At least 18 dead, officials name many missing in Middle Tennessee floods
HUMPHREYS COUNTY, Tenn. (WZTV) — UPDATE: Waverly Police have updated the death toll to 18.
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At least 18 people are dead and many people are missing after historic, catastrophic rainfall this weekend, Waverly authorities confirm.
Those deaths are all from Humphreys County, most of which occurred in Waverly, authorities said. The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency says the state health department has confirmed at least 16 weather-related fatalities, but that number could rise.
Family tells FOX 17 News that two of those killed in the flooding were 7-month-old twins who were swept away from their father's arms as rain poured down. County legend Loretta Lynn said her beloved friend and the foreman at Loretta Lynn's Ranch in Hurricane Mills also lost his life after being swept away in flood waters.
Video: Loretta Lynn's Ranch hit hard by flooding in Humphreys County
More than 17 inches of rain fell in 24 hours in McEwen, shattering Middle Tennessee's previous record 24-hour rainfall.
Many people remain missing.
Waverly officials said they must confirm a person has been found before taking them off the missing persons list. Please call 931-582-6950 or go to McEwen High School at 335 Melrose Avenue in Mcewen and report to the gymnasium.
A Reunification Center for flood survivors is open at McEwen High School from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday. The Reunification Center personnel can also be reached by calling 931-582-6950.
Humphreys County Schools will be closed the week of August 23 - 27.
The American Red Cross has set up a Middle Tennessee Flooding online resource at www.safeandwell.org where flood survivors can register and let family and friends know they are safe.
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee toured the affected areas and is holding a press conference at 5 p.m. CST to update ongoing cleanup efforts in Dickson, Hickman, Houston, and Humphreys. Stream that live here.
Help for Victims:
READ HERE: Volunteer spirit: Rescuers save lives during floods; victims in need of 'tremendous' help
The Defense Health Agency (DHA) announced today that TRICARE beneficiaries in four Tennessee counties affected by flooding may receive emergency prescription refills now through September 1st.
The counties impacted are Dickson, Hickman, Humphreys and Houston.
To receive an emergency refill of prescription medications, TRICARE beneficiaries should take their prescription bottle to any TRICARE retail network pharmacy. If the bottle is unavailable or the label is damaged or missing, beneficiaries should contact Express Scripts or their retail network pharmacy for assistance.
To find a network pharmacy, beneficiaries may call Express Scripts at 1-877-363-1303.
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