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Multiple rounds of severe thunderstorms caused significant damage in Marion County on Tuesday evening.

The KNIA/KRLS Severe Weather Action Team was on the air twice, at just before 5:30 and at 8:15 p.m. for more than an hour each time with live coverage for a total of four separate Severe Thunderstorm Warnings. Seven full-time staff members were on the air and assisting with coverage, with trained weather spotters and our WeatherEye meteorologists calling in reports.

Photo Submitted by Anita Cole Brown - Pearl Street in Knoxville
Photo Submitted by Anita Cole Brown – Pearl Street in Knoxville

Despite numerous power outages, KNIA/KRLS remained on the air due to our backup generators. Rainfall totals of three to four inches were reported south of Lake Red Rock in Marion County. Significant flooding was reported throughout the county, and a flash flood warning was in effect into the early morning hours. As of 6AM Whitebreast is 3 feet over its banks, and English Creek is 4.5 feet over.

Tree damage in Harvey
Tree damage in Harvey

Rainfall (from 6:30 to midnight)
Pleasantville – 4.58″
Knoxville – 3.9″
Lake Red Rock – 3″
Pella – 1.68″
Swan – 3.51″
Bussey – 1.52″
Rural Marion County reports near Knoxville had more than 6″ as of 7 p.m.