A deadly storm front swept through the South, causing fatalities, injuries, and property damage. Cottonwood, Alabama, faced severe tornado devastation, leaving homes destroyed and trapping residents.
Tragedy struck Cottonwood, Alabama, as a powerful storm system wreaked havoc across the South, claiming lives, causing injuries, and leaving a trail of destruction on Tuesday. Among the reported casualties, an 81-year-old woman lost her life when a suspected tornado obliterated her mobile home in Houston County. The victim, identified as Charlotte Paschal, sought refuge in her bathroom, but the twister overturned her residence multiple times.
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In metro Atlanta, another fatality occurred as a man succumbed to a fallen tree on Highway 54/Fayetteville Road. The storms, accompanied by high winds, downed trees, triggered power outages, floods, and led to numerous car crashes in the Atlanta area. The adverse weather conditions prompted a ground stop at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
Meanwhile, the Florida Panhandle faced its share of devastation, with a tornado hitting a Marianna RV Park. Seven individuals were hospitalized with minor injuries due to the suspected twister, causing destruction at the Florida Caverns RV Park along U.S. 90. Reports from Bay County indicated multiple tornadoes on the ground, with significant damage on the east end of Panama City Beach.
The small town of Cottonwood bore the brunt of the storm, with major damage reported. Cottonwood’s town hall, city water department, and several downtown buildings were destroyed. McClane Distribution at 100 McClane Parkway in Cottonwood suffered heavy damage, accompanied by a natural gas leak and overturned semi-trucks. Citizens on September Road northeast of Cottonwood found themselves trapped in their homes, prompting rescue efforts by Houston County Sheriff’s Deputies.
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As the community grapples with the aftermath, the extent of the damage becomes apparent, leaving Cottonwood residents facing an arduous recovery ahead.
