Feb. 7 (UPI) — A mother and daughter were killed during a suspected tornado in eastern Tennessee, which also injured three other people.

The storm swept through Morgan County, Tenn., earlier this week, hitting the small communities of Deer Lodge and Sunbright, local officials said while confirming the deaths.

“We regret to confirm that two fatalities have occurred as a result of this event, two females; a mother and daughter from the same household. Additionally, three injuries have been reported. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of those affected by this tragic event. We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available,” the Morgan County Emergency Agency and Homeland Security Agency said on Facebook.

“The Morgan County Emergency Management Agency is working closely with local, state, and federal agencies to respond to this event and provide support to those affected.”

The agency deployed more than 100 first responders to the region, which lost electrical power, phone and internet service.

The National Weather Service was sending teams to the area Friday to confirm whether or not the event was indeed a tornado.

The agency said it will also catalogue the damage in a Preliminary Storm Survey.

Although not part of the region in the central United States known as Tornado Alley, Tennessee has seen recent tragedy and destruction caused by the powerful rotating columns of air.

In December 2023, six people were killed and more than 20 were injured when several tornadoes swept through Tennessee.

Last June, research published in the Journal of Applied Meteorology and Climatology confirmed tornadoes were becoming more prevalent in the Southeast, shifting away from the traditional Tornado Alley

Midwest Alley in the Plains to be more prevalent in parts of the South and Midwest over the last 50 years.