Storm damage assessments underway; power still out in areas

May 26– Volunteer firefighters and Hardin County Emergency Management Agency officials are driving the roads this morning, assessing damage caused by last night’s high winds and possible tornado.

The storm, which produced spectacular lightning, downed numerous trees on power lines and some structures across portions of the county. Power was knocked out south of the Nixon community on Tenn. 128, and in Walnut Grove, Bruton Branch, Pyburn and areas of Burnt Church and Pickwick.

 Hardin County EMA said Tennessee Valley Electric Cooperative, which serves Hardin County east of the river, still had some 2,000 customers without service this morning, down from 3,000 immediately after the storm which hit around 9:45 p.m.

Pickwick Electric Cooperative, which serves Hardin County west of the Tennessee River, reported 4,000 customers lost power last night. As of this morning, 695 were still left without service.

 EMA said there have been no reports of injuries.

In Adamsville, city administrator Steve Simon said some tree limbs fell, but there are no reports of anything more serious.

Noting the devastation and deaths caused in recent days by tornadoes in Missouri, Arkansas and elsewhere, Hardin County Mayor Kevin Davis said, "We’re fortunate compared to a lot of other folks."