Tornadoes Ravage Alabama: How To Help In Birmingham Area

BIRMINGHAM, AL — Multiple Alabama communities are trying to recover after a series of destructive tornadoes ravaged the state Thursday. The storms claimed at least five lives and destroyed hundreds of homes and businesses.

Preliminary information from the National Weather Service shows 24 tornado reports in 10 different Alabama counties Thursday.

In the Birmingham metro, tornadoes sped through Shelby County and Jefferson County, causing substantial damage in the communities of Pelham, Helena, Greystone and Eagle Point, among others.

"At this time, no fatalities have been reported in the unincorporated areas of Shelby County; however, many residents have been displaced from their homes due to the damage caused by the storms," the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office said.

A report from the Shelby County Emergency Management Agency said in northern Shelby County along the Highway 280 and Highway 41 corridors, 57 homes have been destroyed or heavily damaged and 279 homes have either moderate or light damage.

Trussville, Pinson and Clay reported damage from a tornado that rolled through east Jefferson County. Officials in Trussville said an estimated 30 homes and structures were damaged in Thursday's storm.

More than 30,000 customers statewide lost power Thursday during the storms, and 21,229 customers were still without power as of Friday afternoon.

In Pelham, officials said approximately 60 homes or structures were damaged in the city, while the Helena Police Department reported 16 homes and at least five businesses damaged.

How to Help

Donations of the following items are being accepted at Oak Mountain High School, Briarwood Christian School and the Pelham Recreation Center:

• Tarps
• Trash bags
• Cleaning supplies
• Hygiene products
• Hand sanitizer
• Face masks
• Diapers and wipes
• Pillows and blankets
• Socks
• Ensure
• Baby formula
• Pet food
• Gatorade
• Bottled water
• Laundry detergent
• Storage bins
• Non-perishable food items

Oak Mountain High School is at 5476 Caldwell Mill Rd., Briarwood Christian School is at 6255 Cahaba Valley Road, and the Pelham Rec Center is at 2020 Ball Park Road.