of today, 2,000+ gallons of fuel, 40,450 sandbags, 96 boxes of tarps, 2,193 cases of water, and 1,000 N95 masks have been provided to counties who have made requests for assistance.

Power Outages and Utilities

As of 4 p.m. on April 7, there are 4,100 reports of power outages statewide. This is down from the peak of statewide outages on April 5, of more than 70,000.

Water Facility Impacts

The following drinking water facilities have been impacted by the severe weather and flooding. Please follow any guidance the facility may issue. 

• Fayette County  |  City of Moscow Drinking Water System  |  Power Outage

• Hardeman County  |  Grand Junction Water Department  |  Boil Water Advisory

• Lauderdale County  |  Lauderdale County Water System  |  Boil Water Advisory

• Obion County  |  Obion Water System  |  Boil Water Advisory

• Obion County  |  Union City Water Plant  |  Boil Water Advisory

• Tipton County  |  Munford Water Department  |  Boil Water Advisory

Wastewater Facility Impacts

The following wastewater facilities are seeing impacts due to the flooding and severe weather. They are all taking measures to mitigate any issues that may occur. Please follow guidance issued by the facility.

• City of Munford, Munford Sewer Department Lagoon, Tipton County

• City of Brighton, Wastewater Collection System, Tipton County

• Town of Trezevant, Trezevant Sewage Treatment Plant, Carroll County

• Town of Rutherford, Rutherford Lagoon, Gibson County

• City of Dresden, Printing Factory Wastewater Lagoon, Weakley County

• Town of Halls, Municipal Lagoon, Lauderdale County

• Obion Wastewater Lagoon, Town of Obion, Obion County 

• Kenton Lagoon, Town of Kenton, Obion County

• Big Sandy Sewage Treatment Plant, Town of Big Sandy, Benton County

• Carrol County, Town of Huntingdon, Highway 22 Wastewater Lagoon

• Carrol County, Town of Huntingdon, Barnett Street Wastewater Lagoon

• Chester County, City of Henderson, Henderson North Lagoon

• Fayette County, Somerville, Somerville Wastewater Lagoon

• Henderson County, Bargerton Elementary School

• Henry County, Paris Board of Public Utilities, Paris Wastewater Treatment Plant

• Humphreys County, Buffalo Wastewater Treatment Plant

• McNairy County, Town of Selmer, Selmer Sewage Treatment Plant

• Robertson County, Springfield, Springfield Sewage Treatment Plant

Shelters

Local jurisdictions and the American Red Cross are managing shelters in impacted areas. For the most up to date shelter locations, visit TEMA’s website.

Tennessee Department of Health

• The Tennessee Department of Health has reported and confirmed 10 weather-related fatalities.

  • Five in McNairy

  • Two in Fayette

  • One in Carroll

  • One in Obion

  • One in Tipton

 Tennessee Department of Transportation

Flooding has impacted many roads. You can check road conditions on the TDOT Smartway website.

Tennessee Highway Patrol

• THP has several strike teams deployed to assist with response activities.

• THP continue to provide assistance with traffic control and other law enforcement responsibilities.

  PROTECTIVE ACTIONS/KEY MESSAGES 

• Crisis Cleanup has been activated. Survivors can call 615-488-1875.

• Do not enter damaged building or hazardous locations.

• Do not drive through flooded roadways and walkways.

• Avoid downed power lines.

• If your house or property has sustained damage, take pictures before the cleanup efforts and contact your insurance company. Complaint line for insurance: (615) 741-2218 or 1-800-342-4029.

• Even after the storm passes, power outages have their own set of hazards. Be careful with generators – never use them inside or in garages to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Use flashlights, not candles, to avoid risk of fire.

• Restoring your ability to communicate is a critical priority. Always call 811 before you dig.

• Do not self-deploy to assist impacted areas. Wait for local officials to issue guidance.

• Contact your local emergency management agency if you need immediate assistance.  

Wednesday, April 02, 2025 | 07:28pm

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, at the direction of Governor Bill Lee, TEMA Director Patrick C. Sheehan issued a State of Emergency ahead of expected significant severe storms and flooding. Additionally, Gov. Lee has requested an Emergency Declaration for Tennessee ahead of the forecasted severe weather.

State of Emergency

The State of Emergency allows the state to take measures to protect citizens and expedite assistance, including mobilizing resources and coordinating responses. The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) encourages all Tennesseans to take preparedness steps ahead of the severe weather system, with impacts expected Wednesday evening through Saturday afternoon.

Emergency Declaration Request

Gov. Lee has requested an Emergency Declaration for Tennessee. The request includes federal assistance in the form of FEMA Public Assistance Category A (Debris Removal), Category B (Emergency Protective Measures), and Direct Federal Assistance.

National Weather Service forecasts showboth significant severe weather and flooding through the weekend, with a high risk of severe weather issued over West Tennessee on Wednesday. Long-tracked, strong tornadoes, significant severe winds, and large hail are all possible. The severe threat will continue through the night. In addition, rainfall totals through Sunday are forecast to be up to 15” for much of West Tennessee, with some areas possibly receiving more.

TEMA continues to work with local, regional, and state partners to support readiness actions and any requests for resources. The state has moved to a Level 3, State of Emergency, to be able to respond to the impending severe weather and to continue to respond to Tropical Storm Helene recovery.

KNOW YOUR ALERTS

Watch vs. Warning

Have multiple ways to receive alerts on changing conditions and understand the terms used by the NWS when those alerts are distributed. 

Tornado Watch: Tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area. Be ready to act quickly if a warning is issued or you suspect a tornado is approaching.

Tornado Warning:  A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. There is imminent danger to life and property. Warnings typically encompass a much smaller area (around the size of a city or small county) that may be impacted by a tornado identified by a forecaster on radar or by a trained spotter/law enforcement who is watching the storm.

Flood Watch: Conditions are favorable for flooding. Be prepared!

Flood Warning: Take Action! A Flood Warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring.

Flash Flood Warning: Take Action! A Flash Flood Warning is issued when a flash flood is imminent or
occurring. If you are in a flood prone area move immediately to high ground. A flash flood is a sudden
violent flood that can take from minutes to hours to develop. It is even possible to experience a flash flood
in areas not immediately receiving rain.

TAKE ACTION

If there is a Tornado Warning issued, seek shelter immediately.

Indoors

• Get to a basement or safe room. If there’s no basement, get to a small, interior room on the lowest level.

• Stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls. Use your arms to protect your head and neck. 

Outdoors or in a Vehicle

• If you can safely get to a sturdy building, do so immediately.

• If there’s no nearby shelter, take cover in a stationary vehicle and buckle up. Put your head down below the windows; cover your head with your hands and a blanket, coat, or other cushion if possible.

• Do not get under an overpass or bridge.  You’re safer in a low, flat location.

• Watch out for flying debris.

If there is a Flood or Flash Flood Warning issued, move to higher ground immediately.

• If told to evacuate, do so immediately.

• Don't go into a basement, or any room, if water covers the electrical outlets or if cords are submerged. If you see sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, snapping or popping noises - get out!

• Don't walk through flood waters. It only takes 6 inches of moving water to knock you off your feet.

• Do NOT drive into flooded roadways or around a barricade; Turn Around, Don't Drown! Water may
  be deeper than it appears and can hide hazards such as sharp objects, washed out road surfaces,
  electrical wires, chemicals, etc. 

BE PREPARED 

Stay Informed

Monitor Official Sources: Stay up to date with current weather information through your local National Weather Service Office and through your local news.

Sign Up for Alerts: Make sure weather notifications are active on your mobile device. Some counties may offer emergency alerts through the local emergency management agency.

Have a Weather Radio: NOAA Weather Radios can provide life-saving alerts, even during power outages. 

Make a Plan

Create a Family Communication Plan: Your family may not be together when a disaster happens. Make sure everyone knows how to get in touch with one another and where to meet if separated. Know where you would go if you needed to evacuate. 

Build a Kit

Essentials: Your emergency kit should include water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries, first aid supplies, and important documents.

Consider Specific Needs: Your kit should also include supplies that are specific to your daily needs and responsibilities. Don’t forget to pack supplies for pets, infants, or elderly family members.

Nighttime Severe Weather Checklist

• Test your weather radio to ensure it’s functioning properly before going to bed.

• Keep your phone fully charged.

• Make sure “Do Not Disturb” is turned off on your phone and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) are enabled.

• Have a safety plan ready and know where your emergency go-kit is.

• Check the forecast before going to bed when those alerts are distributed.