Severe weather swept across the state late Tuesday night thru the early morning hours. Two people have been reported killed in the Flatwoods community in Montgomery County. There is reported damage across parts of the state, particularly in Montgomery, Greene, Elmore, and Hale Counties.
A 39-year-old woman and an eight-year-old boy were killed in the Flatwoods Community in Montgomery County when a tree fell on their mobile home. Other people were injured in the home.
“It’s absolutely looking like a small community’s been wiped off the map,” said Christina Thornton ā the director of the Montgomery County Emergency Management Agency ā speaking of Flatwoods. “It’s really devastating to think about when you look across the field, and you know that there were homes there the day before on your way to work. And when you’re leaving work this morning, they’re not going to be there.”
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department reported that a shelter was being opened at the Union Academy Baptist Church at 4748 Lower Wetumpka Road for the residents who were displaced by the nearby destruction.
There are a number of homes destroyed in Montgomery County.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency wrote on Facebook, “On Wednesday, Nov. 30, severe overnight storms and possible tornados have caused several road closures. The following roads within Montgomery County have been reported to have trees and powerlines down, Lower Wetumpka Road, Coosada Ferry Road, and Williams Drive. The following roads within Elmore County have also been reported to have trees and powerlines down Dark Corners Road, Friendship Road and Rifle Range Road.”
Crews are on the scene working on getting all the roads reopened today.
The Sagewood Apartments complex in Eutaw in Greene County was destroyed by an apparent tornado leaving dozens of residents homeless this morning.
ABC 33/40’s Megan Scarano reported on her Facebook feed, “As the sun risesā¦.This is the reality this morning for some families at Sagewood Apartments in Eutaw. Their home was torn to shreds. You can see straight through bedrooms, hallways, and you can see insulation hanging in the wind. Siding, shingles, and wood is laying all over their backyard. You can hear the fire alarms going off in the background as well. “
Eutaw Police Chief Tommy Johnson told Scarano that “they believe no one is injured.”
First responders moved the displaced residents to Carver Middle School during the immediate crisis, but they will need to find new housing in the immediate future.
Be aware that there will be power crews and highway crews out on the roads today as they work to reopen roads, remove storm damage, and restore power, so expect delays and please slow down for their safety and your own.
Congresswoman Terri Sewell wrote on Facebook, “My heart goes out to everyone impacted by last night’s severe storms, especially the families of those who lost their lives or were injured. My team and I are closely monitoring the damage and stand ready to assist. We will get through this together!”
Severe weather can strike at any time of the year in moisture-rich Alabama. More people have died in Alabama from tornados since the 1940s, when accurate records first began being kept, than in any other state. Texas is second.
To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
