Morgan County Still Recovering 1 Year After Deadly EF2 Tornado

Local nonprofits and volunteers stepped up to help, but some families still struggle to rebuild.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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A year after an EF2 tornado ripped through Morgan County, Tennessee, killing two and leaving many homes damaged or destroyed, the community is still working to recover. While local nonprofits and volunteers have provided support, some families are still in dire need of assistance to rebuild their homes and lives.

Why it matters

The tornado was a devastating event for the small community of Morgan County, causing immense damage and loss of life. The ongoing recovery efforts highlight the resilience of the community, as well as the challenges that remain in fully restoring the area to its pre-tornado state.

The details

The EF2 tornado struck Morgan County on February 6, 2025, killing two women - Wendy Smith, a grade-school teacher, and Felicia Williams. Many homes were damaged or destroyed, and the community has been working to rebuild ever since. While some homes are now fully restored, others are still in the process of being rebuilt, and a few families remain in need of significant help.

  • The EF2 tornado struck Morgan County on February 6, 2025.
  • It has been over a year since the tornado hit the area.

The players

Brian Langley

Morgan County Executive who said the community has bounced back, but it will "never be the same."

Crystal Tompkins

Executive Director of the Morgan Scott Project, a local nonprofit that has been helping families rebuild after the tornado.

Wendy Smith

A grade-school teacher who was killed in the tornado.

Felicia Williams

A woman who was killed in the tornado.

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What they’re saying

“They were hit hard, but they've bounced back. But it's never going to be the same.”

— Brian Langley, Morgan County Executive (WATE)

“A lot of the homes are 100% back to where they were. Some of the houses are missing small things like outbuildings and stuff like that, from the families that I'm aware of, we keep in touch with. There are a few families who are rebuilding or in the process of rebuilding, and sadly, there are a few families who still are in dire need of some help.”

— Crystal Tompkins, Executive Director, Morgan Scott Project (WATE)

“Both of the ladies were a big part of the community, lots of people were touched by the loss of them, they were both great women.”

— Crystal Tompkins, Executive Director, Morgan Scott Project (WATE)

What’s next

The Morgan County Courthouse has placed a plaque to honor the two women who were killed in the tornado, ensuring their memory will live on.

The takeaway

The resilience of the Morgan County community is evident in the recovery efforts, but the tornado's impact will be felt for years to come. While progress has been made, some families still struggle to rebuild, highlighting the ongoing need for support and resources in the aftermath of such a devastating event.