Gov. Bill Lee surveys Chattanooga after deadly Easter tornado

CHATTANOOGA — Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee visited the battered Chattanooga area Tuesday to survey damage after devastating storms and a tornado hit the region on Easter.

The National Weather Service in Morristown confirmed at least one EF-3 tornado with speeds reaching 145 mph tore across nine miles of Southeast Tennessee on Sunday.

Thunderstorms, hail and high winds that ripped through the region sent nearly two dozen people to the hospital and caused flooding, mass damage and power outages.

UPDATE:At least 105 tornadoes hit the U.S including Chattanooga's deadly twister

On Tuesday during a news conference in Chattanooga, Lee confirmed at least three people died as a result of the storm. The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency said two people died in Hamilton County and one person died in Marion County.

Reported tornadoes also traveled through portions of Marion, Bradley and Polk counties, he said, leaving a wide path of destruction with multiple injuries reported and major damage to homes, roads, bridges, utilities and businesses. 

Lee toured eastern Chattanooga’s Holly Hills, particularly hard hit by the tornado. He was joined by others including Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke, Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance Commissioner Hodgen Mainda and state Republicans Sen. Bo Watson, Rep. Mike Carter and Rep. Todd Gardenhire,

The roofs were ripped off dozens of homes, and trees and debris littered lawns. While the Lee group huddled in a parking lot, residents across the street cleared their yards and dug through tornado-ravaged homes trying to recover possessions.

Lee and First Lady Maria Lee met with residents, including a family who had just seconds to huddle in a bathroom to ride out the storm.

“It sounded like the house was falling apart,” said Kendall Falana, who was with his wife and two young kids. Falana said he was alerted to take cover by watching the local news on TV.

Lee said TEMA and the Federal Emergency Management Agency are assisting the community.

"I just want the people in this region to know, especially after touring today, the hearts and thoughts and prayers of thousands of Tennesseans are with you," Lee said. "There is great loss and great tragedy out there right now in this region."

He also thanked law enforcement, first responders and health care workers for their efforts responding to a crisis on top of a crisis, referencing the COVID-19 pandemic.

A damage estimate is expected to be complete on Wednesday, Lee told reporters.

After that, Lee said he will ask for a major disaster declaration from President Donald Trump. It will be for individual assistance for those not covered by insurance as well as for businesses and infrastructures.

EASTER STORMS:At least 21 people hospitalized, fatalities reported after storms and EF-3 tornado batter Chattanooga area

RECOVERY:South continues cleanup after storms killed more than 30

"We'll continue to help to rebuild through this tragic event," Lee said.

Berke said more than 100 structures sustained damage across the city and about 140 people had been displaced and were staying in shelters including hotels.

“It’s kind of hard to believe there were just two deaths," Berke told the governor after viewing the damage from above.

Berke said people recognize the devastation they face but are ready to rebuild.

"We continue to grieve with the families," said Hamilton County Mayor Jim Coppinger. "We're very resilient here in Hamilton County. ... We will bounce back, and we will overcome this."

TEMA said the American Red Cross is operating the following shelters in Tennessee:

• La Quinta Inn and Suites, 130 Interstate Dr. NW, Cleveland, TN
• Springhill Suites, 8876 Old Lee Hwy, Ooltewah, TN
• Hampton Inn, Ooltewah, Hamilton County – opening Tuesday night, 48 rooms 

For more shelter information call 1-800-RED-CROSS.

The State Emergency Operations Center in Nashville remained activated on Monday with a State of Emergency in place in Tennessee, TEMA announced.

The Salvation Army of Nashville announced Tuesday it was deploying a team of officers to assist in the response to to the tornado.

To support its efforts, visit this link to donate. For the latest updates on disaster relief efforts, visit disaster.salvationarmyusa.org.  

Nashville Mayor John Cooper on Tuesday urged city residents to donate to the Chattanooga tornado relief effort if they could. After deadly tornadoes struck Nashville about a month ago, Chattanooga residents were among the many who contributed to recovery efforts, he said.

“Nashville knows all too well what our friends in Chattanooga are going through,” Cooper said. “Scenes from storm-damaged areas are reminiscent of our own devastated neighborhoods just over a month ago.”

Cooper said Nashville’s Community Resource Center had already begun collecting and distributing donated supplies, including hygiene products, baby products and cleaning supplies.

Reach Natalie Neysa Alund at nalund@tennessean.com and follow her on Twitter @nataliealund.