If I never hear another tornado siren in my life it will be too soon. There were times last Wednesday when the siren wouldn’t even be cleared from one warning before another sounded.
By now most of the major highways have been cleared of debris. However, crews will be working for months to come to clear the roadside of all the debris that was removed from the lanes of traffic. There are still very large numbers of people without power as crews work to restore downed tower structures and transmission lines. Many larger cities such as Huntsville, AL have a dusk to dawn curfew. To be out on the streets at night without working traffic signals is just too dangerous .
A major route is being shut down locally this morning while cadaver dogs search for more victims. The death numbers you are seeing reported are only the confirmed. Sadly, this same scenario is being played out throughout Central and Northern Alabama as well as parts of Mississippi, Tennessee, and Georgia.
Some local TV and radio stations finally started showing regular programs on a limited basis yesterday but for the most part are broadcasting local recovery information.
Understand that all is well in my part of the state…considering. The carnage and destruction begins one county down and one county over from me in Alabama and two counties southwest into Mississippi. The small towns of Smithville, Mississippi, Hackleburg, Alabama, and Phil Campbell, Alabama are no more. These close knit communities are hurting. Literally every person left of the population has suffered loss of family members and property. Three people from the office where I work lost homes or suffered serious property damage. One man from the office from which I retired lost his mother. Her funeral is today. Certainly there are many small communities across the region experiencing the same trial.
Forgive me for being a downer but this is the first time I have even been emotionally recovered enough to talk about it. My FaceBook status of last Thursday was all I could say at the time. My wife, children, grandchildren, and brother (though his power is off) are safe. We are blessed.
I sure would like to hear from Sugarplum Fairy. I did hear from primchristmas in hard hit Tuscaloosa, Alabama (about 110 miles south of me) yesterday. Her power was out and she has been out in the community helping her friends in true need. The Christmas Spirit personified!
Alabama Emergency Management Agency
