March 29, 2020

Elani Aperans

Without much warning, a tornado or something close to it roared through Cumberland County this morning about 2:50 am.   A tornado warning was issued indicating rotation in the air.  Just minutes later the rumbling started.  Thousands lost power in the county.  We were live streaming storm coverage on Crossville News First when it hit us.  We lost power on Main Street.  From our front door, we witnessed trees bowed over and debris rotation above Main Street. That’s when we took cover in the restroom at the rear of our offices.  While in the restroom we could hear the roof being tugged by what sounded like a tornado. Wal-Mart got hit with quite a bit of damage and is closed today. Local radio Station 105.7 The Hog went off the air when their studio tower was blown down in addition to their business sign being taken away by the wind…it hasn’t been found.  Alpha Equipment building on Hwy 70 received lots of damage. The City Garage was hit pretty hard too.  A train was blown over in Sparta.  Thus far we have not had any reports of injuries from the storm.