Paris, Tenn.–Wednesday’s weather event has been upgraded to a serious threat level 5 out of 5 which could produce all storm threats with strong tornadoes, large hail, and damaging winds of 75 mph. This is a rare occurrence. Henry County residents should prepare now for possible power outages.
Emergency Management Agency Director Ron Watkins said, “Residents should have multiple ways to receive weather alerts and have a plan for sheltering in a sturdy building. This will be a night time event which makes it even more dangerous.”
Weather timeline Wednesday for Henry County is looking for storms to begin around 6-7 pm through 2 a.m. County storm shelters will open at 5 p.m. this evening and stay open untill the threat has passed.
The county Emergency Operations Center will be activated beginning at 5 p.m. to monitor the storms and to assist to provide coordination of emergency services if needed. Henry County Sheriffs Office and Paris Police Dept will be monitoring storm shelters.
The outdoor warning sirens at Henry City Hall, Paris Landing, KOA Campground, Cottage Grove City Hall, and Paris City Hall are all operational. DRMessenger smartphone application is available to download for weather alerts for Henry County using the code HCA.
Watkins recommends county residents should have multiple ways to receive weather alerts and have a plan for sheltering in a sturdy building. This will be a night time event which makes it even more dangerous. Residents should be prepared with flash lights, extra batteries, keep phones charged, have extra water available, and have a plan to take shelter. Put fresh batteries in your Weather Radio.
Thursday -Saturday will bring additional other rounds of severe weather and heavy rain each day. Rain amounts could total 10-15 inches by Saturday evening. Flash Flooding and aerial flooding will most likely will occur and will cause problems on roadways. Monitor weather conditions closely this evening and throughout the week.
FEMA Rated Safe Tornado Shelter Locations Opening this evening at 5 PM include:
Paris-
WG Rhea School 115 S. Wilson StInman School at 400 Harrison St( Shelter is Building on the left side of Main School Building)Puryear-Harrelson School at 143 Puryear Country Club RdHenry-Henry School at 937 Pioneer RdBuchanan/Springville-Lakewood School at 6745 Hwy 79 NCottage Grove –7030 Main St Shelters Behind CG City HallPhoto: A view of Henry County Central Dispatch at work. Shannon McFarlin photo.