Tornadoes devastate North Alabama, leaves county powerless

Tornado damage of a manufactured home located on Browns Ferry Road in Madison. The death toll in Alabama reached 184 as of Thursday, April 27.

What started as a quiet, gray morning Wednesday, April 27, ended with more than eight deaths in Madison County and more than 180 confirmed deaths in the state of Alabama. And that number is expected to rise.

Gov. Robert Bentley declared a state of emergency for all Alabama counties as a result of severe weather.

“Our Emergency Management Agency will continue to monitor this severe weather and will be prepared for any potential impact on our communities,” Bentley said. “I urge Alabamians to do the same and heed weather warnings to protect their families, homes and businesses.”

The slew of tornadoes that were formed from the storm that swept North Alabama was one of the worst the state has seen in years.

There were also deaths reported in five other states: 33 in Mississippi; 33 in Tennessee; 14 in Georgia; eight in Virginia; and one in Kentucky.

Tens of thousands of customers have been without power because TVA’s electricity feed was broken and power lines down. Officials said it could take up to five days before power could be restored.

Until then, a dusk ‘til dawn curfew was imposed on all Madison County.

Shelters have been opened in Madison County for families who need some place to stay, shower, or eat.

The Madison County American Red Cross shelter opened Thursday, April 28, is at Good Shepherd Church, at the corner of Old Railroad Bed Road and Capshaw Road in the Monrovia area.