COOKEVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — A series of strong tornadoes battered four counties in Middle Tennessee and killed 25 people. In Putnam County alone, hundreds of structures were damaged or destroyed.
Putnam County Mayor Randy Porter said 400 homes were damaged and 100 were destroyed.
Porter said people have gotten frustrated, because they want to help but aren't being allowed to right now. However, he said that's simply because it's not safe yet.
Utility companies are still trying to fix power lines and if too many people are nearby, it could be dangerous.
“A lot of people went to the area without us knowing about it,” said Porter. “If we have too many people in the area, we're not doing any good. Folks will be walking on top of each other. We have to be very organized.”
Porter added that volunteers will have register and get a special arm band. He hopes people can start volunteering on Saturday. If you can't help this weekend, they'll definitely still need volunteers, even weeks from now as this area recovers.
MORE TORNADO COVERAGE
- Here's what to know about the tornadoes that killed 24 in Tennessee
- How to help victims of the Tennessee tornadoes
- NES: Most power should be restored by Monday
- Five children among 18 killed in Putnam County tornado
- Deadly Tennessee Tornado stayed on the ground for 50 miles
- Two killed in East Nashville, at least 20 hurt after tornado rips through downtown
- Three dead, widespread damage reported in Wilson County
- Emergency shelters opened after deadly tornado
- 'Unbelievable damage' in Donelson after tornado passes through Middle Tennessee
- 18 dead in Putnam County after tornado hits Middle Tennessee
- GALLERY: Here are the victim's of the March tornadoes
