In a devastating event that struck a small community in East Tennessee, a mother and daughter lost their lives due to a suspected tornado that swept through the area. The incident occurred late Thursday night and forms part of a larger winter storm that has wreaked havoc across the eastern United States.
The severe weather took its toll on Morgan County, leaving behind a path of destruction. According to the county’s Emergency Management & Homeland Security office, the mother and daughter tragically passed away in the same home. The office shared this somber news on Facebook, adding that three others sustained injuries. However, specific details about the victims have not been released.
The National Weather Service has announced plans to send a team to Deer Lodge on Friday. Their mission is to confirm whether it was indeed a tornado that caused the damage. Meanwhile, more than 100 emergency responders have been deployed in the county to assist with the aftermath. This includes a Tennessee Highway Patrol strike team focused on locating any missing persons, according to state Highway Patrol Capt. Stacey Heatherly.
At 8:30 a.m. on Friday, approximately 9% of Morgan County was without power, according to PowerOutage.us. The storm struck after dark, which increased the danger for residents who couldn’t see the approaching threat. Research conducted in 2022 found that tornadoes occurring at night are twice as likely to result in fatalities compared to those during the day.
Historical data reveals that Morgan County has endured several tornadoes since 1965. Unfortunately, if this event is confirmed as a tornado, it would mark the first deadly tornado incident of 2025. Tornado activity in Tennessee is generally higher in April and May, but February also saw significant activity last year with 45 tornadoes reported nationwide.
As the community of East Tennessee grapples with this tragic loss, the investigation into this suspected tornado continues. The event serves as a grim reminder of the power and unpredictability of nature, especially during nighttime storms. Emergency responders remain active in the area, working tirelessly to assist and support the community.
