Tennessee officials: 8 now dead due to tornado, flooding as storms continue to sweep state

Officials: 8 dead in Tenn. due to severe storms

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee officials have upgraded the number of dead to eight due to a tornado, severe weather and flooding across the middle and western parts of the state.

News reports from around Tennessee on Sunday say at least one of the victims was killed by a tornado in the Pocahantas Community in Hardeman County and two others drowned when they were swept away by flood waters in Stewart County.

Heavy rain continued to pummel the state as emergency personnel evacuated stranded residents, closed roads continued to hamper travel and hundreds of residents dealt with damage to their homes.

Officials are urging cancellation of all activities, including church services, and ask that residents stay off the roads.