A tornado has caused significant damage in Monroe County.
The EF-1 tornado with sustained winds of 95 miles per hour struck Tompkinsville Monday morning just after 8:00, according to the National Weather Service. The twister, which measured 60 yards wide, was on the ground for about three minutes and covered about half-a-mile.
Local reports indicate the tornado damaged at least 30 homes (destroying five) and several businesses, uprooted numerous trees and downed power lines. Most of the damage was in an area just off Tompkinsville’s Main Street, according to WSMV.com.
No injuries have yet been reported, which is somewhat surprising since the tornado warning system did not function properly, leaving residents with little to no warning of the impending severe weather.
The National Weather Service issued a Tornado Warning for the area at 8:01 a.m., with the tornado touching down at 8:08 a.m.
According to the Tompkinsville Police Department, the Community Outdoor Warning System (COWS) was repaired Monday afternoon.
(Headline photo courtesy of Kelly Dean, WBKO)
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
