Storm blasts county

By Eddie West

Staff Writer

Strong—almost tornado strength—wind is being blamed for widespread damage during a severe storm which swept through the county Wednesday night.

Emergency Management Agency Director Sonny Carter said a representative with the National Weather Service (NWS) was in Smith County Friday to survey damage caused by the storm.

The NWS official told Carter damage likely resulted from wind speeds 75 miles per hour or greater.

Countywide, damage to as many as 16 properties (including both houses and barns) was reported, said Carter, noting there could be other damage not reported.

There was also damage to three vehicles (car, trucks).

In addition, one tractor was damaged from flying debris, Carter noted.

There is likely more damage which may have not been reported, Carter said.

High winds downed  countless trees, some of which fell on houses and vehicles.

Communities hit hardest by the storm included Lock Seven Lane, Kennys Bend Lane, Jack Hackett Lane, Popes Hill, as well as the Carthage South Carthage area. 

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