The small Tennessee town of Selmer awoke on Thursday to scenes of utter devastation, the aftermath of a brutal tornado that pulverized homes into piles of debris.
Radar painted a terrifying picture of the massive and deadly storm that struck shortly after midnight, extinguishing the lights and unleashing catastrophic damage that now scars the community. Nighttime tornadoes, statistically the deadliest, struck the town with devastating force.
Adding to the tragedy, Tennessee State Representative Ron Gant stood on the House floor Thursday morning to ask for a moment of silence and prayer for the families who lost loved ones in the devastating tornadoes that struck Fayette, Hardeman and McNairy counties overnight.
“Tragically, six lives were lost, and the storm left behind widespread destruction across the region,” he said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the affected communities as they begin to recover from this heartbreaking disaster.”
Two of the deaths in the state involved a 48-year-old father and his 16-year-old daughter in Fayette County after their modular home was struck by a tornado, the sheriff’s office tells FOX Weather.
Before the sun rose in Selmer on Thursday, video obtained by FOX Weather showed roofs and exterior walls completely torn apart, with what appeared to be a multi-story apartment complex suffering extensive damage. Cars were also tossed around like toys.
