SELMER, Tenn. — Devastation and destruction can be seen throughout Selmer, Tennessee, after a tornado took out massive areas of land, homes, and other buildings.
The National Weather Service says a possible EF-3 tornado ripped through Selmer, destroying homes and displacing families.
Some of those affected by the severe weather attend Selmer Elementary School. Greg Martin, the director of schools for McNairy County, says teachers are contacting students’ families about resources needed during this time.
“And, so far in just the Selmer community, we’ve identified about 150 students who have been affected by this storm,” Martin said.
The community then donates those items, and volunteers place them in donation kits.
“You know, you don’t think about a lot of things like toothpaste, toothbrushes, things like that. We’ve got that. We’ve got bottled water. We’ve got socks. Anything from small clothing items? We’ve just tried to reach out and see what folks have needed,” Martin said.
Martin says that dozens of children who attend Selmer Elementary are also dealing with power outages.
“You know, with this damage. It’s different. You know, with this being our own house. You know, one that we paid money for,” said Bradley Suggs, another Selmer resident. “It’s a little difficult. You know, we put our money in here. We’re in the middle of a remodel right now.”
Suggs says the powerful storm knocked down trees around his home and damaged his roof.
“Me and my wife and our two kids, we were in the bathroom,” said Suggs. “The kids were in the tub and me and my wife were on the floor.”
Suggs said he and his family didn’t feel anything at first, but they heard the storm coming.
Moments later, Suggs said the storm shook their home.
“Unlike anything I’ve ever heard before, it scared me because this was my first tornado I ever been through,” Suggs said.
Despite the damage and devastation, Bradley says he’s grateful that he and his family are alive.
He’s now focused on rebuilding and repairing the home he’s already put so much money into.
The road to rebuilding will be a long journey, but the community’s presence and participation are making a big difference.
Anyone who wants to donate or any families in need can contact the Selmer Elementary School staff or the Family Resource Department.