Middle Tennessee county gives damage update after tornadoes, shares recovery resources

Jay Powell, Columbia Daily Herald
·2 min read
A house was almost destroyed by an EF-3 tornado on Cothran Road off Bear Creek Pike on Wednesday in Columbia, Tenn.
A house was almost destroyed by an EF-3 tornado on Cothran Road off Bear Creek Pike on Wednesday in Columbia, Tenn.

After a weekend of recovery efforts and damage assessments, Maury County Emergency Management was reporting Monday that at least 245 homes were damaged as a result of last week's storms.

In a release issued Sunday afternoon, Maury OEM announced that it will discontinue its pass system for drivers, meaning law enforcement will no longer block roads and restrict drivers wishing to access certain areas, though officers will continue to maintain a heavy presence in those areas.

More: 'A tragedy in our county' as tornado relief continues in Columbia following storm

Sunday's release also encouraged residents affected by the storms to remain cautious of suspicious activity, such as scammers and unlicensed contractors. Contractor licenses can be verified via the state's website at www.TN.gov.

Drivers are also encouraged to drive cautiously, patiently and slowly while navigating the affected areas.

"As the impacted residents begin to pick up, they will be close to the roadways," the release states. "There will be no tolerance for citizens driving through the area recklessly."

Debris pickups, cleanup assistance hotline

Maury County Emergency Management has issued guidelines for debris pickup, urging those affected by Wednesday's storms to separate debris into certain categories. Pickups are scheduled to begin Monday by the Maury County Highway Office and Maury County Solid Waste.
Maury County Emergency Management has issued guidelines for debris pickup, urging those affected by Wednesday's storms to separate debris into certain categories. Pickups are scheduled to begin Monday by the Maury County Highway Office and Maury County Solid Waste.

The Maury County Highway Office began debris pickups early Monday, and encouraged residents to familiarize themselves with the posted guidelines.

More: Hundreds flock to aid families impacted by Columbia tornado: 'Volunteer State for a reason'

This includes separating debris into certain categories for pickup.

"These guidelines are extremely important, and we urge you to become familiar with them in order to expedite the collection process," Sunday's release said. "If you are a resident or volunteer, we are requesting you place debris on the right-of-way. As the County Highway Dept. and other County Government Agencies begin debris pick-up there will be rolling road closures."

More: Emergency Management issues guidelines for debris recovery, pickups begin Monday

Contractors are also responsible for disposing of their debris.

There is also a Home Clean-Up Hotline for those needing assistance by calling (615) 488-1875.

"Maury County would like to take a moment to re-iterate how grateful we are for the abundance of assistance we have received from other government agencies, as well as volunteers," OEM said. "We have been truly blown away by the commitment and love we have received from not only those in our counties, but from those all over the state and country."

Jay Powell is a general reporter for The Daily Herald. Get up-to-date news in your inbox by subscribing to The Daily Herald newsletter at www.ColumbiaDailyHerald.com.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Herald: Tennessee tornadoes: Maury County gives damage report, resources info