Tennessee tornado cleanup faces a long road to completion

Selmer, Tennessee remains frozen in time since a powerful EF-3 tornado tore through the town more than a month ago, causing widespread destruction. The tornado, with winds reaching 160 miles per hour, destroyed numerous well-built homes and businesses on April 3. According to the McNairy County Emergency Management Agency, 332 buildings were damaged, with 108 of them completely demolished.

Among the structures lost was the Jesus Cares Thrift Store, which suffered a total loss as its roof and back wall collapsed, leaving only 30% of the merchandise salvageable. Mayor Sherry Inman described the thrift store as a vital community hub, especially for families in need.

The tornado also damaged tiny homes built by the non-profit thrift store across the street, though none were completely destroyed. Inman estimated the damage at around $30 million, and the cleanup is expected to last up to a year. The storm claimed the lives of five people in Selmer, including Jamarcus McGowan, who tragically passed away just two days before his daughter’s 16th birthday.

Brittany Bryant, McGowan’s partner, shared the heartbreaking experience of identifying his body on their daughter’s birthday, emphasizing the profound impact of the tragedy. Despite the destruction, McGowan’s 2012 Dodge Charger miraculously survived, and the family hopes to restore it for his daughter to drive as a cherished memory of her father.

The family anticipates spending approximately $10,000 on repairs for the car.