Porter Declares State Of Emergency

Putnam County Mayor Randy Porter has declared a state of emergency after multiple tornadoes struck Putnam County Tuesday morning.

Porter said at least three people died after the twisters touched down near Highway 70 between the city limits of Baxter and Cookeville.

“When we have something large like this, that’s what we do inside of government,” Porter said. “It (state of emergency) opens up a lot of channels for state and federal equipment to come in to use as we need it.”

The hardest hit areas appear to be Charleton Square, Plunk Whitson, Echo Valley, Prosperity Point, N. Mcbroom Chapel, and Double Springs Utility District. Porter said an emergency hotline has been set up for those seeking information or updates about friends and family.

“If you have someone that is missing, we ask you to call that number so we can find out where they live,” Porter said. “We want to keep up with the missing persons and locate those family members for you.”

The number for the hotline is 931-646-4636.