Cleanup continues in trail of tornado

WAYNE COUNTY, Tenn. — Five days after a late December storm system made its way across the southeast, recovery involving the Red Cross and local volunteers is just getting started.

In the community of Lutts, just east of the Hardin County line, a confirmed F-3 tornado touched down Wednesday and tore a path along Highway 203.

As local citizens assessed and cleared what damage they could reach, other officials talked about new needs as the weather changes once again.

“We’re definitely trying to get a little bit of organization because of the cold weather that’s coming in,” Incident Commander Brett Rinehart said. “We’re going to have to get these fire trucks back in to keep them from freezing.”

As that work continues into Tuesday, TDOT is asking all thru traffic to continue avoiding the area as service trucks are brought in to clear leftover debris.