McNairy County reflects on anniversary of destructive tornado

BETHEL SPRINGS, Tenn. — One year ago, March 31, residents of McNairy County were hit by an EF-3 tornado with winds up to 155 miles per hour.

The storm resulted in several deaths and homes and structures destroyed.

“Of course we had a hundred homes that were a complete loss and that’s probably the most devastating storm that’s hit McNairy County, with the loss of homes plus the nine lives that were lost that day,” said McNairy County’s Emergency Management Director, Allen Strickland.

Around a year ago we were on the scene after the devastating tornado ravaged much of the McNairy County area.

With debris from destroyed houses, fences, and roofs littering the area.

Since then, new roofs, houses, and fences have been erected in their place.

We once again checked in with the residents living on Bethel-Purdy road in Bethel Springs.

We spoke to Candace Butler who had lived on Bethel Purdy Road for 20 years before losing her home to the tornado.

“Everything we had worked for and all the–a lot of the stuff that was memorabilia, gone. Just gone,” said Butler.

That evening, she took shelter in her basement only to emerge to the sight of destruction.

One year later, Butler says with help from the community she and her family have rebuilt.

“There was just one vehicle after the other offering food, drinks, equipment. I mean it was just wonderful,” said Butler.

A community that Allen Strickland says was made stronger after the storm.

“They all came together and made sure that those that needed food had food. If you need shelter we had a shelter open in town. So, the biggest thing was it brought the community together,” said Strickland.

Strickland says they have created a long-term recovery group, and so far they have rebuilt three homes and are hoping to receive a grant to rebuild more.

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