Property damage widespread in Bradley County

CLEVELAND, Tenn. — Widespread property damage was reported across northern Bradley County early this afternoon as powerful storms moved west-to-east through north Cleveland.

One hard-hit area was at Freewill Road and Candies Lane, the same area devastated by the April 27 tornadoes last year, authorities said.

There also was widespread damage to vehicles in Cleveland State Community College parking lots because of downed trees and flying metal debris.

Emergency management personnel said the line of storms extended in almost a straight line from the Freewill Road area east across north Cleveland, across Bradley Square Mall, through the Tasso community and east to the Polk County line.

Along that route, people called the Bradley County Emergency Management Agency with reports of trees across homes and cars, roofs torn off, and power lines down.

“We have had no issues with schools,” EMA director Troy Spence said.

Spence said the storm has not been ruled a tornado, but damage assessment teams were being dispatched from the emergency operations center.

An emergency shelter was opened at St. Therese Catholic Church off Peerless Road.

For complete details, see tomorrow’s Chattanooga Times Free Press.