KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — It was an eventful week in East Tennessee. Here's what you missed.
Story 1
"LIST: East TN schools announce early dismissal, delayed openings on Thursday due to severe weather"
Editor's Note: The story has been updated to reflect when East Tennessee schools announced their early dismissal or delayed opening for Thursday due to the severe weather.
As storms rolled into East Tennessee Wednesday, two schools announced they would dismiss students early. Morgan County Schools said they would dismiss at 12:30 p.m. and Oneida Schools said they would dismiss at 12:45 p.m.
Wednesday, May 8 was declared a 10Weather Impact Day. This meant all types of severe weather would be possible with several rounds of storms expected to impact East Tennessee. At the same time, a Tornado Warning was issued for Grainger and Hamblen counties.
Some schools in the region took action and dismissed early while others continued on.
After Wednesday's storms, several schools in the region announced delayed openings on Thursday. Schools included Cocke County Schools, Cumberland County Schools, Sevier County Schools and more. There were also schools that announced closures for Thursday as well in an effort to clean up damage from severe storms.
Story 2
"10Weather Impact Day: Dangerous storms move into East Tennessee Wednesday evening and night"
Editor's Note: The initial article was written to give people a heads-up before the incoming storms. The story has been updated throughout the severe weather.
Wednesday, May 8 was a 10Weather Impact Day due to the potential for severe weather to impact the area during the early morning hours.
People in Knoxville and across East Tennessee needed to keep a close eye on the weather forecast ahead of storms that could produce tornadoes and large hail.
If a tornado warning is issued in your area, you need to know how to get to a safe spot immediately and take shelter on the lowest level of your home in the center-most area away from doors and windows. Also, remember to charge your phones and have some way to track and receive emergency weather alerts.
Story 3
"KPD: 1 Charged after car crashes into La Herradura restaurant Saturday night, hitting employee with debris"
One person was hit by debris after a car crashed into Taqueria La Herradura along with a car in the parking lot around 9:40 p.m. Saturday night, the Knoxville Police Department said.
According to KPD, a Mazda sedan left the scene after the crash but was quickly found broken down on the side of the road in the area of Broadway and Edgewood.
A 25-year-old driver, Baleigh Bates, was believed to be severely intoxicated, KPD said. She was charged with driving under the influence and leaving the scene of the accident "among other charges."
A video of Bates crashing into the restaurant has since been released. You can watch the video here.
Story 4
"Tonka the elephant placed under hospice care due to declining health"
Zoo Knoxville has announced they have placed Tonka under hospice care on Monday. The 46-year-old elephant is the last remaining bull African Elephant in the zoo.
An elephant and veterinary team have been managing chronic conditions that are common in elephants of advanced age for some time, according to Zoo Knoxville. But on Sunday, Tonka developed a sudden acute onset of pain and swelling in his left front leg.
The veterinary team from The University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine (UTCVM) then administered antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and pain medication.
The zoo said after trying all treatment options on Tonka and reaching the maximum dosages of pain medications that can be safely administered, the decision was made to transition to hospice care.
As of Thursday, May 9, Zoo Knoxville announced they humanely euthanized Tonka. They have not provided information on what they will do to his body.
Story 5
"Russellville Elementary School closed Thursday after school 'significantly' damaged after severe storms"
The Hamblen County Schools Superintendent Arnold Bunch announced that Russellville Elementary School will be closed on Thursday, May 9 as they assess the damage that was caused during the severe storms.
Bunch has released a statement regarding the damage:
First and most importantly, all of our students and staff are safe. We are very thankful.
We have teams on site assessing the damage at Russellville Intermediate Elementary School. We have damage to the roof and temporary patches are being installed to minimize water leakage. There are a number of ceiling tiles down and multiple classrooms have water. Teams are removing the water and cleaning up the school.
Russellville Intermediate Elementary School will not have classes tomorrow. We will continue to assess the damage to get a better assessment of when we can reopen. Simultaneously, we will review options to get our students into class either in person or virtually. As we get additional information, we will keep parents/guardians informed.
A Tornado Warning was issued for Grainger and Hamblen counties Wednesday morning.
Hamblen County Sheriff Chad Mullins told 10News that the roof of the school peeled back, but did not collapse. Some rooms took on water and some ceiling tiles fell.