Tornadoes rip through Alabama for second time in 9 months
Friday, January 27th, 2012
Video: a look at the storm damage in a Center Point neighborhood
Storms and tornadoes made an unwelcome encore following their devastating march through Alabama on April 27. A series of tornadoes and severe storms passed through the central portion of the state in the early Monday morning hours.
Two were killed, and hundreds were injured. Hardest hit areas in Jefferson County included Center Point, Clay, Oak Grove and Trussville. Center Point received so much damage that Center Point Parkway wasn’t cleared to reopen for 2 days.
Hundreds of houses were destroyed or damaged along the path, which mirrored the same path of the deadly April tornadoes. Center Point Elementary, built in 2003, was damaged beyond repair and will have to be bulldozed and rebuilt.
Gov. Bentley declared a state of emergency for all counties.
[audio:http://wbhm.org/songs/jantornado.mp3|width=100%|titles=January 2012 tornado|artists=WBHM 90.3 FM]Audio: storm survivor stories
ABC 33/40 viewer-submitted photo
An EF-3 tornado tore through Center Point Monday.
Relief efforts are under way:
- Texting REDCROSS to 90999 will donate $10 to American Red Cross Disaster Relief.
- Those affected by the storms can call the Red Cross on a special line at (205) 439-7800, option 6.
- Donations can be made online to Samaritan’s Purse U.S. Disaster Relief fund and the Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services fund (specify for “January 2012 Tornado Relief”).
- The Junior League of Birmingham is collecting nonperishable foods, cleaning supplies and batteries at its office, 2212 20th Ave. S. [map] during office hours.
- Three Trussville churches are collecting water, food, toiletries, diapers, cleaning supplies and more.
Gallery: Jan. 23 storm aftermath
