Update: According to McNairy County Mayor, Larry Smith, the death toll has risen to 9.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Dozens of tornadoes descended on the Mid-South Friday night and when light broke, residents were left picking up the pieces. The pain was felt especially in McNairy County, TN where there are reports of at least 7 people dead.
Tornadoes touched down in seven states and devastated communities across the South and parts of Indiana.
The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency confirmed the dead included seven in Tennessee’s McNairy County due to severe weather.
McNairy County is now under a state of emergency after storms caused significant damage to the area, according to Mayor Larry Smith in a proclamation.
The mayor said as a result of the wind and storms, and in the interest of public safety, he has issued a state of emergency at 11 p.m. on March 31.
Mayor Smith said the McNairy County Emergency Operations plan has been put into effect to coordinate relief and recovery efforts. In addition, the proclamation states that “…all assets of McNairy County is to be made available for response to the needs of the citizens.”
