NWS confirms tornado in Crockett Co.; some schools to reopen

CROCKETT COUNTY, Tenn. — The National Weather Service has confirmed an EF-1 tornado touched down Tuesday in Crockett County.

The tornado reportedly had a track three or three and a half miles long that was 75 yards wide.

The storm system left a path of extensive damage through Crockett County. The worst of the damage can be found near Crockett County High School, where light poles were knocked down and roofs torn off.

District officials say Crockett County Schools will remain closed for now, but Bells and Alamo officials say their schools will reopen Thursday.

More than five homes were also damaged in the area. Tim King said he was napping when he heard the distinct roar.

“It was loud, that’s all you could hear,” he said. King said he was shocked to see all the damage in his front yard Wednesday morning.

He said a neighbor’s shed was completely destroyed and the majority of the metal ended up on his lawn.

Despite the significant damage, there were no serious injuries reported.

“It’s a great day my family was safe,” Kieth Vandiver said.

Vandiver said none of his family was home during the tornado. When they arrived at the house Tuesday evening, Vandiver said the roof on his workshop had been torn off and a large tree had fallen in the back yard.

School officials say their goal is to get the elementary schools in the county open by Thursday. They say they do not appear to be damaged.

The high school, middle school and a vocational building were damaged, with the vocational school in the worst condition. In some classrooms in the vocational building, water levels reached above teachers’ desks.

WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News will have more on the storm damage throughout the day.