ROANE COUNTY, Tenn. — The National Weather Service in Morristown confirmed an EF-1 tornado struck homes near the Oral Community in Roane County Thursday afternoon, causing damage to homes in the area.
NWS crews surveyed the damage on Friday morning. Jeremy Buckles, the lead meteorologist at NWS Morristown, said an EF-1 tornado was on the ground for roughly a minute and struck with winds up to 95 mph.
Storms swept through eastern Roane County roughly a mile southeast of Lenoir City on Thursday. The winds and rain brought down trees and damaged some areas, according to the Roane County Highway Department.
On social media, they said crews were responding to clean up the trees and urged people to use caution if they need to drive in the area. They also said drivers should give utility crews and road crews room to work.
The National Weather Service initially believed the damage was due to straight-line winds and not a tornado. No severe thunderstorm or tornado warnings were issued in the East Tennessee area on Thursday, however, several flash flood warnings were issued due to the heavy rain.
Drone video taken by Jim Pearce showed several homes with severe roof damage and smaller structures flipped over or destroyed. You can see that video below or at this link.
A flash flood warning was issued Thursday evening for some counties. It has since expired. David Crockett Birthplace State Park said high water and flash flooding led to the park closing early Thursday and Friday's kayak program being canceled.