By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Paris, Tenn.–The National Weather Service in Memphis has confirmed that an EF-1 tornado touched down in northeast Henry County Wednesday night.
According to the NWS’s statement released this afternoon, the tornado touchdown had a length of 6 to 7 miles and packed 95-100 mph maximum winds.
They said more information and specifics will come be released shortly.
The tornado caused extensive damage in Henry County, destroying residences, buildings and barns and leaving families displaced.
In an update released late this afternoon, County Emergency Management Agency Director Ron Watkins said two commercial businesses were destroyed (Lakeway Auto and The Mule Barn).
Several trees were down on homes causing major damage. Many trees were uprooted.
An article posted on our sites early this morning listed the areas of Henry County hit by the tornado.
The NWS was on the scene of the damage today, making their assessment. The Red Cross also was on scene, offering assistance to local residents.
Today was a clean-up day, with crews, homeowners, residents and volunteers working on clearing the damage from roadways, repairing roofs, carports, barns and other structures, and clearing uprooted trees.
BPU crews on Sulphur Wells Academy Rd.
Residents work to repair damage to their home on Sulphur Wells Academy Rd.
Fallen road sign, with extensive damage on Friendship Road.
Top photo: A Henry County Sheriff’s car stands by at Lakeway Auto Sales, which was destroyed.
Photos by Shannon McFarlin.