Spring is a time where flowers are blooming and a time of new beginnings. Bears come out of hibernation. Spring is also a time where rapid weather changes occur and can change from one day to the next. March through May is the primary tornado season for the state of Alabama. The worst tornado outbreak in recent memory took place on April 27, 2011. On that day, 63 tornadoes tore through the state resulting in four billion dollars in damage; left more than 2100 injured and killed 252 people. On March 5, more than 400 people came to pleasant Valley High School for the ABC 33/40 storm alert tour 2012.
Chelsea Williams of Pleasant valley wanted to see how everyone else fared on April 27, 2011. “My Aunt’s house got hit and was destroyed on April 27,” Williams said. “I came out to the storm alert tour because I wanted to see how bad everyone else got hit.”
At this event, there was a memorial listing all 252 people who died because of the April 27, 2011 tornadoes. All the names of the people were listed by county and in alphabetical order. There was also a map showing the tornado paths and the number of deaths in each county.
James Spann, Chief meteorologist at ABC 33/40 in Birmingham, Ala., shared his thoughts about the death toll of the tornadoes that took place on April 27, 2011. “We think the death toll was way too high,” span said. “When I see the names of those who died, it just breaks my heart.”
Spann also mentioned his thoughts on the storm alert tour. “This is great because of the stories people share since everyone has a story to tell about the April 27 tornadoes,” Spann said. “It’s all part of the healing process. It certainly is for me.” Spann went on to say: “We tried to take the tour where the most significant tornado damage occurred.”
Spann reflected on how rare this type of tornado event is. “This tornado outbreak was a once in a generation event,” Spann said. “Something like this may happen again but hopefully not on my watch.”
Before the event started, span did the weather forecast live on location during the 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. newscasts. Then Spann and other fellow meteorologist Ashley Brand signed autographs.
Breonna Cole, a future meteorologist from Gadsden, Ala., is very passionate about weather. “I am a future meteorologist and because of that, that is why I am here tonight,” Cole said.
The event started with a video highlighting all the severe weather Alabama dealt with in the year of 2011. There was special emphasis on the tornadoes of April 27, 2011.
Ashley Brand, another meteorologist from ABC 33/40 took the microphone and shared how hard it is sometimes to make forecasts. “Weather affects our lives every day,” Brand said. “It’s very tough to give these severe weather forecasts on occasion.”
After this, a video was shown which shared the personal stories of the meteorologists and what they dealt with on April 27, 2011. Two other videos played. One video was on the community of Shoal Creek and the other was on DCH Regional medical Center in Tuscaloosa. After this last video played, a small tribute was given to the nurses and doctors who attended at this event.
The real tear jerker of the night happened when stories were read about the April 27 tornadoes. Children at East Elementary School in Cullman, Ala., put together a book called “Tornado in the eyes of a child.” Some of those stories were shared in a video format.
After this, Spann spoke directly to the children in order to help calm their fears. “Tornadoes are not something you should be afraid of,” Spann said. “When you hear thunder, it’s all part of the water cycle. If you don’t hear thunder or if it did not rain we would have drought,” Spann said.
Spann mentioned some safety tips to keep one safe during a tornado. “During a tornado go to a basement and get under a sturdy bench or table if you have one. If one is not available go to the lowest floor like a hallway, closet or bathtub,” Spann said. “Make sure to put a helmet on to protect your head. If you are in a mobile home during a tornado, you need to leave it and go to a safer place.
Mark proper, Assistant Principal at Pleasant valley High School wants to help where he can. “We love our kids and they are excited about this event coming to Pleasant valley High School,” proper said. “We want to be a contribution to the community by having events like these.” Proper went on to say: “We want to bring the information to the people so they can use it for future reference and help out where we can.”
Spann also emphasized not to rely on outdoor sirens for tornado warnings. NOAA weather radio or the weather radio app on a smartphone is the best way to receive tornado information.
Five lucky people won a weather radio at the event. Those people were: James Preston from Anniston; Quinton Boozer from Piedmont; Darrell battles from Alexandria; Billy Holden from Jacksonville and Adam Cooper also from Jacksonville.
James Spann speaking to the crowd at Pleasant Valley High School in Jacksonville, Alabama about the April 27, 2011 tornado outbreak on March 5, 2012. Photo Taken By: Kevin Brant
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