Red Cross Volunteers Respond Quickly Following Severe Weather

Photo by Angela McLaughlin/American Red Cross.

Red Cross Volunteers are Responding to Affected Communities 

NASHVILLE, Tenn., April 4, 2023 — Following an unusually active spring storm cycle already, a new dangerous storm system ripped across the nation over the weekend, producing as many as 100 tornadoes, killing more than 30 and injuring hundreds. This unprecedented, relentless barrage of tornadic activity has caused catastrophic destruction across several states. 

1. Tens of thousands of customers across the country are still without power following this weekend’s storms. 
2. Unfortunately, additional severe storms are expected to impact some of the same communities Tuesday evening.
1. The Storm Prediction Center is forecasting a similar round of tornadic activity with enhanced risks across more than a dozen states.
2. Starting Tuesday, severe thunderstorms and tornadoes are possible yet again across the Midwest.
3. People in Tennessee, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas should prepare now for severe risks and remain weather aware. 
3. Red Cross disaster teams are on the ground in multiple states, working with our partners and officials to make sure everyone has the help they need.
1. More than 800 trained Red Cross disaster workers are on the ground now in impacted areas across multiple states and more help is on the way.
2. Working with partners, we have provided more than 78,600 meals and served more than 5,200 households with relief supplies in the affected communities, and this work is just beginning.
3. Last night, more than 680 individuals sought refuge at one of 44 Red Cross and partner shelters across the nation.

Tennessee Updates:

In Tennessee communities are reeling from tornado damage over the weekend, where the dangerous storm killed at least 15 people. 

• Several shelters remain open to serve displaced individuals and provide safe places to sleep, get warm meals, and find other resources.
• Primary areas of impact include Cannon, Desoto, Hardin, McNairy, Shelby, Tipton and Wayne counties.
• Initial damage assessments of more than 450 households found more than 235 homes sustaining major damage or destroyed.
• In the days ahead, Red Cross volunteers will remain on the ground, in communities, serving meals to individuals still in their homes, distributing relief supplies and continuing damage assessment to ensure all needs are met.

Shelter Locations:

• Cannon County Westside Elementary - 3714 Murfreesboro Road, Readyville, TN
• Tipton County Covington Sportsplex - 790 Bert Johnson Avenue, Covington, TN
• Wayne County American Legion Hall - 112 N Main Street, Waynesboro, TN
• McNairy County Selmer Sr. Citizen's - 230 N 5th Street, Selmer, TN

Call 1-800-RED CROSS if you're displaced and need Red Cross assistance.  

YOU CAN HELP This is the second time in two weeks that tornadoes and severe storms have uprooted lives and devastated entire communities. Families need help now. You can make a difference in the lives of people affected by tornadoes and storms in the South and Midwest. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) or text the word TORNADO to 90999 to make a $10 donation. 

Donations enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from these disasters. This includes providing food, shelter, relief supplies, emotional support, recovery planning and other assistance. Ensure your donation helps people affected by Southern and Midwest tornadoes and storms by choosing that option on redcross.org/donate or through 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767).  

Find out how you can serve in your community by searching for current volunteer opportunities. The American Red Cross provides FREE disaster training for all volunteers. Training courses are both online and in-person depending on the course. To find out more about these training opportunities please contact your local Red Cross office.  

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org/Tennessee or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCrossTN. The American Red Cross Tennessee Region serves all 95 counties in Tennessee, Crittenden County in Arkansas and Desoto and Tunica counties in Mississippi. The Tennessee Region – part of a nationwide network of locally supported chapters - is comprised of the following eight Red Cross chapters: East Tennessee, Heart of Tennessee, Mid-South, Mid-West Tennessee, Nashville Area, Southeast Tennessee, Northeast Tennessee, and Tennessee River.