Nearly 500 buildings took damage in EF-3 tornado in Covington

TIPTON CO., Tenn. (WMC) - Tipton County officials held a press conference Monday following a storm that left massive damage in Covington and other areas.

One fatality and 28 injuries were reported in the county after an EF-3 tornado came through Covington.

The Tennessee Department of Transportation is helping with debris roadway removal in impacted counties, including Tipton.

Tipton County EMA Director Tommy Dunavant says 95 percent of the damage has been assessed. They’ve counted just under 500 structures that took damage, 62 of which are total losses.

Rep. David Kustoff (R-Tenn.) is making the rounds across the state of places hit by the storms--including Tipton County on Monday.

Kustoff says there is federal aid forthcoming, but for now the goal is to make the right assessments and to take care of people who need help.

Covington Mayor Jan Hensley says they are still working to restore power across the city; he says the power is still out at his home.

The goal is to restore all services by the end of day Saturday.

“It’s been amazing at the response and our team of people,” Hensley said.

Crestview Middle and Elementary schools students remain without a place to go to school. Officials are working on a plan to move forward and get those children back in school after the buildings were destroyed by the storms.

Tipton County Sheriff Shannon Beasley says any looters will be dealt with.

“If you come in here looting, and you come in here trying to fraudulently get goods, I’m going to have a new home for you in the Covington Police Department,” he said.

Anyone who is looking to volunteer to assist with storm recovery can call Samaritan’s Purse Disaster Relief at 901-422-3838 or Southern Baptist Disaster Relief at 901-489-2937.

Donations are being collected at Cobb Parr Park in Covington. They are in need of non-perishable food items and are not yet collecting clothing donations.

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