GUILD, Tenn. — Strong thunderstorms that moved through the Sequatchie Valley on Sunday left behind downed trees, blocked roadways and multiple emergency calls in response to them in the Haletown (Guild) and surrounding communities as saturated ground and gusty winds combined to topple several trees.
According to the Haletown Volunteer Fire Department, crews were dispatched to at least two separate locations along US Highway 41 where trees had fallen across the roadway following the storms. One incident occurred in the 16000 block near the Riverside community, while another was reported in the 21000 block, past Sullivan’s Boat Ramp and and before Kelly’s Ferry Church of God.
Firefighters worked to remove the trees and clear the highway, restoring access for motorists. Due to the size of one of the fallen trees, the location, and the manpower required to remove it, the Elder Mountain Fire Department was called in to assist through mutual aid.
“We thank our mutual aid. It’s a brotherhood,” the department said in a social media post following the response.
Photos shared by the department show large trees completely blocking both lanes of travel, with emergency personnel using chainsaws and other equipment to cut and remove the debris. | Photos courtesy: Haletown Volunteer Fire Department
Sunday’s storms brought periods of heavy rain and strong winds across portions of southeast Tennessee. The weather followed several weeks of recurring rainfall that left the ground heavily saturated, making trees more vulnerable to being uprooted during high-wind events.
No injuries were reported in connection with the incidents.
Emergency officials remind motorists to use caution when traveling during and after severe weather, as weakened trees and limbs can fall without warning. Residents are also encouraged to report blocked roadways and avoid attempting to remove large trees without proper equipment and training.
All responding units were able to return to service after the roadways were cleared.
