The death toll continues to climb in Putnam County from a large tornado that hit around 2 a.m. this morning. Officials say 17 died, some including children, and around 75 were injured between the Cookeville city limits and Baxter. The county set up a special morgue for victims of the tornado.

If you have a loved one you have not heard from after the storm, call (931) 646-INFO. If you need help, call (931) 646-HELP. Bear in mind these lines are experiencing heavy call loads. If you can’t get through at first, keep trying.

The worst hit areas of Putnam County are:

Charleston Square

Plunk Whitson

Echo Valley

Prosperity Point

North McBroom Chapel

Double Springs Utility District

Emergency shelters have been set up at the Cookeville Community Center, Putnam County YMCA, and Cookeville First Baptist Church.

Many cell towers are down and communications remain an issue

Volunteers are being coordinated by Putnam County EMA. Water and non-perishable foods are being collected at the Cookeville Community Center.

Those wishing to volunteer assistance may reach out by email at [email protected]