Tornado 2011 (Birmingham, Huntsville, Tuscaloosa: insurance, homes, neighborhoods)

[HB2HSV]

We escaped to Atlanta because there're no electricity for the next 4~5 days. I know most folks in Huntsvilles can not watch TV and see the destruction across the states from this tornado, but it's incredible to see the destructive power and very sad for the folks who're severly affected. Many of us are very lucky as our homes were not in the direct path of tornados, and there were hundreds of tornados in the 48 hour period.

We saw neighborhoods that were completely wiped out in Birmingham and state-wide ~300 people died (as of latest). A local law-enforcement friend said that the Anderson Hill area sufferred and people died as a result of this tornado.

We were surprised that traffic out of town was not an issue yesterday. We knew the I-65 was going to be bad down in Cullman and Birmingham area and probably would not have gas station open, so we went up 72 to Chattanooga and come down to Atlanta. On 72 the Flint river was absolutely flooded, only 1 foot below the bridge level, and the farmland south of 72 was flooded. There was finally electricity, hence gas, right before we reach Tennessee. There were, surprisingly; virtually no traffic on 72 yesterday.

We also saw the tornado damage along I-75 in Georgia with snapped tree trunks, shattered billboards, and downed powerlines. But overall, they have electricity and all restaurants and gas stations stayed open along I-75.

God blessed those who were killed or injured from this tornado. Let's hope the electricity come back soon.

[harry chickpea]

Having been through Wilma and Andrew in Florida, I see parallels. People are usually OK without power for about three days before they start feeling it. You were wise to leave, although the Shoals is closer and has power. Long lines for gas. Yep, been there. You don't want to be low on gas or not have gas for a generator before a storm.

Rubberneckers stand a decent chance of a flat tire in their travels. Nails and other road debris can happen. The news media tires to do a good job, but they get overtired and overstressed and make silly errors. WHNT was complaining about the lines of cars jamming the roads to leave the area. Those folks leaving were smart and the lessening of their needs upon existing supplies is a blessing.

Huntsville should fare pretty well against looters compared to areas of south Florida. Looters looking for come into the state easy pickings in the country would be well advised to note that most of us are armed and used to shooting.

Prayers to those immediately affected. With hurricanes, often the structure of a home remained habitable. In these tornadoes, so many are a total loss. Expect insurance rates to rise in the state, and explorations for separate windstorm coverage, as is in Florida.

[PJSaturn]

Originally Posted by HB2HSV

We escaped to Atlanta because there're no electricity for the next 4~5 days. I know most folks in Huntsvilles can not watch TV and see the destruction across the states from this tornado, but it's incredible to see the destructive power and very sad for the folks who're severly affected. Many of us are very lucky as our homes were not in the direct path of tornados, and there were hundreds of tornados in the 48 hour period.

We saw neighborhoods that were completely wiped out in Birmingham and state-wide ~300 people died (as of latest). A local law-enforcement friend said that the Anderson Hill area sufferred and people died as a result of this tornado.

We were surprised that traffic out of town was not an issue yesterday. We knew the I-65 was going to be bad down in Cullman and Birmingham area and probably would not have gas station open, so we went up 72 to Chattanooga and come down to Atlanta. On 72 the Flint river was absolutely flooded, only 1 foot below the bridge level, and the farmland south of 72 was flooded. There was finally electricity, hence gas, right before we reach Tennessee. There were, surprisingly; virtually no traffic on 72 yesterday.

We also saw the tornado damage along I-75 in Georgia with snapped tree trunks, shattered billboards, and downed powerlines. But overall, they have electricity and all restaurants and gas stations stayed open along I-75.

God blessed those who were killed or injured from this tornado. Let's hope the electricity come back soon.

Thank you for sharing this info. I'm with you ~ God bless all those affected by the devastating storms.

[Southlander]

Originally Posted by harry chickpea

Huntsville should fare pretty well against looters compared to areas of south Florida. Looters looking for come into the state easy pickings in the country would be well advised to note that most of us are armed and used to shooting.

I do believe that store owner who shot the looter dead sent an excellent message, on behalf of all of us.

[Reactionary]

Damage isn't too bad in what I've seen of Huntsville (downed trees, etc.), however the death toll in surrounding areas is proof of the destruction wrought by the tornadoes.

Thank goodness we have water and the weather is mild now. Power is out in almost all of Huntsville, however some stores and restaurants (with generators) are offering limited services, with more opening each day. Publix, Target, and Star Market are really helping out. Star Market at Five Points made pizza today (cheese or pepperoni) and on Saturday they will be grilling ribs and chicken. I'll wait in line an hour for ribs.

I'm on a generator now and kind of surprised to have internet - cable is still out.

Many of my family and friends have left town until the power comes back on. Huntsville Utilities estimates most power will be back on Monday.

The dusk to dawn curfew is a good idea. Everyone I've talked to who has heard about the looter has had the same response - good riddance.

[y8tiger]

It was surreal, following this on the news from our Excercise here in Victoria, Canada and I heard Huntsville took a hit. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who lost in this catastrophe.

I've been wondering, is there a site that shows maps of historical Tornado Paths in Huntsville?

[mimpdaddy]

Originally Posted by HB2HSV

We saw neighborhoods that were completely wiped out in Birmingham and state-wide

The damage is not statewide, it is just tuscaloosa on up. Here in southern Alabama there is no damage.

[HB2HSV]

Originally Posted by mimpdaddy

The damage is not statewide, it is just tuscaloosa on up. Here in southern Alabama there is no damage.

I think you cut off sentence prematurely in the quote.

We saw neighborhoods that were completely wiped out in Birmingham and state-wide ~300 people died (as of latest).

[Huntsville_secede]

Originally Posted by HB2HSV

We escaped to Atlanta because there're no electricity for the next 4~5 days. I know most folks in Huntsvilles can not watch TV and see the destruction across the states from this tornado, but it's incredible to see the destructive power and very sad for the folks who're severly affected. Many of us are very lucky as our homes were not in the direct path of tornado, and there were hundreds of tornadoes in the 48 hour period.

We saw neighborhoods that were completely wiped out in Birmingham and state-wide ~300 people died (as of latest). A local law-enforcement friend said that the Anderson Hill area sufferred and people died as a result of this tornado.

We were surprised that traffic out of town was not an issue yesterday. We knew the I-65 was going to be bad down in Cullman and Birmingham area and probably would not have gas station open, so we went up 72 to Chattanooga and come down to Atlanta. On 72 the Flint river was absolutely flooded, only 1 foot below the bridge level, and the farmland south of 72 was flooded. There was finally electricity, hence gas, right before we reach Tennessee. There were, surprisingly; virtually no traffic on 72 yesterday.

We also saw the tornado damage along I-75 in Georgia with snapped tree trunks, shattered billboards, and downed powerlines. But overall, they have electricity and all restaurants and gas stations stayed open along I-75.

God blessed those who were killed or injured from this tornado. Let's hope the electricity come back soon.

I also went to Atlanta and concur with what you describe. I was shocked at how close the river was from the bottom of the bridge. There seems to be some kind of disconnect between local officials, state officials and federal officials as to how bad the damage is in North Alabama. The media focuses on what happened in Tuscaloosa rightfully so but none of the damage in other areas particularly North Alabama is mentioned. I'm not sure if it's because that information just hasn't been relayed to state officials or it's just how the media when they cover a story they seem to always focus on one location.

According to the Huntsville Times, Madison, Limestone, morgan, and jackson were NOT included in president Obama's disaster declaration. In my opinion the power grid failure from Brown Ferry Nuclear alone is enough to warrant being added as a disaster area much less the tornado damage. According to the preliminary reports one of the tornadoes that hit Limestone/west madison was a strong EF4 with winds up to 190mph. That tornado may have been mostly on the ground for up to 42 miles and there were other tornadoes in the area's of north alabama in the EF3, EF4 strength range. The governor plans to visit North Alabama soon, I just want to see all area's get the coverage they deserve and have their story told and receive the assistance they need. Tuscaloosa was horrible but 250+ people so far have died in this state, 45 of those were in Tuscaloosa so obviously other areas have been hit very hard as well.

From Huntsville Times
http://blog.al.com/breaking/2011/04/...sident_ob.html

President Obama has declared the following counties in Alabama a federal disaster area: Cullman, DeKalb, Franklin, Jefferson, Lawrence, Marshall, Tuscaloosa and Walker. The declaration, which does not include several North Alabama counties, opens the affected areas to increased federal emergency assistance.

[mimpdaddy]

Yeah Huntsville is getting no attention, I seen a convoy of utility trucks from Detroit, MI. just pass right through northern Alabama, but it's not as bad as T-town.