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Live TV Captures Massive Tornado Tearing Through Tuscaloosa

Live TV Captures Massive Tornado Tearing Through Tuscaloosa

A mile-wide tornado crushed sections of Tuscaloosa, Alabama late this afternoon.  A tower camera at WBRC-TV captured riveting live video as the tornado moved through.  The TV team can hardly believe what they are seeing:


(h/t Mediaite)

Comments (74)

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  • Bonnieblue2A
    Posted on April 27, 2011 at 11:45pm

    A close-up of same tornado in story header:

    http://vimeo.com/22970879

    Thoughts and prayers to all. Please donate to the red cross and give blood tomorrow, those who are able.

    Report Post »  
  • TheGiantIsAwake2012
    Posted on April 27, 2011 at 11:42pm

    My heart grieves during this storm. Thanks to all of you who prayed, we needed it. My family was in the line from Mississippi to Alabama to Tennessee and Georgia. They are reporting that the town of Hackelburg, AL is missing, Dadeville, AL took a direct hit and Catoosa, GA has had to call in mass casualty trailers. Alabama Governor Bentley has called for help from the National Guard for search and rescue. The Weather Channel reports this as the worst outbreak of tornados in American history. God forgive us and have mercy on us. I pray for family, friends and for this storm to weaken. I am so grateful for everyone of you praying, I cannot thank you enough. We’re not out of the “woodwork” as of yet, my area is next.

    Report Post »  
  • lynnbr21
    Posted on April 27, 2011 at 11:08pm

    my sister and her family live in tuscaloosa. i spoke with her earlier, they are shaken but okay. god bless everyone in the path of these storms.

    Report Post »  
  • sillyfreshness
    Posted on April 27, 2011 at 10:33pm

    Seems like the South is now getting all the tornadoes that the Midwest used to get. I don‘t understand what’s going on in the South lately to cause all this.

    Report Post » sillyfreshness  
  • Nations
    Posted on April 27, 2011 at 10:28pm

    My grandson was in that Tornado at the University of Alabama. He is ok but darn we were sure worried.

    Report Post » Nations  
  • bry
    Posted on April 27, 2011 at 10:27pm

    I pray for all those in the path of this dangerous system. Stay safe!

    Report Post » bry  
  • numbers
    Posted on April 27, 2011 at 10:17pm

    The Tuscaloosa tornado was said to be one mile wide. One of the many tornadoes was on the ground for three hours before losing steam! God comfort those injured and those mourning for loved ones.

    Report Post »  
  • General America
    Posted on April 27, 2011 at 10:15pm

    Prayers out to those folks

    Report Post » General America  
  • Tusker
    Posted on April 27, 2011 at 9:52pm

    This is just terrible. 292 twisters up until yesterday and over 94 today alone and counting. My local rag says 25 deaths in Alabama and 37 for the region. My thoughts with those that have lost loved ones and get ready for hurricane season people.

    Report Post » Tusker  
  • AmericanStrega
    Posted on April 27, 2011 at 9:49pm

    Is this mess hitting Knoxville, TN? I can’t get any info about it. My Sisters-in-law live there. Can’t get ahold of them. Pray God they’re okay. My prayers go out to all others that have been and are being affected by this weather.

    Report Post »  
  • BobForAmerica
    Posted on April 27, 2011 at 9:43pm

    I’ve lived in Birmingham for the past 45 years and have never seen anything likoe I saw today. The tornado that hit Tuscaloosa and Birmingham came within a mile of our house. I took my family into the basement and prayed for portection for all of the poepole of Birmingham, God protected my close family but my fellow citizens oif Birmingham and Tuscaloosa didn’t fair to well. As of 8PM CST there were 25 deaths reported with more to come.. I served fours years in the USMC as a 03 grunt with some of that time in the Middle East but have never seen anything like I witnessed today.

    Report Post »  
    • AmericanStrega
      Posted on April 27, 2011 at 9:51pm

      Prayers to you and yours and all affected, Bob. Also, thank you for your service.

      Report Post »  
    • Bob_R_OathKeeper
      Posted on April 27, 2011 at 10:17pm

      Semper Fi brother, another Bob for America here, prayers sent out, be safe.

      Report Post » Bob_R_OathKeeper  
    • Catherine A.
      Posted on April 27, 2011 at 10:27pm

      I am a native of Tuscaloosa and alum of UA, and a thirty-two year resident of Birmingham. I watched this tornado on live television as it churned its way through T-town and later just a few miles from my back door on Red Mountain. It was an awesome, terrible sight to behold. I’ve seen videos like this before, but never live in my own back yard. It was truly horrifying. Please pray for us.

      Report Post » Catherine A.  
  • COFemale
    Posted on April 27, 2011 at 9:42pm

    Wow, that was amazing and frightening to watch. May the Lord be with them during this challenging time. We certainly are having crazy weather around the country. I had snow last night and this morning they had to call out the snow plows to salt the roads.

    Report Post » COFemale  
  • hemipuma
    Posted on April 27, 2011 at 9:40pm

    I feel sorry for the people of Tuscaloosa,but people are forgetting Huntsville/Harvest where my sister lives and yes she was hit by the tornados( the neighbor next door house is now in the street, and they lost over half of their house) and thank God they came to her house or they would have died and 40%-50% of the allotmentment is gone, I am thankful no deaths there but PLEASE keep these people in your prayers. Thank you, Hemipuma

    Report Post » hemipuma  
  • WHITE LOTUS2x
    Posted on April 27, 2011 at 9:26pm

    We live in tornado alley and it can be pretty nerve racking. If the sky is dark, beware. Lotus.

    Report Post »  
  • Harvickfan29
    Posted on April 27, 2011 at 9:22pm

    I saw some Auburn fans saying this is what we get for killing their tree. This is much bigger than any football rivalry. People are dying, loosing their homes, belongings, and businesses. This is not a time for Alabama vs Auburn. I pray everyone one is safe and that the families that have lost loved ones will find peace. Death toll at 25 right now in Alabama

    Report Post » Harvickfan29  
    • AU Patriot
      Posted on April 27, 2011 at 9:58pm

      I’m an Auburn Alum and I can assure you that is a tiny fringe of the fans. Both sides unfortunately have these fans. My heart breaks for Tuscaloosa. I had family directly affected by this tornado. So sad.

      Report Post »  
  • Charbet
    Posted on April 27, 2011 at 9:20pm

    My prayers are with all of you in harms way tonight, be wary of your local weather conditions. Stay safe.

    Report Post » Charbet  
  • cjane96
    Posted on April 27, 2011 at 9:10pm

    I am here in Georgia, we are waiting and praying. My area is scheduled for the bad weather at about 12:30 / 1:00 in the morning. My prayers are with those folks in Tuscaloosa. I was over there quite a bit last year for work so I am familar with the area.

    Report Post »  
    • MidWestMom
      Posted on April 27, 2011 at 9:16pm

      Praying for the best. You need to prepare for the worst – be ready to run for cover, have a flashlight & radio handy.

      Report Post »  
    • KOCHLEFFEL
      Posted on April 28, 2011 at 12:37pm

      MIDWESTMOM,
      You are quoting Glenn Beck too often, how about YOU sending some real money and help those victims.

      Report Post »  
  • VermontPatriot
    Posted on April 27, 2011 at 8:58pm

    Does it seem like everything is building up to a huge climax?

    Just like a book or a movie.

    Is it going to be a Happy ending, or an Obama ending?

    We the people are going to have to decide very soon….

    Report Post » VermontPatriot  
  • mrsmileyface
    Posted on April 27, 2011 at 8:57pm

    Amazing footage. CIty Tornadoes are rare. Remeber the one that hit Atlanta?

    Report Post » mrsmileyface  
  • Mister_Bill
    Posted on April 27, 2011 at 8:57pm

    OMG global cooling has stuck again. Oops that is the promo from Earth-Green for last Century. — Never Mind– . I hope that nobody was hurt in the Natural Disaster – which is an “Act of God”. Bet you never heard the Global Climate Change attribute anything like that to the Great Almighty.

    Report Post » Mister_Bill  
  • AU Patriot
    Posted on April 27, 2011 at 8:56pm

    I am in a suburb of Birmingham. Tuscaloosa was hit hard today. A family member of mine who lives in Tuscaloosa lost their home in the tornado. They are okay thankfully. One area of B’ham, Pleasant Grove, was hit hard. They reported on the news that people are pulling out bodies from houses. Please keep us in your prayers as we begin the clean up process.

    Report Post »  
    • MidWestMom
      Posted on April 27, 2011 at 8:59pm

      You got it. Praying for all of you.

      Report Post »  
    • Oh, God!
      Posted on April 27, 2011 at 10:13pm

      Praying for you. We had some bad ones here in Texas this past week, but nothing like this.

      Report Post » Oh, God!  
  • AzSage
    Posted on April 27, 2011 at 8:55pm

    My prayers are with the people of Tuscaloosa.

    Report Post » AzSage  
    • SlimnRanger
      Posted on April 27, 2011 at 9:11pm

      We here in Oklahoma know what a tornado is and i tell you my heart goes out to all people that has been and is now being affected by tornadoes,yes they are scary,Folks i have sent up prayers to all affected, God Bless

      Report Post »  
  • lketchum
    Posted on April 27, 2011 at 8:51pm

    We have many dead and injured from Tusc to BHAM, AL and along the corridor along 20/59.

    Please pray for the victims and their families.

    Report Post » lketchum  
    • MidWestMom
      Posted on April 27, 2011 at 8:58pm

      Already on it!

      If some of you have never experienced a tornado, I can tell you from numerous personal experiences – they are downright scary – even the little ones. And the big ones are like he11 coming right at you.

      {{{ Shudder }}}

      .

      Report Post »  
    • paperpushermj
      Posted on April 27, 2011 at 9:09pm

      Done

      Report Post » paperpushermj  
    • Kurty C Wipe
      Posted on April 27, 2011 at 9:50pm

      And I bitch about negative 20 a couple weeks a year.

      Report Post » Kurty C Wipe  
    • Lana40
      Posted on April 27, 2011 at 10:35pm

      Local news reporting 15 dead in Tuscaloosa via Mayor. Nephew is up there in the University. He’s ok, was at work. Said that the stores across the street were GONE though. Gonna be a long night. God bless those that lost loved ones. :(

      Report Post » Lana40  
  • Stoic one
    Posted on April 27, 2011 at 8:51pm

    Lordy PEE…..
    That storm system is headed here to SW Ohio as I post. We will have the wettest month on record when this thing passes

    Report Post » Stoic one  
    • mrsmileyface
      Posted on April 27, 2011 at 9:01pm

      Good luck with all that flooding in the Cinci-tucky area. Here in the center of our state we have some large scale creek flooding. We might have had 4 days of dry weather this month im not 100% sure.

      Report Post » mrsmileyface  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on April 27, 2011 at 9:05pm

      Stoic One:

      I wish you the best with the system heading your way, keep safe and keep dry. Good Lord watch over you and your family unto a safer time when the storm clears.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • kentuckypatriot
      Posted on April 27, 2011 at 9:28pm

      Be safe, I’m just across the river from you………..

      Report Post » kentuckypatriot  
    • Native Texan
      Posted on April 27, 2011 at 10:58pm

      It has been so dry here in Eastland County, Texas we pray for any kind of storms like this with rain in them to help water our livestock. This series of storms started about 45 miles from here, west of Abilene over the weekend headed east. We knew there were confirmed Tornado on the ground but were praying they would come our way and bring a little rain. We can handle a little wind, we are use to that, but dirt starts tasting bad after about six months. Lord, please bring us a little water.

      Report Post »  
  • Showtime
    Posted on April 27, 2011 at 8:47pm

    I just received an email from a friend from high school who lives in Raleigh, NC. He said that Raleigh was a mess and hat they are still cleaning up.

    The northern half of Georgia (and possibly more) is under a tornado watch until 2 a.m.

    Report Post » Showtime  
    • enemy of the statist
      Posted on April 27, 2011 at 8:52pm

      Lord, give us a chance to make this better. We are so sorry for forsaken your word. We pray that our fellow citizens can see the light of your world.

      Report Post » enemy of the statist  
    • MidWestMom
      Posted on April 27, 2011 at 9:03pm

      Seriously people, when they say “TAKE COVER” – do it! Don’t wait to see or try to film it. Get to a safe place immediately. These things can grow huge very fast – I’ve seen two or three drop down & merge into one giant tornado. Tornados are nothing to fool around with.

      Report Post »  
    • banjarmon
      Posted on April 27, 2011 at 9:03pm

      One of the best storm reports I have ever seen…Well done.

      Report Post » banjarmon  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on April 27, 2011 at 9:04pm

      God please help these people and aid those in need, comfort those hurt in mind and soul, heal those who are injured and those who may mourn for anyone lost. Please come and heal the land of this fierce weather, and help us remember you are the eternal one, most holy Father of us all

      There is a time of judgment at hand for the nation; we must now decide once and for all where each and every one of us will stand…the light or the dark. For with God and Jesus we can make it out of all adversity, and into a golden age ahead.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • sing it out
      Posted on April 27, 2011 at 9:13pm

      It’s headed our way now… but it probably won’t be nearly as bad as Alabama got hit. Birmingham got hit awful; I‘m surprised they don’t have that video up. My sister is in Tennessee, under all kinds of warnings. A tornado has already hit the town she’s in. Praise to God for keeping her safe – everyone in the path of the storm system, stay safe!!

      Report Post » sing it out  
    • TheBlazeReader
      Posted on April 27, 2011 at 9:22pm

      Wow!

      Report Post » TheBlazeReader  
    • LIBERALSBEDAMNED
      Posted on April 27, 2011 at 9:38pm

      America, Britain and all the decendants of Isreal has passed the point of no return. The tribulation is coming upon the world very soon.

      Report Post » LIBERALSBEDAMNED  
    • Matrix22
      Posted on April 27, 2011 at 9:45pm

      Showtime,

      We live just south of Raleigh, and those Tornadoes missed our house by about 4 miles. I helped the day after with the cleanup…it was amazing. The devastation was straight out of the movies.

      Report Post »  
    • P C BE DAMNED
      Posted on April 27, 2011 at 9:58pm

      The storm just passed us quietly herein Canton, Georgia. I hope all will be OK. I watched the storm on internet radar and was able to see the exact streets my family were living on and I was able to tell my wife her sons family was more than likely fine. After it passed she called and they were fine. I will be watching internet radar until it all passes. God be praised for any protection from the storm and the one that is surely coming.

      Report Post » P C BE DAMNED  
    • jedi.kep
      Posted on April 27, 2011 at 10:40pm

      They said on the radio today 94 tornados just TODAY. I don’t care what anyone says, this end times stuff is serious. Back in 1985 we had a breakout of storms and it was only 81 over three days. Unreal.

      Report Post » jedi.kep  
    • AU Patriot
      Posted on April 27, 2011 at 10:49pm

      Banjarmon
      We have the best meteorologists in B’ham. They take this weather seriously. If there is a tornado warning in the market they do wall to wall coverage. It is 9:45 now and they have been on the air non stop since 2:00 this afternoon. They do keep us safe.

      The news people have reported 53 dead in AL so far. I fully expect this number to increase.

      Report Post »  
    • pray75
      Posted on April 27, 2011 at 11:36pm

      My friend and I were in Birmingham when we watched the video of the tornado unfold live. One of our best friends lives in Tuscaloosa; thank God he was safe. Unfortunately, the tornado came barreling towards Birmingham, so we fled south to our families, where lesser-powered tornadoes came through (we couldn’t get away, apparently). My girlfriend, a resident of UAB, decided to stay instead of come with me home. She saw the tornado rip through the city, towards where my father works. My dad, being a respectable ex-Navy man, had to be forced down to the first floor of his office because he wanted to keep working – to keep the T-Mobile cell phone coverage in the city up and running. But this move probably saved his life. So the people I know have been very fortunate.

      Unfortunately, this is not the case everywhere. The reports now say 64 people have died in the storms. Residents in Birmingham are having to conserve water big time, as Birmingham Water Works is out of power. 176,000 people around the city have no power as well. Much of Tuscaloosa is destroyed, and there are a lot of people displaced. Tomorrow, I’ve got a test up at UAB (assuming they still have classes tomorrow), and I’m probably going to help in the cleanup effort there. Hopefully there will be a large turn-out. But right now, I think the sentiment of many people here can be summed up in my girlfriend’s last text-message: “What happens now?”

      Ultimately, it’s up to us to decide that.

      Report Post »  
    • jedi.kep
      Posted on April 28, 2011 at 12:08am

      Golly gee, I wonder if there is anything to that ‘being prepared’ thing Glenn Beck keeps talking about….

      Report Post » jedi.kep  
    • SPKnarr
      Posted on April 28, 2011 at 12:30am

      I’m from Georgia, and I’ve never seen weather like this…

      Report Post » SPKnarr  
    • HMwHC
      Posted on April 28, 2011 at 6:48am

      Yeah, Raleigh is still a mess (I live about 15 miles north of Ral.) I’ve been cutting up firewood for the last week. I must have a years worth now. Stocking up, end times. My father-n-law watched the tornado ( in Ral.) go right over his house then waste the rest of his neighborhood. The Lords hand was definitely protecting him and his wife.
      I will be praying for all effected by this latest tornado. We know what y‘all are feeling and we’re with y’all in spirit.

      Report Post » HMwHC  
    • KOCHLEFFEL
      Posted on April 28, 2011 at 10:10am

      ENEMY,
      Are you nuts, posting your nonsense on the Blaze?

      Report Post »  
    • midcoastmainepatriot
      Posted on April 28, 2011 at 11:19pm

      My wife,my 9 and 5 year old boys and myself are praying on our knees for all the great people of Dixie…….. May the Lord hold you in His hand……

      Report Post » midcoastmainepatriot  
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