May 10, 2024
By: Dwayne Page
The National Weather Service has confirmed that the storm that struck Smithville Monday afternoon was an EFI tornado.
Crews surveyed the storm damage on Tuesday, May 7. In a preliminary report, officials determined that the EF1 tornado touched down east of Highway 70 in northwest Smithville, and then moved west along Allen Ferry Road.
Maximum wind gusts reached speeds of up to 100 miles per hour, according to the NWS. Only minor injuries were reported.
According to storm surveyors, the worst damage was seen along Highway 56 just north of Smith Road. Dozens of trees were snapped and uprooted, and some homes in the area suffered significant roof and exterior damage.
Meanwhile on Wednesday night, more severe thunderstorms raked across middle Tennessee but in DeKalb County the major concern was flooding in the typical flood prone areas of the Dowelltown/ Liberty area and at Temperance Hall where rising creek waters overflowed their banks.
The DeKalb Swift Water Rescue Team was summoned Thursday to assist a stranded mailman reported to be stuck in the water near Smith Fork Creek.