Tornadoes in Alabama (PIC Heavy, Lengthy but worthwhile)

Hello all! 

As you may all know, Alabama went through a devastating line of tornadoes last Wednesday, April 27. It's hard to believe that one week ago so many lives were affected by these storms. Lives were lost and homes were destroyed. This is a surreal time for me, knowing how lucky I am to be alive, much less sitting here posting this message to you all. Arab, Alabama, the place where I call home, was hit during these deadly tornadoes. 

I'm sad to report that a confirmed five lives were lost. Phillip and Ann Halmark, their son Shane Halmark and his wife Jennifer, and little 17 month old twin Jayden, son of Ricky and Regina Halmark were all killed in the storm. Jayden's twin sister, another child, and a neighbor were all critically injured and taken to Huntsville Hospital nearby. They have not released any official numbers yet, but here is what is being reported. There were a total of 360 some odd tornadoes, more than 200 people killed, and still over 350 people unaccounted for (whether they be missing or dead). The National Weather Service has tentatively proclaimed the deadly tornado that ripped through Arab was an F-4, staying on the ground for more than an hour. 

Prayers are still desperately needed. Count your blessings! 

Power is still not 100% completely restored. I just received power at my home and office yesterday. Others will not have power for weeks. This goes for everyone in the state of Alabama affected by the storms.

Help for disaster relief is also desperately needed for the whole state of Alabama, as well as parts of Mississippi and Tennessee. If you would like to contribute there are several ways you can help. Click here for more information. 

Here are some pictures of and from the storms that passed through. These were all either taken by myself or borrowed from websites. Captions will indicate sources.

More pictures of the storms throughout Alabama can be seen here. 

Tornado that took the lives of 4 in Dekalb County, AL. This came through Arab.

Source: www.arab-today.com

Deadly tornado that claimed 5 lives in Arab, AL. 

Source: www.arab-today.com

Service Station destroyed by the tornado

Source: www.arab-today.com

Unidentified group of volunteers transporting tornado victim to an ambulance nearby.

Source: www.arab-today.com

Highway 231, Arab, AL. 

Source: www.arab-today.com

Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley meets with President Obama and Mrs. Obama in Tuscaloosa, AL. 

Source: Birmingham News

Home in Arab, AL, damaged by the storms.

Source: The Huntsville Times

:( I've been looking at some of these on the news, too. It's so sad. I'm sorry to hear about the ones you know that were lost. The whole thing was a terrifying and sudden tragedy.

So sad and scary  My heart goes out to everyone.  A few of my friend's families are living in these areas.  So far none of them have lost theirs lives, but they did lose a lot of other things. 

I send prayers every day.

Thank you for your post and for those that were lost, my condolences. How devestating.
I have a ton of clothes to donate in my trunk to the Red Cross. I don't know if I can get them there before I leave Monday but I may leave them out and for a donation pick up someplace. God bless them. FI's family is from there and they were just spared as it hit on the outskirts of Pleasant Grove just a few miles from them.

Thank you all.

SoonToBe.Mrs.G: I'm glad that your FI's family is ok. Pleasant Grove got hit pretty hard. Thank you for donating! 

Super prayers sent out! 

Thank you all.

SoonToBe.Mrs.G: I'm glad that your FI's family is ok. Pleasant Grove got hit pretty hard. Thank you for donating! 

Super prayers sent out! 

yes and there were some in Tuscaloosa and a few other scattered areas...i'm not sure how they were missed when it came so close. i'm so sad to read of those lost. bless them

I have and will continue to pray for all the victims in this disaster. We will be donating to the cause in place of favors for our wedding next weekend. 

My BIL and SIL just  moved to Tuscaloosa last year.  They've shown me videos and pics that they took from their cell phones WHILE the tornado was hitting them.  It is so scary.  Praying hard for those families!

I will continue to pray for all the victims in this disaster.