Tenn. declares emergency after possible tornado strikes Monroe County

MADISONVILLE, Tenn. - Tennessee officials have declared a state of emergency after reports of a possible tornado and damage in Monroe County

The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency issued the declaration at 9:25 CST Thursday.

A spokesman said the agency had received reports of a possible tornado in Monroe County, including Madisonville in the far-southeastern part of the state, where authorities received reports of damage.

This morning the American Red Cross is working with local and state emergency management agencies doing damage assessment in Monroe County. The Red Cross opened a shelter last night for anyone needing a place to stay, however those displaced were able to stay with friends or relatives. Red Cross volunteers in one Emergency Relief Vehicle are providing breakfast and emergency supplies to area residents this morning, according to a news release.

A strong spring storm that socked the Midwest with ice and heavy, wet snow made its way east, raking the South with tornadoes Thursday, with three deaths blamed on the rough weather and thousands of people without power.

Mississippi Emergency Management Agency spokesman Greg Flynn said Thursday one person died and several people were injured after a reported tornado struck Kemper County in the far-eastern part of the state.

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