At approximately 2 a.m. central time, a tornado touched down between the city limits of Cookeville and Baxter on Highway 70 West in Putnam County. We have confirmed deaths possibly of 3 or more in Putnam County at this hour (5 a.m. central time).

The worst hit areas include:

• Charleton Square
• Plunk Whitson
• Echo Valley
• Prosperity Point
• North Mcbroom Chapel
• Double Springs Utility District

The area South of Buffalo Valley and north of Peach Orchard appear to be ok.

Power is out in those areas. Putnam County emergency crews, along with surround counties responding to help them, are going house to house by foot to check on everyone in those areas. Authorities are asking to keep the roadways free while they are rendering first aid, locating lost individuals and clearing the roads.