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Neighborhoods Dig Out After Storms

MCMINNVILLE, Tenn.- Middle Tennessee is yet again in the recovery process, cleaning up after a series of heavy storms hit the Midstate Friday.

Dozens of homes were affected by Friday's tornado in Warren County, and the cleanup effort that started Friday continued Saturday in full force.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported after the storm hit, but several homes in McMinnville were damaged so badly they will have to be rebuilt. The Warren County Sheriff's department estimates about 30 homes were hit by Friday's storm. On Saturday, crews helped clear dozens of trees uprooted Friday afternoon.  Friends, neighbors and relatives also helped storm victims get whatever belongings could be saved. 

"It's times like these you see who your true relatives and friends are, for them to be here it means a lot, you can never say thank you enough," said Storm Victim, Sheila Hammond.

Power crews and emergency crews were in Warren County last night and Saturday to help restore power to the homes and clear the roads, but the clean-up effort is expected to take months.

Lawrence County was one of the hardest hit areas. Neighbors in Ethridge are digging out and cleaning up.

Gail Jones said she came face to face with Mother Nature inside her own closet.

"I thought when I got in there, this was it," said Jones. "The garage was gone and the trees all down. I just cried," she continued.

Now the Jones' are left picking up the pieces.

"It's going to take a long time to clean this up and get the house fixed back," said another tornado survivor.

Many of their neighbors are trying to do the same some not as fortunate. The family said despite the chaos surrounding them, they simply feel blessed to still be alive.