According to officials, Roane County may have been the hardest hit county from severe weather Saturday night (May 27, 2017). The National Weather Service says straight line winds in excess of 80 miles per hour blew through the county leaving extensive damage to property and utility lines. Damage was reported in the majority of Roane County.

The Roane County Emergency Command Center was activated late Saturday night to help dispatch crews to targeted areas that saw trees fall onto house and power lines. Fortunately there were no injuries during the storms. In Rockwood, at least five houses had trees on them. Harriman saw six or more houses with trees on them and The Walnut Hill Baptist Church steeple tipped over and fell from the high winds.

As of 1 p.m. central time today (Monday, May 29, 2017), Harriman Utility Board Manager Bill Young said that he has still many residents without power mostly in rural areas. This storm he said is the worst he has seen in many years, especially since the blizzard of 1993. A major three phase line was brough down by a fallen tree on Poland Hollow Road that feeds most of the Midtwon Heights community. Crews who had worked thru the night after a much needed break for a short time are back on the job in that area and are getting assistance from other power agencies and contractors. Two key areas hit hard are Dickey Valley Mayes Valley and near Blair. Crews are heading to Oakdale today where many residents are still without power as well as water because the water pumps run off electricity. Young said crews are focussing on these areas this afternoon. Young said patience is needed as there are so many spots with damage it will take most of the week to get everyone back on.

Rockwood Electric Utility crews were also busy as they have worked since the storm. Most of downtown Rockwood is back up and with power. Areas east of downtown Kingston are still without power but crews are also getting some help from other utility workers to get as much done today to restore power as they can. Rockwood Mayor Mike Miller said the storm damage is the worst he has seen since the blizzard.

Roane County Highway Department personel along with city street departments also have called in crews to work clearing trees from roads and will continue to be dispatched to areas they are needed.