Tornado Tragedy In Tennessee

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As the South reels from a deadly spate of storms, the community of Christina, Tennessee, holds its breath for a 10-year-old boy who “needs a miracle” to survive.

​Asher Sullivan was swept into a storm drain while playing in a flooded street. He later emerged in a ditch, badly hurt, and was rushed to the hospital. On Thursday, more than 500 people gathered for a prayer vigil honoring Asher and his father, Rutherford County Schools Director Dr. Jimmy Sullivan.

The severe weather outbreak claimed at least four lives and left a mark of destruction across several states. On Thursday, amidst clean up efforts from earlier storms, a potent line of thunderstorms barrelled through the central U.S. affecting millions. The National Weather Service had warned of an enhanced risk for severe weather spanning from Texas to South Carolina.

At Least Four People Killed By Severe Storms In South

In Claiborne County, Tennessee, a 22-year-old man died when a tree, knocked down by high winds, crushed the car he was in. Claiborne County Mayor Joseph Brooks said the victim, identified as Bryce Edward Hentnick, was killed in the Lone Mountain area.

South of Nashville, in Maury County, Tennessee, a severe thunderstorm produced a tornado that has preliminarily been rated EF3. A spokesperson for Maury Regional Health said five people were admitted to the hospital. Unfortunately, one of those people succumbed to their injuries. Family members identified the victim as Cheryl Lovett.

Severe storms also turned deadly in North Carolina. In Gaston County, a state of emergency was declared with first responders working through the night to clear debris and assist affected residents. A tree fell onto a car killing the driver and injuring one passenger.

O​n Friday in Florida, Leon County Sheriff's Office officials say a woman was killed when a tree fell on her family home. According to the statement on social media, the death occurred in the Aenon Church Rd. area outside of Tallahassee.

Recovering After A Nation-Crossing Week Of Severe

The National Weather Service has been on high alert, issuing multiple tornado warnings across multiple states in an outbreak that has plagued the nation since Monday. Since Monday, 39 states have been under the threat of severe weather. On Wednesday and Thursday, about 220 million people were living under some sort of severe weather risk, according to the Storm Prediction Center. More than 1,300 reports of severe weather have been received by the NWS since Monday.

Based in New York, Weather.com reporter Tim Harris is a digital journalist with a broad reporting portfolio that spans environmental science, lifestyle topics and breaking news. Have a story idea for Tim? EmSend an email.