Devastating Tornado Damage in Tuscaloosa

[Ldlane]

Just saw the pics on CNN. Wow! Here's a prayer from the Navajo Nation!

Luckily, all of my Relatives in Alabama are safe. Many were up all night.

 

[RedStar]

Forrest Lake is gone. Had several friends that owned homes over there and they're houses are just gone. Lots of family in Tuscaloosa but they're all accounted for.

Tuscaloosa
Phil Campbell
Arab
Cullman
Birmingham
Hackleburg

Any other cities we can add to that list?

I've heard Phil Campbell was basically wiped off the map too. Maybe 3 or 4 buildings still standing downtown.

 

[bamanut_aj]

Just saw on the weather channel the tornado is being ruled an EF-4. just hate to imagine the damage had it been an EF-5 like the OKC or Jerrell, TX tornados back in the 90's. Still praying for all the UA students and everyone who has been impacted.

On a positive note, according to my friend, all UA athletes are accounted for...

the NWS hasn't determined yet whether it was an F4 or F5. The folks down here are biased, I guess is the word, and they're saying they can't see any way it's not ruled an F5. The tell tale signs are bark ripped off trees and grass ripped out of the earth. Maybe we'll have more info today from the NWS.

 

[SCBamaFamily]

Re: reports of major tornado damage in T-twon

Just heard from my daughter Stephanie...one of her friends was killed in the tornado. I feel so helpless with my child there!

Our prayers go out to you, your daughter, and her friend's family.

 

[RedStar]

Death toll in Hackleburg is up to 27 & 20 Phil Campbell and is expected to rise. That's 47 among two tiny towns. 36 is the # now being reported in Tuscaloosa by Jim Cantore.

 

[SwineFlew]

My sincere thoughts and prayers go out to everyone affected. Hang tough my friends.

 

[cindym]

My thoughts and prayers are with you my friends! I hope ya'll are ok!!!

 

[ccc2259]

Chris England of Crimson Tide Productions on The Today Show with his video

TODAY Video Player

 

[92tide]

Death toll in Hackleburg is up to 27 & 20 Phil Campbell and is expected to rise. That's 47 among two tiny towns. 36 is the # now being reported in Tuscaloosa by Jim Cantore.

those two towns have maybe 1000-1500 residents. this is just tragic

 

[Vinny]

This is just terrible. In my 4 years as a student in the early to mid 90s I have never even imagined of something like this happening to Tuscaloosa. My thoughts and prayers are with those who lost everything.

 

[Fishhead]

No words guys...this is more than terrible. Prayers from the Bayou State. Be safe and hug your loved ones...

 

[CrimsonChuck]

From what I've been hearing, the path took the tornado through Albert City, just north of Five Points, which would mean this thing likely *just* missed my in-laws house in Cottondale. They are likely to be without power for some time - possibly weeks - so I might be heading down Sat. with supplies for them to help them hold over (there's zero chance they'll come stay with us for that long, they're hard core homebodies)...

What about Arcadia? That is where I grew up, although my mom sold the house there quite a few years ago. Both my parents live in Northport and are okay...thank God.

My prayers for everyone affected.

 

[CrimsonCarl]

Aerial Survey of Tuscaloosa Damage

Never seen anything like this. Just goes on and on

 

[Lil Bama Lady]

Aerial Survey of Tuscaloosa Damage

Never seen anything like this. Just goes on and on

Unreal. It looks like a war zone.

 

[Black Warrior]

Still no news on the "hundred dead" report so I'm hoping that was false. Makes you wonder how rumors like that start. I can't imagine someone making that up on purpose. God bless you all that are waking up to deal with this mess today, especially those that list friends and family.

Can we get some updates from those in the area as the sun comes up?

The death toll is rising sharply. That report may not be far off. Communities like Rosedale, Forrest Lake, Alberta City and points in between have been pretty much leveled.
Folks should try utilizing the Red Cross site to contact friends or relatives or, if you're in the Tuscaloosa area, or anywhere in the tornado's path, to list themselves as "alive and well". Here's that link: [url]https://safeandwell.communityos.org/cms/index.php[/URL]

 

[Giant Squid]

I live just to the east of Five Points, and the tornado passed extremely close to my apartment. My upstairs neighbor said that it was less than a mile away, and could be very clearly seen dropping debris. Fortunately, I'm safe and staying with my girlfriend in Birmingham for a little while.

Pray for everyone in the city. From the pictures I've seen, Alberta City, Rosedale Courts, Forest Lake, and everything in the vicinity of 15th and McFarland simply no longer exist anymore. Tuscaloosa will be recovering for months to come.

 

[crimsonaudio]

Hey giantsquid - how did five points fare overall? Is Veterans Memorial clear? What about the WinnDixie intersection?

 

[TIDEnGA]

The death toll is rising sharply. That report may not be far off. Communities like Rosedale, Forrest Lake, Alberta City and points in between have been pretty much leveled.

We can only hope it won't be much worse. Can anyone tell me where Rosedale and Forrest Lake are? I know where Alberta City is.

Also, I was listening to talk radio here in ATL this morning. A lady whose daughter is a student at UA called in. She said much of the housing (not university student housing but where students live nonetheless) is destroyed between 15th and 3rd Avenue. Where is that in relation to the stadium and Hackberry? Thanks.

 

[SCBamaFamily]

I just found out about the tornado this morning when I got up. I've spent the last 2 hours trying to get as much information as possible. My heart goes out to everyone in Tuscaloosa and all the other areas of Alabama that were affected. The devastation and loss of life is unbelievable. Please keep us updated on the latest information.

Does anyone know anything about how the Rammer Jammer restaraunt faired? I worked there for a short time when I moved to Tuscaloosa in July 2000.

 

[Giant Squid]

There was no damage to the 5 Points area itself. The WinnDixie intersection is undamaged, but there is a power outage in the area and the streetlights and traffic lights aren't working. That seems to be the case in Cottondale as well, but there is power in the exit 77 area.

I don't know about Veterans Memorial, but everything in the area of 15th and McFarland is gone. I understand that Midtown, the Krispy Kreme, and the shopping center with the Hobby Lobby and Full Moon Barbeque are reduced to rubble.

Can anyone let us know either way about Veteran's Memorial?

SCBamaFamily: I read a report from someone who was in Rama Jama's when the tornado hit. The restaurant seems to be OK.

It seems like Midtown is gone but University Mall is standing? Is this correct?