Recovery efforts continue in Selmer, McNairy County

April 21, 2025

Ryan Brooks,

SELMER, Tenn. — Recovery efforts in one local community are still ongoing after recent severe weather.

Selmer is among the most severely impacted areas suffering from recent storm damage.

When Senator Marsha Blackburn visited last week, she told us more than 1,000 storm victims are impacted out of the 25,000 residents in McNairy County.

We spoke with Selmer Mayor Sherry Inman, who tells us they have worked to place residents in hotels in various locations throughout the area.

“We’ve got about 30 people staying in the two [hotels] that we have in Selmer,” Mayor Inman said. “We also have some in Henderson and some in Corinth, so they’re just kind of scattered about.”

So far in 2025, our Storm Team 7 confirms 12 tornadoes in West Tennessee, and the National Weather Service in Memphis confirms a total of 32 tornadoes for the State of Tennessee.

“We do have a lot of homeowners that are looking to build back in this location,” said Inman. “We do have the North Y, if you drive up you’ll see that they’re already business wise getting ready to build back. The gas station, the laundry mat, and things like that are already underway.”

An RV that we spotted split in half gives an idea of how strong the storms were coming through McNairy County. Residents tell us home were completely leveled.

“People were hollering and screaming, and we hollered back, and they said they were alright. And they were pulling them out on up the street a little bit,” said resident Max Nash.

According to the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, 10 deaths were reported in West Tennessee. And this is the second deadly storm in McNairy County, since the April 1, 2023 storm that took nine lives.

“There was a man that came by the next day and he said, ‘It looks like God told his angels to cover your house,'” Nash said.

“The outpour of donations and the outpour of volunteers, the willingness to do for your neighbor, has just been heart warming and touching,” said Parks and Recreation Director Robert Powell.

Residents are still recovering and are still looking for ways to move forward. Many community leaders, organizations and churches have come together to make a difference.

Donations can still be made to the McNairy County Long Term Disaster Relief Group. See information below.

After the news crews leave, after FEMA and the Red Cross wrap up their efforts—the needs don’t stop. Some families still need help finishing repairs, replacing furniture, or rebuilding homes. And some simply don’t qualify for other assistance.

That’s where the McNairy County Long Term Disaster Relief Group steps in.

Formed by local citizens and leaders after the 2023 tornadoes, this group partners with professional emergency case managers to make sure no one falls through the cracks. From home repairs to basic furnishings, this fund helps finish putting our community back together.

We are now accepting donations to support long-term recovery for families affected by recent storms. Every dollar stays right here in McNairy County.

How to give:

• Make checks payable to McNairy Co Long Term Disaster Relief Group

• Mail checks in care of Jesus Cares, 120 W Court St, Selmer TN 38375.

• OR drop them off at the office of Mayor Larry Smith or the Jesus Cares office

Important: To qualify for this help down the road, you must register with both FEMA and the Red Cross NOW. This step is essential—even if you don’t think you’ll qualify or have long term needs. Call 1-800-REDCROSS to register.

As we shift from emergency response to long-term recovery, we’ll continue sharing updates and ways you can help.