Flash Report #7 Severe Weather + Flooding

Tuesday, April 08, 2025 | 04:46pm

Highlights

• The State Emergency Operations Center in Nashville remains activated at a Level 3 – State of Emergency to support local requests associated with the current severe weather threat and to continue to respond to the Hurricane Helene recovery.
• Damage assessments are ongoing in the multiple impacted counties to determine if federal requirements, as defined by law, have been met to request a federal major disaster declaration.
• The State of Tennessee does not currently have federal assistance in the form of FEMA Public Assistance or Individual Assistance. Governor Bill Lee’s Emergency Declaration request was approved to provide emergency protective measures (Category B), limited to Direct Federal Assistance, under the Public Assistance program at 75 percent.
• Do not drive through flooded roads or walkways. Turn around, don’t drown.
• The Tennessee Department of Health has reported and confirmed 10 weather-related fatalities.
• Sheltering locations can be found on TEMA’s website.
• Many roadways have been impacted by flooding. Before going out, visit TDOT’s SmartWay website.
• Emergency Service Coordinators (ESCs) from TDEC, TDOT, TDCI, TDH, THP, TN National Guard, TN Department of Human Services, and more are monitoring the situation and standing by to provide assistance to local jurisdictions.  

Current Situation
Damage assessments are ongoing and will be validated to determine if federal requirements have been met. The results of the damage assessments help determine whether the damage meets the requirements, as defined by law, for a federal major disaster declaration. A declaration is typically based on the severity and magnitude of the event, and whether the affected areas are unable to recover without external support.

If your home or property has sustained damage during this week’s severe weather, and it is safe to do so, take photos of damage before cleanup efforts and make note of any losses. We encourage you to report any damages to your insurance company and your local emergency management agency to help expedite the damage assessment process. 

TEMA continues to coordinate and provide resources as requested by local officials. As of today, 2,000+ gallons of fuel, 46,450 sandbags, 96 boxes of tarps, 2,856 cases of water, 1,000 N95 masks, and 60 cots have been provided to counties who have made requests for assistance.

Background on Weather Event
On April 2, an impactful storm system entered the area and stalled until moving out of the state on April 6. During that time, an unprecedented period of severe weather and prolific rainfall occurred in several waves of thunderstorms across West and Middle Tennessee. The National Weather Service has completed preliminary surveys of EF-3 damage in McNairy and Hardeman counties, EF-1 damage in Franklin, Hardin, Humphreys, Weakley, and Wilson counties, and an EF-0 in Dickson County. There are still many areas remaining to be surveyed. Significant rainfall has resulted in catastrophic flash flooding and continued moderate to major river and areal flooding that will continue to impact specific areas over the coming weeks.


Power Outages and Utilities
As of 3 p.m. on April 8, there are 1,000 reports of power outages statewide. This is down from the peak of statewide outages on April 5, of more than 70,000.


Water Facility Impacts

The following drinking water facilities have been impacted by the severe weather and flooding. Please follow any guidance the facility may issue.

  • Fayette County, City of Moscow Drinking Water System,Boil Water Advisory
  • Lauderdale County, Lauderdale County Water System, Boil Water Advisory
  • Obion County, Obion Water System, Boil Water Advisory
  • Obion County, Union City Water Plant, Boil Water Advisory
  • Tipton County, Munford Water Department, Boil Water Advisory

Wastewater Facility Impacts

The following wastewater facilities are seeing impacts due to the flooding and severe weather. They are all taking measures to mitigate any issues that may occur. Please follow guidance issued by the facility. 

• Benton County, Big Sandy Sewage Treatment Plant, Town of Big Sandy
• Carrol County, Town of Huntingdon, Highway 22 Wastewater Lagoon
• Carrol County, Town of Huntingdon, Barnett Street Wastewater Lagoon 
• Carroll County, Town of Trezevant, Trezevant Sewage Treatment Plant
• Chester County, City of Henderson, Henderson North Lagoon 
• Fayette County, Somerville, Somerville Wastewater Lagoon
• Gibson County, Town of Rutherford, Rutherford Lagoon
• Henderson County, Bargerton Elementary School
• Henry County, Paris Board of Public Utilities, Paris Wastewater Treatment Plant 
• Humphreys County, Buffalo Wastewater Treatment Plant 
• Lauderdale County, Town of Halls, Municipal Lagoon
• McNairy County, Town of Selmer, Selmer Sewage Treatment Plant
• Obion County, Town of Obion, Obion Wastewater Lagoon
• Obion County, Kenton Lagoon, Town of Kenton, 
• Tipton County, City of Munford, Munford Sewer Department Lagoon
• Weakley County, City of Dresden, Printing Factory Wastewater Lagoon 

Shelters

Local jurisdictions and the American Red Cross are managing shelters in impacted areas. For the most up to date shelter locations, visit TEMA’s website. 


Tennessee Department of Health

• The Tennessee Department of Health has reported and confirmed 10 weather-related fatalities. 

o Five in McNairy
o Two in Fayette
o One in Carroll
o One in Obion
o One in Tipton


Tennessee Department of Transportation

• Flooding has impacted many roads. You can check road conditions on the TDOT Smartway website. 


Tennessee Highway Patrol

• THP has several strike teams deployed to assist with response activities
.• THP continue to provide assistance with traffic control and other law enforcement responsibilities.  

Protect Actions/Messages

• Crisis Cleanup has been activated. Survivors can call 615-488-1875.
• Do not enter damaged building or hazardous locations. 
• Do not drive through flooded roadways and walkways.
• Avoid downed power lines. 
• If your house or property has sustained damage, take pictures before the cleanup efforts and contact your insurance company. Complaint line for insurance: (615) 741-2218 or 1-800-342-4029.
• Even after the storm passes, power outages have their own set of hazards. Be careful with generators – never use them inside or in garages to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Use flashlights, not candles, to avoid risk of fire. 
• Restoring your ability to communicate is a critical priority. Always call 811 before you dig.
• Do not self-deploy to assist impacted areas. Wait for local officials to issue guidance. 
• Contact your local emergency management agency if you need immediate assistance.