By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Paris, Tenn.–Damage in Henry County was widespread from this afternoon’s severe storm, with dozens of huge trees uprooted and blocking roadways, houses damaged by downed trees, numerous power poles down all over the county, some also blocking roadways.
No injuries have been reported and Henry County EMA Director Ron Watkins asked that the public keep off the roadways while crews are repairing damage.
Watkins said Mid-South Credit Bureau near Premier Nissan was damaged, with half of the roof blown off, two doors blown out and furniture from inside the business blown outside.
At the height of the storm, Paris Board of Public Utilities reported outages to 7,500 households and was working to restore power.
Four to five houses were damaged by trees smashing into them, 40-50 trees uprooted or fallen, numerous utility poles are down all over the county, Watkins said.
Volunteer fire departments and rescue squad members are working to clear the roadways and help residents, Watkins said.
Sirens at the KOA Campgrounds and at Cottage Grove were activated warning of the coming storm. Watkins estimated winds were 70 mph.
Ron Watkins photo.