After a deadly tornado ravaged the Chattanooga area early Monday morning, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee visited Tuesday and said he will seek a federal emergency declaration for Hamilton County.
Alongside Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, Congressman Chuck Fleischmann, Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke and Hamilton County Mayor Jim Coppinger, Lee told the community at a news conference that the federal and state governments are responding swiftly to the devastating storms that killed at least two people in the state.
"[Tennessee Emergency Management Agency] is on the ground today with [Federal Emergency Management Agency] assessing the damage, and that process will continue today," Lee said. "We believe that by tomorrow afternoon the damage assessments will be done, and I'll be able to ask for a major disaster declaration from the president."
Lee said that upon receiving such a declaration, public and individual financial assistance can begin.
"There is great loss and great tragedy out there right now in this region, and we want you to know that Tennessee, the efforts of the state combined with even the federal government and FEMA, but most importantly, the work of your local community is behind you," Lee said. "They're behind you and support you and will continue to work to rebuild from this really tragic event that occurred in this area."
With more than 140 people displaced, 17 hospitalized and two dead - Raffell Jenkins, 29, of Chattanooga who was crushed by a tree in his home and Jose Arzate, 46, of Ooltewah, who died when a tree fell into his mobile home - in just Hamilton County, Lee said the state is mourning with those affected by the tornado.
"I just want the people in this region to know that, especially after touring today, the hearts and thoughts and prayers of thousands of Tennesseans are with you," Lee said. "This has been a devastating strike. It has destroyed hundreds of structures and homes, obviously turning people's lives upside down."
Coppinger and Berke both emphasized the importance of financial support from the state and country during the news conference.
(READ MORE: Chattanooga area tornado relief: How to help and how to get help)
"We'll continue to need resources such as funding to [fill] needs for the citizens," Coppinger said. "And that would not be possible just by local government."
"I'll just say everything that we need, the state is doing, which is not unusual," Berke added. "And I'll sum up what Mayor Coppinger said a little more succinctly: Send money."
With a second crisis looming over relief efforts, the leaders are having to manage tornado relief while curtailing the spread of the county's ongoing COVID-19 outbreak.
Bo Watson, Rep. Mike Carter, Rep. Todd Gardenhire, and local, state and other top elected officials and TEMA staffers were gathered.
Berke told the governor that, after viewing the damage from above, "It's kind of hard to believe there was just two deaths."
(MORE: Videos and photos: Drone footage of storm and tornado damage in the Chattanooga area)
"It's a remarkably low number," TEMA Commissioner Sheehan added.
Gov. Lee and First Lady Maria Lee then met with residents, including a family who had just seconds to huddle in a bathroom to ride out the storm.
"It sounded like the house was falling apart," said Kendall Falana, who was with wife and two young kids. Falana says he was alerted to take cover by watching the local news on TV.
Roof shingles, insulation and other debris were splattered across cars and mailboxes. Cars with broken windshields decorated uprooted driveways, while families attempted to begin clearing and cleaning their homes amid the fear of coronavirus.
(READ MORE: Loss of life, property comes into focus as Chattanooga area reels after violent storms)
Almost every official on the ground was wearing a mask. Some wore gloves. Instead of comforting hugs and handshakes, Lee and Berke offered elbow bumps and remained mindful to try to stay 6 feet apart while talking to residents.
An individual driving a pickup truck yelled out to the governor (who was talking to residents cleaning their home) that "We need money! We need that stimulus check now!"
The man drove off without the governor interacting with him.
Contact Sarah Grace Taylor at staylor@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6416. Follow her on Twitter @_sarahgtaylor.