City Of Fultondale Seeks Federal Aid After Tornado

FULTONDALE, AL — A week after a devastating EF-3 tornado swept through the city of Fultondale, the city is seeking federal aid in the aftermath. The city completed a report Monday assessing the damage of the storm and will submit to federal authorities for help.

City officials have estimated that more than 200 homes and more than 60 businesses were damaged in the tornado, and that many of the homes damaged were uninsured.

Fultondale mayor Larry Holcomb said help is needed in several facets, but that building supplies have become a top priority.

Dozens of injuries were reported and the tornado claimed the life of a 14-year-old boy. Weather service crews determined that the tornado resulted in damage consistent with a high-end EF3 intensity storm,with winds of 150 mph in Fultondale. The path was primarily north of Walker Chapel Road NE to U.S. Highway 31 and New Castle Road.

Gov. Kay Ivey visited Fultondale Wednesday and vowed to aid the community on the state level. Ivey said state leaders are working with Jefferson County leaders on how to help the 650 displaced Fultondale High School students and where and how they will attend school in the meantime.

Ivey has set up the Governor's Emergency Relief Fund where people can donate to those most affected by the storm.

As well, The Jefferson County Emergency Management Agency established a centralized page for donation and volunteer information. Community leaders also asked organizations looking to help recovery efforts to utilize the 2-1-1 community help line.