For Immediate Release:
4/28/2026
5:05 AM
Subject: Severe Weather Incident

At approximately 3:19AM a Tornado Warning was issued for Northern Lawrence County by the National Weather Service. Simultaneously Lawrence County E-911 began dispatching Lawrence County Fire Rescue units to multiple calls for service including trees down, structural damage, and reports of injuries from a tree that had fallen on an occupied vehicle.

As additional storm related calls for service were dispatched the decision was made by the Ethridge Fire Chief to establish a command post at the Summertown High School parking lot. Multiple units from several LCFR stations have responded to the area. The crews continue to operate in the area checking structures, removing trees from the roadway, and responding to regular 911 calls.

Lawrence County EMA has responded to the area with a mobile command post, and emergency light towers.

At the time of this release our personnel have responded to over 50 calls for service since the beginning of the incident. Only two storm related injuries have been reported thus far. It is estimated that over 5,000 people are without power.

We can not confirm if the damage was caused by straight line winds or a tornado. The National Weather Service will respond to the scene at a later date to make the determination.

We ask that you avoid travel in the effected area if possible. If you must travel the area please exercise caution as it is likely that more damage will be discovered as the sun comes up.