KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — East Tennesseans are cleaning up after storms Monday brought strong winds, lightning and rain to the region.
Crews worked through the night to clear more than 200 downed trees as several areas in Knox County suffered significant damage.
Some county roads remain closed as of Tuesday morning:
- Bob Kirby Road
- Bob Grey Road
- Essex Drive
- Whitlock Lane
- Pleasant Ridge Road
- Norfolk Drive
Officials say clearing roads for emergency access is the top priority. Roadside debris will be picked up in the coming weeks.
Karns, Cedar Bluff and Lovell Road may have been the hardest hit, according to officials.
Residents were forced to clear more than 300 units at the Lovell Crossing Apartments. KAT buses are helping lead evacuation efforts.
“Quick, hard-hitting storms like this can be scary,” Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs said. “Thankfully, our crews and personnel are always prepared for emergencies, and we are able to respond quickly.”
Officials say Knox County, along with other municipalities, have already formed an emergency response team to begin assessing the damage.
According to the county, FEMA could take weeks to approve financial aid and it could take years for those in need to actually receive any money.