‘Unofficial’ Tornadoes Cause Damage in Tennessee and Kentucky

An apparent tornado touched down Wednesday night west of Chattanooga, Tenn., damaging buildings and causing minor injuries to at least nine people, including three children.

Tornadoes must be confirmed by the National Weather Service, but the Tennessee Highway Patrol and other witnesses reported seeing one touch down in the area at 7:20 p.m.

Emergency workers in the county reported the children’s injuries after the roof at Kimball Baptist Church was heavily damaged, said Jeremy Heidt, spokesman for the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency.

He said the children suffered injuries from flying glass and were taken to hospitals for treatment.

Justin Lawhorne, manager of Wendy’s restaurant in Kimball, said a tornado touched down about an eighth of a mile from his restaurant.

“I couldn’t get the door open because the outside pressure and wind was so strong,” he said, adding that there wasn’t any damage to his store.

Heidt said City Hall across the street from the church had minor damage, and an ambulance business next to it had heavy damage.

The THP reported at least four accidents on Interstate 24 during the storm, shutting down the main route between Chattanooga and Nashville in both directions for about two hours.

A house in Marion County collapsed during the storm but the residents were able to go to the hospital on their own.

Election officials had to move a polling place for Thursday’s District 10 special election to replace former state Sen. Ward Crutchfield.

On the same night in the London, Ky., area fire officials said there were no serious injuries reported, but that two dozen homes and businesses were damaged.

Area residents reported two sightings of tornadoes to the National Weather Service, including one where a mile-long path of damage is evident near the Pittsburg community of Laurel County.

Information from: WTVQ-TV, http://www.wtvq.com