A Look Back: Tennessee Region Tornado Response - April 2023

Photo by Angela McLaughlin/American Red Cross

Following an unusually active spring storm cycle, a dangerous storm system ripped across the nation over the first weekend in April, producing as many as 100 tornadoes, killing more than 30 and injuring hundreds.

In the Tennessee Region, the primary areas of impact include Cannon, DeSoto, Hardin, McNairy, Shelby, Tipton and Wayne counties. Red Cross damage assessments found more than 235 homes majorly damaged or destroyed. Four shelters were opened in the Tennessee Region to serve displaced individuals and provide safe places to sleep, get warm meals, and find other resources. 

In the weeks following the tornadoes, Red Cross volunteers remained on the ground, serving meals to individuals still in their homes, distributing relief supplies and continuing damage assessment to ensure all needs were met.

Photo by Carlos Rodriguez/American Red Cross

Red Cross volunteer Vincent Hernandez surveys damage caused by the storms in Clarksville, Tennessee. 

.

Red Cross volunteer Marti Shields delivers warm meals to people affected by the tornadoes in west Tennessee. Photo by Carlos Rodriguez/American Red Cross.

Fred Gillham's house was lifted off its foundation during the tornado in Clifton, Tennessee. Fred is pictured here with Red Cross volunteer Brian Warden. Photo by Laurie Puglia/American Red Cross.

Heather and Brandon, the owners of the historic house built in 1829 known as The Corners on Stones River, talk to John Mitchell, executive director of the Heart of Tennessee Red Cross chapter. The family’s home was majorly damaged after a devastating tornado hit Readyville.

Evelyn Garcia came into Westside Elementary School Red Cross Shelter needing assistance with health concerns following the tornado that hit Readyville on April 1. She was concerned with her health after being exposed to insulation and debris when her home was damaged. Bilingual Translator Red Cross Volunteer, Carlos Rodriguez, helped communicate her needs to medics, who helped get Evelyn the care she needed. 

Red Cross volunteer caseworker Tamara Caballero meets with Readyville residents Teresa and Joseph Tate to provide assistance.

Red Cross volunteers Brian Warden and Donna Plen met with Adamsville, Tennessee, resident Cataline Rodriguez to provide support. Cataline and her niece sheltered in their storm cellar during the tornado that destroyed her home. Photo by Laurie Puglia/American Red Cross.

Partner Spotlight: The American Red Cross delivered meals to the NAACP for families affected by the April 1 tornadoes in Tunica County, Mississippi.

Red Cross volunteer LaVonne LaMoureaux meets with Jayma and Brenda. Their Adamsville, Tennessee, home was damaged by the tornado. Photo by Carlos Rodriguez/American Red Cross.

Red Cross disaster mental health workers Marilyn and Edward are reaching out to people affected by the March 31/April 1 tornadoes. They help provide tools to promote resiliency, good coping skills, and reduce stress after a disaster. Photo by Carlos Rodriguez/American Red Cross.

Volunteers support the Red Cross disaster operations center in Crump, Tennessee. Photos by Kevin Wiramihardja and Laurie Puglia/American Red Cross.

Photo by Angela McLaughlin/American Red Cross

You can help support our mission. Visit redcross.org/tennessee to learn more.