NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — During a Thursday evening media briefing, the director of the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency said the death toll had risen to five across the Volunteer State as state officials gave an update about the Volunteer State’s response to the ongoing severe weather event.
Gov. Bill Lee declared a state of emergency related to the prolonged severe weather threat Wednesday. That declaration was approved by President Donald Trump Thursday. During the media briefing, Lee thanked Trump for the approval. Additionally, Lee reminded citizens to stay aware of the weather throughout the weekend.
“There’s continued danger for Tennesseans,” Lee said. “The main message tonight is don’t let your guard down. Don’t stop watching the weather. Don’t stop preparing yourself. Have a plan.”
TEMA director Patrick Sheehan echoed the sentiment, advising people not to take warnings less seriously through the continued storm. Sheehan also detailed some of the state responses, including the Tennessee Department of Transportation’s assistance to local jurisdictions with debris removal.
Several Swiftwater Rescue teams are also ready to respond to calls at a moment’s notice and Sheehan said TEMA had reached out to nearby states for help with relief efforts. Additionally, Sheehan said anyone hoping to volunteer with relief efforts should not self-deploy and should instead seek advice from area emergency management agencies about the best ways to help.
As of publication, the death tolls include one each in Carroll, McNairy and Obion Counties and two in Fayette County.
“We do have the sense that there will be more,” Sheehan added. “Just know that our reporting is deliberate when it comes to fatalities.”
Sheehan advised Tennesseans to be cautious when selecting charitable organizations for relief donations, adding you should only give to reputable organizations.
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