Alabama assesses damage, begins recovery after brutal day of tornadoes

The citizens of Alabama are assessing the damage and banding together to care for one another a day after deadly tornadoes battered the state.

The death toll from the storms stands at five people, all of whom lived in the vicinity of Ohatchee, a small town in northwest Calhoun County.

Damage assessments from the National Weather Service (NWS) and others are ongoing in Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair, Calhoun, Cherokee, Bibb, Hale, Greene and Sumter Counties.

The NWS has preliminarily confirmed that an EF-3 tornado with 140 mph winds struck Shelby County. The service also confirmed EF-2 level damage in Calhoun County and EF-1 level damage in Pickens County.

EF-3 tornadoes have wind speeds from 136-165 mph, while EF-2s range from 111-135 mph and EF-1s range from 86-110 mph.

Local television newscasts in Alabama and the social media feeds of many of the state’s residents remain filled with images of the destruction from Thursday.

Current estimates say 14 tornadoes touched down in Alabama on Thursday, a number subject to change.

A spokesperson for Governor Kay Ivey said on Friday that “[t]he governor is letting our folks do their work in conducting a thorough assessment,” and that if the damage in Alabama meets the threshold for federal assistance, “Alabamians can count on the governor to apply.”

Local authorities are currently providing ways for citizens to help their neighbors.

First Baptist Church of Columbiana (208 North Main Street) will serve as a collection and distribution center for basic needs in our community tomorrow. Items can be dropped off from 8 a.m. to noon and will be ready for distribution from noon to 5 p.m. pic.twitter.com/9SHH3uB18M

— Shelby County SO (@ShelbyCountySO) March 26, 2021

The following information is listed on the Calhoun County Emergency Management Agency’s website:

Donations will be accepted for the affected communities beginning at 10 AM at the Calhoun County Ag Center.

Donations will be distributed beginning Saturday, March 27 at Ohatchee Senior Center and the Webster’s Chapel Community Center from 8 AM – 4 PM each day.

The Volunteer Reception Center will begin accepting Heavy Equipment Volunteers ONLY today from 12 PM – 4 PM.

We need to make sure we allow time for first responders to clear the affected areas from debris, downed lines utility leaks.

The Volunteer Reception Center will begin accepting general public volunteers on Saturday, March 27 from 8 AM – 4 PM

The United Way of Central Alabama is also taking donations for a relief fund for the victims of the March 25 storms.

Henry Thornton is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can contact him by email: henry@new-yhn.local or on Twitter @HenryThornton95.