Tennessee Storms Cause Injuries, Home Damage, Power Outages

Tennessee officials say one man was injured by a falling tree, thousands were without power, dozens of homes were damaged and numerous vehicle crashes were reported when strong storms hit Memphis.

The Friday evening storms also left more than 131,000 Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division customers without power and forced play to be halted at the St. Jude golf tournament.

The Commercial-Appeal reports MLGW officials say it may take a week to restore power to all customers.

Officials in areas surrounding Memphis, including Southaven and Olive Grove, say falling trees have damaged dozens of houses.

Memphis police reported a 40-year-old Memphis man was hospitalized in serious condition after being hit on the head and back by a falling tree about 5 p.m. CDT.

Memphis police spokeswoman Det. Monique Martin says officers were working 32 vehicle crashes, but none involved major injuries and no fatalities were reported.

The Memphis area was under a tornado warning late Friday afternoon. Golfball-size hail was reported and rainfall total was estimated at 1 inch and more in some places. Trees were damaged in Overton Park in midtown Memphis.

Employees at some businesses took cover as the storm passed and warning sirens sounded. Winds gusted at up to 70 mph.