[Pemberleyan]

We are thankful this morning to have experienced no damage, no loss of loved ones, and to have power restored at our home. So many in Alabama were not as fortunate yesterday. The death toll stands at 128, but there are many still missing. I was amazed at this woman's nerve as she shot this video:

Then the aftermath:

Damage in Tuscaloosa in the wake of tornado - CBS 42 Birmingham, AL News Weather Sports

 

[Ceashels]

Glad you are safe and sound. My prayers go out to the families that were not as fortunate.

 

[Neeley]

It was unbelievable. My family is fortunate that we are in Central Alabama and the closest tornado was twenty miles from us. That particular one killed 5 and 7 are missing. As of a few minutes ago, the death toll for the state was up to 125. There are two active FV members from north Alabama. I sent one a FB message yesterday at the height of the storms, but have not heard back from her, yet. From what they are saying the power outages are pretty widespread, she could very well be without power. The other member I am about to sent a PM to. I've lived in Alabama my entire life and have never been afraid of a tornado. I normally go outside and watch when we have warnings. However, this round of storms and the ones we had last week (six or seven were killed in those) were the strongest ones ever.

 

[monkeywrangler71]

It was unbelievable. My family is fortunate that we are in Central Alabama and the closest tornado was twenty miles from us. That particular one killed 5 and 7 are missing. As of a few minute ago, the death toll for the state was up to 125. There are two active FV members from north Alabama. I have sent a FB message yesterday at the height of the storms, but have not heard back from her, yet. From what they are saying the power outages are pretty widespread, she could very well be without power. The other member I am about to sent a PM to. I've lived in Alabama my entire life and have never been afraid of a tornado. I normally go outside and watch when we have warnings. However, this round of storms and the ones we had last week (six or seven were killed in those) were the strongest ones ever.

Was thinking of you this morning, glad to see that you are alright.

 

[DixieJ]

Glad that you all are safe. My prayers are with the families that have lost loved ones.

 

[Pemberleyan]

Neeley, they just said a million are without power, so it's probably just a lack of power affecting the FV members.

We were more concerned than usual ourselves and went to our basement at one point. The weather men kept saying "deadly" and "violent" and there were so many reports of debris falling, etc.

 

[Spirit Deer]

We've been watching coverage on the Weather Channel all morning. It's heartbreaking. They're reporting the death toll over 200 now and expecting it to go higher. It'll take years to repair the damage, if it's ever done.

 

[heartofmine]

So scary. I spent part of yesterday in my basement with my dd. Got a little hairy here but thankfully no tornadoes. I was worried sick about my son. He had to hole up in a basement at the college until the weather finally broke enough so he could get home.

 

[frugalwarrior2]

Yahoo just had the total at 215 plus from the storms. Unbelievably sad. Prayers for all.

 

[mauimagic]

Sending prayers for all those involved and their families and friends - this is so devastating - a mile wide tornado? So scary.

In talks on tv this morning, one doctor said that the first thing to deal with is fear - and it must still be so scary. Water is a major concern also.

Talk about feeling helpless. Take care my friends.

 

[frugalfranny]

Glad you are safe and power was restored.

Hugs and prayers to all other families.

It was so sad watching it this A.M. on the news.
Such devastation and the loss is unbelievable.

TAKE CARE.............AND STAY SAFE.

 

[Rhiamon]

Sending my thoughts and prayers to everyone!

 

[jas]

Thoughts and prayers out to everyone effected by these storms. Just in shock.

 

[itsahumanzoo]

Glad to hear you are safe! I have many online friends in the danger zone and I am trying to make sure they are all accounted for. Praying for everyone effected by the tornadoes!

 

[Neeley]

We were just notified that my brother-in-law's aunt and cousin were killed in the tornado that I mentioned above (the one that hit Eclectic). Also, two other children were seriously injured.

 

[Pemberleyan]

Neeley, I am so sorry to hear that.

 

[JerryG]

I. Just. Heard. The. News. OMG - This is beyond tragic.

 

[Paws]

I live in North Alabama...trust me, seeing is definitely believing. I also have family in Phil Campbell, Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, and close to Mobile...some I've been able to check in with, and some...I can't get in touch with.

I have a family member who was actually in the hotel in Fultondale that was demolished. One minute he was in his room on the 3rd floor, the next, on the ground floor....Thankfully, he made it out okay.

Our little neighborhood looks like a bomb went off...debris everywhere...kinda still shell shocked...We fared better than many, but worse than a few. It was truly unbelievable...and terrifying. Bad business these storms...

 

[Neeley]

Paws,

So thankful you and your family are safe.

Governor's office just released a statement saying the death toll just in Alabama is up to 204.

 

[Pemberleyan]

Paws, I'm glad your relative made it through the hotel damage.

I hope you hear from your other relatives soon. I had a very difficult time getting in touch with Tuscaloosa area relatives because of land line and cell phone systems being out.