Likely Tornado Causes Significant Damage in Southeastern Lawrence County, Tennessee, Sunday Night

A likely tornado caused widespread damage in southeastern Lawrence County, Tennessee, late Sunday night, destroying multiple homes and damaging many others.

Emergency reports and witness accounts indicate the heaviest damage occurred in the Bonnertown and Five Points communities. Several residents reported homes being destroyed or heavily damaged, with one person stating their residence was moved off its foundation. Others described shattered windows, structural damage, and debris scattered across roadways. The steeple atop Liberty Grove Baptist Church was also damaged.

Downed trees and power lines were reported throughout the affected areas, resulting in power outages and blocked roads. Residents in Appleton and along Rabbit Trail and Hood Hollow also reported storm-related damage and hazardous conditions.

Witnesses said the storm system appeared to track from the Lexington area before moving into southeastern Lawrence County, Tennessee. Strong winds, intense lightning, and heavy rainfall were reported as the system passed through. The storm struck while the area was under a Tornado Warning, which was issued during a brief moment when the NOAA Weather Radio transmitter that serves Lawrence County, Tennessee, was off the air.

Despite the destruction, many residents reported being safe, though some families indicated they lost most or all of their property. Emergency responders were seen throughout the impacted communities assessing damage.

Damage assessments are ongoing.