KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Strong storms roared through East Tennessee on Friday, leaving thousands without power and toppling several trees across the area.
In Alcoa, a woman suffered minor injuries and was taken to the hospital after a tree fell on her on Tupelo Way, according to first responders. The Alcoa Fire Department and AMR responded.
The high wind gusts toppled some trees. Below is a video from a viewer in Lenoir City who filmed some of the storms rolling into the area, damaging a building.
Some cars and signs were also damaged by the storm on Kingston Pike in Knoxville.
Another tree fell down on I-75 South in McMinn County, at Riceville Decatur Road, causing some traffic delays.
In Cumberland County, a semi-truck driver suffered injuries after a crash on Interstate 40 near mile marker 335 amid heavy rains and crosswinds.
Some roads were also closed due to the storms in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Little River Road from Townsend Wye to the Sugarlands Visitor Center was closed, as well as a new section of the Foothills Parkway. The park also said Cades Cove Loop Road and Laurel Creed Road were closed because of the storm.
They also said the old section of Foothills Parkway West and Cherokee Orchard Road, at the park boundary, were closed due to hazardous weather and downed trees.
The Loudon County Sheriff's Office said several roads were affected by the storm as well, primarily in the Tellico Village and Greenback areas. They said crews were working to clear the roads and said if anyone needs to drive they should make sure to use caution in the storm. Anyone in Loudon County who finds a traffic hazard could also call 865-458-9081 to report it.
The City of Knoxville said online that public service crews were responding to more than 40 reports of downed trees in the city.
East Tennessee sees some damage due to strong storms
Power Outages
The Knoxville Utilities Board reported that around 22,600 customers lost power as storms moved through the area as of around 3:55 p.m. KUB said its crews were working to fix damaged infrastructure affecting the largest number of customers first before moving to smaller-sized outages.
The Lenoir City Utilities Board also reported around 1,897 customers without power. The Alcoa Electric Department also reported 6,351 customers affected by power outages.
The Fort Loudoun Electric Cooperative reported around 11,898 customers affected by outages.
The Alcoa Electric Department reported nearly 6,500 customers without power.
The Sevier County Electric System reported around 2,070 customers without power as of around 3:55 p.m.