News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
The number of deaths from Tuesday morning tornadoes in Putnam County has increased to at least sixteen.
Putnam County Mayor Randy Porter reports that at least 65 people have received treatment at Cookeville Regional Medical Center.
“That number could change,” Porter said. “We’re still doing search and rescue when it comes to all the damaged homes.”
The twisters touched down near Highway 70 between the city limits of Baxter and Cookeville. The hardest hit areas appear to be Charleton Square, Plunk Whitson, Echo Valley, Prosperity Point, N. Mcbroom Chapel, and Double Springs Utility District.
Porter and Cookeville Mayor Ricky Shelton continued to encourage residents to utilize the 646-INFO hotline to report missing friends and family members.
“We ask for your prayers for the families of those that have been devastated in our communities,” Shelton said. “Prayers for all of our emergency workers, lineman, and public works employees that are out and working to get to all of the folks and houses to do the search and rescues.”
Emergency official plan to announce additional information during an 11 a.m. press conference.
