Environment

Tornado Outbreak Called Second-Deadliest in U.S. History

Tornado Outbreak Called Second Deadliest in U.S. History

A damaged truck is covered in graffiti in a tornado-ravaged area near Rainsville, Ala., Thursday, April, 28, 2011. A least 32 people died when a tornado struck Dekalb County Wednesday. (AP Photo/ Birmingham News, Mark Almond)

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — Southerners found their emergency safety net shredded Friday as they tried to emerge from the second-deadliest day for a twister outbreak in U.S. history.

Emergency buildings are wiped out. Bodies are stored in refrigerated trucks. Authorities are begging for such basics as flashlights. In one neighborhood, the storms even left firefighters to work without a truck.

Tornado Outbreak Called Second Deadliest in U.S. History

An American flag hangs over the rubble from the devastating tornado that struck Concord, Ala., Thursday April 28, 2011. (AP Photo/Wynter Byrd)

The death toll from Wednesday’s storms reached 337 across seven states, including at least 246 in Alabama.

The largest death toll ever was on March 18, 1925, when 747 people were killed in storms that raged through Missouri, Illinois and Indiana. The second deadliest day had been in March 1932, when 332 people died, all in Alabama.

The 1925 outbreak was long before the days when Doppler radar could warn communities of severe weather. Forecasters have said residents were told these tornadoes were coming. But they were just too wide and powerful and in populated areas to avoid a horrifying body count.

Tornado Outbreak Called Second Deadliest in U.S. History

Firefighters search for a missing child in the rubble at Rosedale Courts housing complex Thursday, April 28, 2011, after a tornado struck Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Wednesday. (AP Photo/David Bundy)

Hundreds if not thousands of people were injured Wednesday — 990 in Tuscaloosa alone — and as many as 1 million Alabama homes and businesses remained without power.

The scale of the disaster astonished President Barack Obama when he arrived in the state Friday.
“I’ve never seen devastation like this,” he said, standing in bright sunshine amid the wreckage in Tuscaloosa, where at least 45 people were killed and entire neighborhoods were flattened. Hours later, Obama signed disaster declarations for Mississippi and Georgia, in addition to one he had authorized for Alabama.

Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox called the devastation “a humanitarian crisis” for his city of more than 83,000.

Maddox said up to 446 people were unaccounted for in the city, though he added that many of those reports probably were from people who have since found their loved ones but have not notified authorities. Cadaver-detecting dogs were deployed in the city Friday but they had not found any remains, Maddox said.

During the mayor’s news conference, a man asked him for help getting into his home, and broke down as he told his story.

“You have the right to cry,” Maddox told him. “And I can tell you, the people of Tuscaloosa are crying with you.”

Friday night, Tuscaloosa officials reduced downward the death toll for the city and its police jurisdiction by six to 39, still the most in Alabama. With that change factored in, the state’s death toll stood at 246 early Saturday.

At least one tornado — a 205 mph monster that left at least 13 people dead in Smithville, Miss. — ranked in the National Weather Service’s most devastating category, EF-5. Meteorologist Jim LaDue said he expects “many more” of Wednesday’s tornadoes to receive that same rating, with winds topping 200 mph.

Comments (77)

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  • woemcat
    Posted on April 30, 2011 at 5:08pm

    Prayers to everyone who has endured hardships due to the weather this spring regardless of whether it has been from drought, fire, earthquake, flood or tornado. There have been many people hurt or displaced and also many people killed. Prayers for all of them and their loved ones.

    Report Post » woemcat  
  • Micmac
    Posted on April 30, 2011 at 3:12pm

    I live in CA and when right-coasters are here they freakout about the possibility of earthquakes. I’ve always said that the damage from Tornadoes is potentially greater, especially the loss of life. Wish I was wrong. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

    Report Post »  
  • Hickory
    Posted on April 30, 2011 at 3:11pm

    Have you noticed there are no screams for the government to come in and give free everything? These people come from very strong stock. They are independent and will recover from this. America look close. This is who we are. We are at our best when things are at the worst. Bless all of those who are suffering from this and please, if you live in these areas and can help clean up or house and feed these unfortunate Americans, do your part. We are what we do and we do for each other.

    Report Post » Hickory  
  • SantaFeBlue
    Posted on April 30, 2011 at 2:49pm

    Road this tornado out and thankful that our family is alive. There are so many people hurting and some of the more rural areas have yet to get help. Gradually getting power back on and some areas having to boil water.They found a 6 years old boy alive yesterday. Even with all the devastation around us a miracle happens.

    Report Post »  
  • Billsocal
    Posted on April 30, 2011 at 2:25pm

    I honestly believe that these tornadoes were man made.. There are classified weapons that are capable of causing tornadoes and controlling them. Good example is HARRP in Alaska. Just look at the videos they just don’t seem right. There wat too many spread around the Southern states. They have issued blizzard warning in North Dakota and saying they are going to get 20 inches of snow in Montana. It is almosy start of May something is not right with the weather and it’s not global warming.

    Report Post »  
    • BOMUSTGO
      Posted on April 30, 2011 at 2:56pm

      Tornados happen because of a warm front and a cold front coming together.

      Report Post » BOMUSTGO  
    • USNVET66-70
      Posted on May 1, 2011 at 2:35pm

      That is why we are called “Right Wing NUTS!”

      Report Post »  
  • teddrunk
    Posted on April 30, 2011 at 1:46pm

    May Our Lord watch over these people, help them, guide them, and give them strength.

    Report Post »  
  • fatjack
    Posted on April 30, 2011 at 1:16pm

    Quote
    “The second deadliest day had been in March 1932, when 332 people died, all in Alabama.”

    I wish they would get their facts correct. The Tupelo, Miss—–Gainesville, Ga 1936 was the second deadest with 436 killed.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1936_Tupelo%E2%80%93Gainesville_tornado_outbreak

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R81pvVrgnXA

    Report Post » fatjack  
  • followthefounders
    Posted on April 30, 2011 at 1:10pm

    How can I help?? There, but by the Grace of God…go I http://www.i-m-prepared.com

    Report Post »  
  • fobama
    Posted on April 30, 2011 at 12:54pm

    Here in upstate NY we are had 2, and flooding is a major issue, But I want my southern people to know we are thinking of you, an ask what can we do? I just dont know who to donate too, want to make sure it gets to you guys!! God bless all of you there, an my thoughts an prayers to all of you!

    Report Post » fobama  
    • quicker
      Posted on April 30, 2011 at 1:41pm

      All Walmarts are taking donations for tornado victems .Hope this helps.

      Report Post » quicker  
  • Nigel2
    Posted on April 30, 2011 at 12:31pm

    Death toll is not a reliable indicator of how severe a storm season is when used over multiple decades. Too many variables such as building codes, advanced warning, and increased urban sprawl skew the data to be used in any meaningful way.

    My sympathy goes out to all who are suffering.

    Report Post » Nigel2  
  • ChiefGeorge
    Posted on April 30, 2011 at 12:20pm

    Doors that should not be opened are opening because of the unrepentent sins of man and his continual turing away from God. God does not want us to suffer but have life here more abundantly but we reject his simply message. The doors then of our wayward living begin to open and out of those doors comes destruction not from God but from Satan himself. God is the restrainer and he pours out his grace upon us and will continue to do so but he also has a pre-appointed time for mans rule to end. Those days are coming upon us and fast. These are the pre-tribulation Tribulation days of suffering, plexity of nations, floods, famine, earthquakes these are the birth pains coming upon the earth. More to come because this world is continuing towards evil faster than it is receiving his message. A balance or tipping point will be met soon.

    With past messages of the End being predicted down through the centurys having been wrong so many times, the thought is it can’t happen now. The problem with all former predictions was based on numerology that was not correct and also did not ever account for the prophecies being fulfilled concerning the jewish nation of Israel. The time clock is based on them. Watch Israel to know how close we are.

    I will make my nation a burdensome stone and all that burden themselves with it shall be cut to pieces. Nations that are trying to divide up Israel will also directly suffer Gods wrath by being cuts to pieces. Everytime a world leader speaks against Israel and for dividing it up with treatys based out of the UN and EU they get hammered. All nations will go against Israel and the setup for that is been brewing since last year when BHO stated that he wanted a Palestinian State by 9/2011. Beware when you hear peace and security regarding the safety of Israel because it is false and only War will come from it. Read Psalm 83. The Psalm 83 War has not taken place yet and will be the coming War against Israel in which Israel will triump but they will regroup for the final solution against Israel and that will be Gog and Magog War.

    Report Post » ChiefGeorge  
  • chkiaar
    Posted on April 30, 2011 at 12:18pm

    My heart goes out to the people that exeperience this weeks terrible weather.

    I just keard on TV that environmentalists are saying if we go green, we’ll reduce deadly tornados like we had this past week. Ancient cultures believed that human sacrifice would ensure the sun rising the next day. I see a correlation here…

    Report Post »  
  • ChiefGeorge
    Posted on April 30, 2011 at 12:05pm

    The one who wrote didn’t make it 2011 should have wrote, Survived 2011.

    These warnings are catching the attention of some who have eyes to see with and hears to hear with. The Holy Spirit can deliver but you must be living in accordance with Gods love and redemption through Jesus. Get redeemed at no cost to you today! The price has been payed in full! Get your Jesus Life insurance for free!

    Report Post » ChiefGeorge  
    • LetUsReason
      Posted on April 30, 2011 at 12:46pm

      I agree with the spiritual implications, but slap my forehead at your door-to-door vacuum cleaner salesman approach at it.

      Report Post »  
  • IslandMama
    Posted on April 30, 2011 at 12:00pm

    I would like to ask: Where are the foreign countries rushing to our aid? When disaster strikes in other places, Americans come through with medical supplies, food, money, whatever they need. Where are the people coming to our aid? And why isn’t the media asking that question?

    Report Post »  
    • quicker
      Posted on April 30, 2011 at 12:04pm

      Why would thay .These are countrys that don`t like us ,And now thanks to Pebo they don`t even respect us.

      Report Post » quicker  
    • smak
      Posted on April 30, 2011 at 12:26pm

      Don’t make this political.

      Report Post »  
    • LetUsReason
      Posted on April 30, 2011 at 12:44pm

      It’s not political….it’s humanitarian. I think it’s a perfectly valid question.

      Report Post »  
    • BOMUSTGO
      Posted on April 30, 2011 at 1:17pm

      Because of Capitalism the U.S. has been able to come to the aid of other nations.Give Obama time and we will all be seeking aid from other countries.And they won’t have nothing to give.

      Report Post » BOMUSTGO  
  • 5410amh
    Posted on April 30, 2011 at 11:32am

    All the severely affected states like Alabama should call up their entire national guards. And power companies should have the power back up in most places in a few days because they work around the clock on disasters.

    Report Post »  
  • susie4dy
    Posted on April 30, 2011 at 11:18am

    what can I do to help? I can come help you clean up!

    Report Post » susie4dy  
  • Oil_Robb
    Posted on April 30, 2011 at 10:54am

    Some knob on TV said it was because the Ocean in the region is a half of degree warmer….lololol

    Report Post »  
  • crossdraw
    Posted on April 30, 2011 at 10:53am

    Why has the government, all of a sudden, shut down the HAARP website? HMMMMMMMMMMMMM

    Report Post »  
    • BOMUSTGO
      Posted on April 30, 2011 at 10:56am

      They don’t want us to know about their weather modification program.

      Report Post » BOMUSTGO  
  • crossdraw
    Posted on April 30, 2011 at 10:52am

    And the government shut down the HAARP website. HMMMMMMMM

    Report Post »  
  • BOMUSTGO
    Posted on April 30, 2011 at 10:38am

    Mother earth is mad at us. We are not worhipping her enough….I can hear it now! I got news for them, the more they worship the earth, the more the earth will turn on them. GOD has a history of turning things that man worships against them.Worship the CREATOR, and not the creation!

    Report Post » BOMUSTGO  
  • Rickfromillinois
    Posted on April 30, 2011 at 10:29am

    Beware of the radical warm-Earthers who try to use this as proof of global warming and the immediate need to ram through their whacko legislation. I have already heard a couple of people on TV using this as an example. Instead we need to concentrate on helping the survivors and not on trying to use it for some type of political gain.

    Report Post » Rickfromillinois  
  • SlimnRanger
    Posted on April 30, 2011 at 10:20am

    My prayers for all the people affected by these terriable storms,i pray something good will come from all this tradgey

    Report Post »  
  • PatriotsCause
    Posted on April 30, 2011 at 10:12am

    Here are two videos made by some of the members of our amateur radio emergency group, the Calhoun County ARES/RACES Group, of before and after from the tornado that hit the Ohatchee area in Calhoun County Alabama.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCZP7QPJhCo

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Kh5cZoSjQA

    As of this posting there were 9 confirmed fatalities here in our area.

    Report Post » PatriotsCause  
    • PatriotsCause
      Posted on April 30, 2011 at 11:17am

      Events like these seem to nearly always bring out the best in people who are willing to help their neighbors, but unfortunately it seems to nearly always bring out the worst in people who are willing to help themselves to other’s belongings.

      Yes, there are reports of looters in and around the areas of devastation going from place to place.

      Some people have no shame!!!

      Report Post » PatriotsCause  
    • Showtime
      Posted on April 30, 2011 at 11:42am

      Thank you.

      Report Post » Showtime  
  • Uncurable wound
    Posted on April 30, 2011 at 10:07am

    God, Thy will be done…

    Report Post »  
    • Atlas_Shagged
      Posted on April 30, 2011 at 1:56pm

      Thank the Lord; every disaster presents opportunity! It would be a good idea for some John Gault-style entrepreneurs to go down there and re-develop everything from the ground up. Instead of individual heating, drill a central geothermal heating tunnel that everyone in Tuscaloosa could use for free. Plan the city to use solar panels and produce its own electricity for everyone in the region. Make all the structures modern and wireless and protected from future storms. I bet Obummer would pay for it, if we got Governors Huckabee and Palin or Speaker Gingrich to support it!

      Report Post » MONICNE  
  • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
    Posted on April 30, 2011 at 9:59am

    God above please help these people and let the storms end. Bring peace to them and rain to those who are needing it in TX.

    Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • quicker
      Posted on April 30, 2011 at 10:06am

      Thanks for us here in Tx.But these poor people need help more .As seen with Ike we here in Tx know how to use our boot straps.I would ask all you blazers to give to the Red Cross orSalvation Army.Wath ever you can .I myself will be giving to those That need it.

      Report Post » quicker  
    • drphil69
      Posted on April 30, 2011 at 10:58am

      Amen.

      Report Post »  
    • Lana40
      Posted on April 30, 2011 at 11:02am

      I was at the UAB hospital Thursday and the drive up on I65 (150m) was promising. We passed mile long lines of Electric trucks from S. Alabama and Florida, people hauling backhoes, tractors, 4 wheelers, dump trucks and then different lines of our AL troops….Thats‘ when you couldn’t help but think…. “The calvary was coming.”
      I met many ppl, all with their unbelievable stories of pain and loss, but what I noticed most of all is their unrelentless spirit to overcome and their Thanks to God for their lives. Strangers talked and hugged and asked, ‘What can I do?” A person wouldn‘t have a heart if they couldn’t find the power of love in each encounter.

      I have no idea why the Fed government declared an emergency in AL so early in the aftermath. They’d already passed up OK, AR, LA, MS and TX that had and has devastation….why us? I heard many discussions on this very topic. You wouldn’t begin to believe the reasonings…….but w/ this administration, some of the ‘Really? Ya think?” reasonings aren’t so far fetched. So who knows.
      We are praying for Texas though. They need the rain horribly. Our prayers need to include them each time we pray.
      One thing about the South…….we’ll bounce back and overcome the trials and tribulations…..as ONE.

      Report Post » Lana40  
    • mrclean
      Posted on April 30, 2011 at 11:18am

      Here in southeast Missouri we were under tornado watches and warnings nearly every day since Tuesday a week and a half ago, up through this past Wednesday. On Wednesday, tornado warnings popped up totally unexpectedly out of a “severe thunderstorm warning” —- they just appeared suddenly “out of nowhere” and with in 1-2 minutes, tornados and funnel clouds were appearing throughout the area. Since I live in a trailer, I drove like a maniac seeking shelter away from the danger, or so I thought. I arrived at Walmart (the closest study structure 13 miles from home) and before I turned the car off a tornado warning came over radio for my exact location.

      Folks, it was only through God’s mercy that I survived this past week— the incredible stress from being in continual fear for my life should have stopped my heart. Now, the agony of those who suffered complete destruction of their entire lives is weighing heavy in my heart. I can only pray for them all day long and the tears well up whenever I hear a news report or read something online.

      Please pray as Snow suggested, because those of us who know the Lord also know HE WILL bring peace and light into the destruction and hopelessness. Walk a mile in their shoes and you will never be the same.

      Report Post » mrclean  
    • theonefromabove
      Posted on April 30, 2011 at 11:28am

      Sad to see these pictures but grateful.

      http://politicalbowl.com – Political Videos

      Report Post »  
    • Bible Quotin' Science Fearin' Conservative American
      Posted on April 30, 2011 at 11:55am

      Texas Governor is an idiot for comparing this to the wild fires. It‘s horrible that anyone died from the wildfires but it’s just not the same as this.

      Report Post » Bible Quotin' Science Fearin' Conservative American  
    • Deb C
      Posted on April 30, 2011 at 12:21pm

      Has any of our global neighbors offered help ?

      Report Post » Deb C  
    • LetUsReason
      Posted on April 30, 2011 at 12:40pm

      @ Deb C

      Good question. I haven’t heard anything of yet, but is it any wonder?

      Report Post »  
    • followthefounders
      Posted on April 30, 2011 at 1:05pm

      I want to help because….There… but by the Grace of God go I……www.i-m-prepared.com

      Report Post »  
    • missionarydad
      Posted on April 30, 2011 at 1:11pm

      Actually as far as tornado outbreaks go the one that hit the other night is the worst outbreak in history. The 1925 death toll was from one tornado the likes of which only happens like every 1000 years. That storm stayed on the ground through 3 states and actually went out changing it’s path several times to hit the more populated areas, which was really weird to get that high of a death toll, because in them days those states were pretty sparsely populated.

      http://www.saywhatyoureallymean.blogspot.com

      Report Post »  
    • Praise!
      Posted on April 30, 2011 at 1:14pm

      Thank God that our President has visited the horrible aftermath and has sent our hard working FEMA officers to assist all the governors who need Federal Help! Thank God we had the foresight and planned capability to assist so many States so quickly. God Bless the Not-For-Profit Volunteers and Insurance Companies who will rapidly respond, and the major corporations like Wal-mart and Target who will donate tax-deductible water, food, clothing and supplies to be distributed by the Red Cross.

      Report Post » MONICNE  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on April 30, 2011 at 1:39pm

      @MrClean:

      Indeed God watched over you during those times. May his will be done.

      @Lana:

      The very spirit of generosity and community you mentioned seeing unfold in the South is common in many areas of the nation. We are individuals, yet when the line is drawn and disaster or need hits us as a community, people will unite and do what we can for one another.

      THAT is the true strength of AMERICA!!! We are a nation based on life, love and generocity which is a lot more common than the news and many of us really see. Myself for a long time, thought that all forms of courtesy and such were long dead.

      Nope.

      God help all those afflicted by these storms, fires, flooding and economically.

      For with his help, a greater America will always emerge.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • Bible Quotin' Science Fearin' Conservative American
      Posted on April 30, 2011 at 1:51pm

      I want to know how many of MY tax dollars were spent on Obama’s tornado photo op!

      Report Post » Bible Quotin' Science Fearin' Conservative American  
    • Bible Quotin' Science Fearin' Conservative American
      Posted on April 30, 2011 at 1:52pm

      more like Torna-dough!

      Report Post » Bible Quotin' Science Fearin' Conservative American  
    • missionarydad
      Posted on April 30, 2011 at 1:54pm

      This has been this administration’s modus operandi all along. The secrecy and lack of transparency would make any dictator envious, especially the way Obama has been able to pull this off in what is supposed to be a free country. There have been a couple noted temper tantrums from the press along the way but for the most part they are very willing participants as they realize without their blindness this administration could not get away with what he is doing to this country and carry out his leftist agenda. I recall a spat early on where Helen Thomas and others were involved where she gave it to his press secretary Robert Gibbs about the lack of access of this administration. I believe she said it was worse than anything even Nixon ever done. It like other rare occurrences are just swept under the rug and the story left to die, as I believe this one will be.

      http://www.saywhatyoureallymean.blogspot.com

      Report Post »  
    • missionarydad
      Posted on April 30, 2011 at 1:58pm

      Ignore my above last post some how it got posted on the wrong story, I had the right story up but something went wrong.

      Report Post »  
    • Issachar Crust
      Posted on April 30, 2011 at 2:54pm

      @Praise!
      Posted on April 30, 2011 at 1:14pm
      Thank God that our President has visited the horrible aftermath and has sent our hard working FEMA officers to assist all the governors who need Federal Help!
      —————–
      that is IF he is our president, he is not mine, i do not recognize the fraud in the WH…marxist, divider and userper of our laws.

      Report Post »  
    • Bible Quotin' Science Fearin' Conservative American
      Posted on April 30, 2011 at 3:57pm

      Good. I can only hope you’re teaching your children to view the position of President of the United States of America with equal disdain as yourself.

      Report Post » Bible Quotin' Science Fearin' Conservative American  
    • XScramblerX
      Posted on April 30, 2011 at 5:25pm

      Amen

      Report Post » XScramblerX  
    • joan k
      Posted on April 30, 2011 at 5:43pm

      A group of Patriots from upstate NY are looking for people down south who are in need of help. They are gathering supplies to send to anyone who needs it and whatever you need. If you know someone who needs this help contact them here:
      http://www.thecastletonpatriot.com/?p=457

      Report Post » joan k  
    • LiveNation
      Posted on April 30, 2011 at 9:45pm

      Here are two Facebook pages being used to coordinate support for a small town northeast of Birmingham. Ironically, this county was left-off the Federal Disaster Declaration List.

      http://www.facebook.com/pages/AMS-Red-Cross-Disaster-Relief/147509481985562?sk=info
      http://www.facebook.com/pages/Prayin-for-Shoal-Creek-Valley/104990439590003?sk=info

      Report Post »  
    • jackrorabbit
      Posted on May 1, 2011 at 9:20am

      Just imagine if this had happened when we didn’t have Doppler radar. I imagine that the death toll would have been much higher. Once again, private technology has saved lives. When will the government get out of the way of private business?

      Report Post »  
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