A suspected tornado tore through Morgan County, Tennessee, on Thursday night, leaving a trail of destruction and claiming the lives of a mother and daughter. The deadly storm, part of a larger winter weather system that swept across the eastern United States, struck the small communities of Deer Lodge and Sunbright at approximately 8:27 p.m., causing severe damage to homes and property.
The victims have been identified as Wendy Smith, 45, and her daughter, Felicia Williams, 22, who were in the same home when the tornado hit. Wendy’s husband, who shared his grief publicly, described the pair as inseparable in both life and death. “My beautiful and loving wife Wendy Smith is gone at the age of 45. Her friendly and beautiful daughter Felicia Williams is gone with her mother. Felicia is forever 22 years old. As in life, they were inseparable at their deaths,” he said.
Wendy was a devoted mother and a dedicated employee of Williams Market, where she had worked for more than 20 years. Felicia, a bright and ambitious young woman, was pursuing her dream of becoming a healthcare professional. “Wendy loved watching reality TV and getting her nails done. She was shy and quiet but had a passion for her family that is incomparable,” her husband shared. “Felicia loved Tim Burton movies and was so excited about the new season of Stranger Things. She loved her friends, family, and her Starbucks coffee.”
The loss has been especially heartbreaking for Wendy’s 18-year-old son, Peyton, who is now without the two people closest to him. “Our grief is immeasurable,” the family said in a statement. “We both appreciate the outpouring of sympathy, prayers, and love.”
The tornado caused widespread damage across Morgan County, with more than 100 emergency responders deployed to assist with search and rescue operations. The Tennessee Highway Patrol has sent a specialized strike team to help locate any missing persons and assess the destruction. As daylight broke on Friday, teams began evaluating the hardest-hit areas to determine the full extent of the damage.
Aaron Evans, a spokesperson for the Morgan County Emergency Management Agency, said, “We’ll get a better picture of what the scene looks like, how much damage there is. Teams will be able to get a better grip and grasp on the area to see how many homes were damaged.”
At 9:45 a.m. Friday, approximately 8% of Morgan County remained without power, according to PowerOutage.us. The storm also disrupted phone and internet services, prompting officials to urge residents to avoid affected areas. The National Weather Service is expected to send a team to Deer Lodge to confirm whether the destruction was caused by a tornado. If verified, this would mark the first deadly tornado event of 2025.
Thursday night’s storm struck more than two hours after sunset, a factor that increases the danger of tornadoes. A 2022 study found that nighttime tornadoes are twice as likely to be deadly as those during the day due to reduced visibility and the difficulty in taking shelter. Morgan County has a history of tornado activity, including a devastating F3 twister in 2002 that killed seven people about 20 miles southeast of Deer Lodge. More recently, an EF1 tornado touched down in Sunbright last year.
Tennessee typically averages three tornadoes in February, a number lower than the peak tornado months of April and May. However, February tornadoes have become increasingly frequent, with 45 recorded across the United States last year alone.
As the community mourns the loss of Wendy and Felicia, emergency crews continue to work tirelessly to provide aid to those affected. The tragedy has brought the tight-knit community together, with neighbors offering support and comfort to one another during this difficult time.
Wendy and Felicia’s family has asked for privacy as they grieve but expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love and support. “They were the light of our lives,” the family said. “We will carry their memory with us forever.”
The tornado’s devastation serves as a stark reminder of the power of nature and the importance of preparedness. As Morgan County begins the long process of rebuilding, the memory of Wendy and Felicia will remain a symbol of resilience and the enduring strength of community.