Information from WYSH Radio/Oak Ridge Today
Strong storms that rolled through the area over the weekend caused widespread damage and power outages across East Tennessee.
While this area appeared to escape the brunt of the storm’s damage, there were numerous reports of trees and power lines down. In Clinton, a tree fell across the fence at the Municipal Swimming Pool at Jaycee Park, damaging the fence and dropping limbs, branches and leaves in the pool itself. A second tree crushed the gate at the park’s main entrance as well.
The pool had been scheduled to open for the summer today (Tuesday, May 30), but that opening date has been pushed back to tomorrow. City crews will spend today removing the trees and repairing the damage.
Anderson County Sheriff’s Department Chief Deputy Mark Lucas said public safety agencies were very busy during the Saturday evening storm. The Sheriff’s Department handled 37 storm-related calls Saturday evening through Sunday, mostly due to trees and power lines blocking roads, Lucas said.
The Tennessee Department of Transportation, Anderson County Highway Department, Anderson County Rescue Squad, and all five of the county’s volunteer fire departments handled numerous calls of fallen trees, Lucas said.
Fire and rescue agencies responded to 25 calls due to the storm on Saturday evening and Sunday morning.
“They worked tirelessly through the night and into the day on Sunday to clear roadways,” Lucas said. “There were some reports of property damage, but I’m not aware of any significant damage or any injuries.”
Lucas said Clinton Utilities Board worked throughout the night to restore power outages, which were scattered throughout the county.
More information will be added as it becomes available.
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