Storm slams Hardeman County and brings severe damage
GRAND JUNCTION, Tenn. — A possible tornado hit parts of Hardeman County, ripping through one community.
In the town of Grand Junction, multiple homes and businesses were hit. Tornado warnings started Wednesday evening, and continued throughout the night as severe storms moved their way in.
Thursday morning, you could see residents outside, shocked at the aftermath. Glory Care Salon once stood in this empty space–now, only the foundation is left of the beauty salon.
The owner said she’s had this space more than 25 years.
Next to it once stood Grand Junction Church of Christ, but as you can see now more than half of the building is gone.
The pastor said due to a small congregation and little funding, it will probably never be repaired.
“That used to be our church building. As you can see we totally lost the roof off it. I was told that the walls are structurally unsafe, so it’s going to have to be completely torn down,” said Jay Ulrich, pastor for Grand Junction Church of Christ.
On the same block, Tiny Treasures Daycare still remains standing, but the damage surrounding the building could take weeks to clear. The school bus flipped completely on its side.
The owner’s mother, who helps out sometimes, said even with all of the damage, they are grateful for one thing.
“The main thing is; I’m, so glad that those kids were not there. That’s the main thing out of it all. No one got hurt, and I’m just really glad those kids were not there,” said Mary Wright, part-time daycare worker at Tiny Treasures Daycare.
High winds took out multiple power lines and even uprooted hundred year-old trees. The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency confirms one person died in the storm in Hardeman County.
The Hardeman County Baptist Association is setting up a donation collection point at their office at 755 Vildo Road in Bolivar for those who were affected.
It isn’t over for this area of West Tennessee, severe thunderstorms are predicted over the next few days. With the heavy rains, a flash flood watch is in effect through Sunday morning.
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