NEW TAZEWELL, Tenn. (WOKI/WVLT) — A longtime Claiborne County business is preparing to reopen after a tornado tore through its property Friday evening, causing significant damage but leaving employees unharmed.
Duncan Lumber says it plans to partially reopen Tuesday morning at 8 a.m. following an EF-0 tornado confirmed by the National Weather Service along Coffey Road on May 22, 2026. The storm strengthened as it moved into downtown New Tazewell, damaging multiple buildings, including the family-owned lumber company that has operated since 1909.
The tornado destroyed one building on the property and ripped open large sections of the company’s main warehouse. Debris from a truss shop shed was also scattered across the site.
Only one employee was on site when the storm hit. He moved to another building moments before the tornado struck and was not injured.
Owner Andy Duncan says the damage was shocking when he arrived.
“So we left out there and came out here and this is what we came to,” Duncan said.
Since the storm, dozens of volunteers and crews have stepped in to help with cleanup, bringing heavy equipment to clear debris and salvage usable materials. Utility providers worked through the night to restore power and communications.
Despite the destruction, Duncan says the focus has been on getting back to serving customers as quickly as possible. Sales operations will temporarily move to a different building on site while the warehouse remains under assessment.
A structural engineer is expected later this week to determine the extent of repairs needed. The total financial impact is still being evaluated.
Family members say they are grateful the outcome wasn’t worse.
“It hurts, but on the other side, you’re just glad that no one was here,” said Kelli Thompson.
Duncan Lumber spans roughly 170,000 square feet and plays a key role in supplying building materials across the region. Community members and even competitors have pitched in to help the business recover.
For now, the company’s partial reopening marks an important step forward after the storm.
Duncan Lumber WVLT
