MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - The National Weather Service says a tornado didn’t directly kill four people who died Monday in southeast Alabama.
A survey team concludes a tree that crashed through a mobile home near Rehobeth, claiming four lives, was felled by straight-line thunderstorm winds. However, the winds of 85 mph were associated with a nearby tornado with 115 mph winds, the team concluded.
That twister, rated EF-2 on the enhanced Fujita scale, touched down in Geneva County and ended eight miles later in Houston County, creating a 500-yard-wide damage path. The tornado’s worst destruction came at the National Peanut Festival grounds, causing an estimated $60,000 to $75,000 in damage.
Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley met with the victims’ family members Wednesday as he toured the storm damage in the region.
“We can replace structures and we can replace houses, but you can’t replace people,” Bentley said.
The four people were killed when a tree fell on a mobile home where seven family members and friends were inside. Hearing a tornado alert and the roar of the storm outside, three ran to a bathroom to take shelter and four went into another small room, as officials often advise. Ramona Michelle Lewis, Mandy Blair, Carla Lambert and Terina Brookshire were killed when the tree toppled fell into the room where they were taking shelter.
“They were trying to do the right thing,” Houston County EMA Director Chris Judah said.
Bentley somberly noted he has had to meet with storm victims’ families multiple times over his two terms in the state. Alabama is regularly beset by tornadoes and severe thunderstorms.
“You never get used to meeting with families who have suffered losses like this,” Bentley said.
Bentley told The Dothan Eagle (https://bit.ly/2hSavm2) disaster aid is unlikely because damage won’t meet a required dollar threshold. He said small business loans and other programs may be available.
A second twister with 90 mph winds hit Bullock County, causing mainly tree damage. The governor said the state was working on a damage assessment to see if the damage in the region would qualify for federal assistance.
At least 20 tornadoes have been counted in Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia and Louisiana.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.