KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The National Weather Service said a preliminary assessment shows an EF-2 tornado hit the Lovell Crossing Apartments in West Knox County Monday.
The tornado had 130 mph winds and was on a path 200 yards wide, according to the NWS's preliminary assessment. Only minor injuries have been reported, according to Rural Metro Fire. They said it went for around 3.8 miles.
According to a preliminary report, the tornadic activity started east on Yarnell Rd. and reach peak intensity and width as it passed Paideia Academy, Lovell Cove and the Lovell Crossing apartment complex.
They said alongside significant roof damage to the apartment complex and Lovell Cove homes, a garage at the subdivision completely collapsed. They also said wooden boards were driven into the ground and a gash was seen in the side of the apartment complex's office from a "large, unknown object."
They said the tornado continued east of Pellissippi Pkwy., north of Bob Gray Rd. Tree damage was spotted off Hickey Rd. between Bob Gray Dr. and Wellington West Dr. However, the survey crew could not see much in the vicinity of Bob Kirby Ln. and Bob Gray Rd. due to obstructions and utility crew work on tree damage in the area.
They said the tornado appeared to have dissipated at the intersection of Bob Gray Rd. and Middlebrook Pike.
The NWS said since records began there have been no recorded tornadoes in Knox County in August. Around 400 Lovell Crossing residents were displaced after the tornado hit. The Red Cross is assisting some of them.
One neighbor said he was at home when the storm hit.
"The wind is just getting faster and faster, and I was just like, you know, 'I need to get out of here," said Zeeshan Ayub, who lives in the area. "Force the door closed, I locked it and I just dove into my bathroom."
The Knoxville Utilities Board said on Tuesday their crews have reduced power outages from a peak of 60,000 to less than 5,000 customers. Customers can find estimated restoration times as they become available on KUB's website.
The NWS said the storm that spawned the tornado in Knox County occurred rapidly, and a severe thunderstorm warning was issued for it. They said the warning also advised people to move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.
The full statement on why no tornado warning was issued ahead of the storm is available below.
“There was a tornado watch in effect from 11:23 a.m. until 7 p.m. ET. The majority of severe storms were exhibiting classic straight-line signatures. The storm that spawned the EF2 tornado in Knox County occurred very rapidly. A severe thunderstorm warning was issued for that storm. The warning included the call to action: 'For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.' Sometimes severe storms produce tornadoes with little to no warning and that’s what happened in this case.”
Officials also said around 400 people were displaced by the storm, and seven were still in a shelter as of Tuesday afternoon. The rest were staying with friends and family. Organizations are working with local hotels to find a place for people who need them.
Residents cannot reenter their apartments by themselves as of Tuesday afternoon, but they will be led into the apartments so they could gather items.
The American Red Cross also said they were opening a new shelter at Beaver Ridge United Methodist Church to help people impacted by the storms, located at 7753 Oak Ridge Hwy.