Alabama’s K-12 schools are dealing with the aftermath of Saturday’s tornado outbreak that left at least six schools closed due to structural damage or hazardous conditions. State Superintendent Eric Mackey expressed concern about the extent of the damage, as three school facilities in Pike County, Shelby County, and Talladega County suffered significant damage and will remain closed in the coming days.
The tornado outbreak on Saturday claimed the lives of three Alabamians, with Plantersville being among the hardest-hit areas. Despite widespread destruction in the community, Dallas County schools were fortunate to report no damage to their buildings. However, other districts like Pike County and Talladega County were not as lucky, with significant damage to their school facilities.
Cleanup efforts are underway in Shelby County, where Calera Intermediate School was struck by an EF-1 tornado. The school, serving as a tornado shelter at the time, is closed today but is expected to reopen on Tuesday. Road conditions and power outages led to additional closures in Pickens County and Chilton County.
The tornado outbreaks were part of a powerful system that brought destruction across the South, with at least 37 people killed in multiple states. Alabama had been prepared for the storms, with a rare “high risk” designation from the National Weather Service giving communities time to brace for the impact. Governor Kay Ivey declared a state of emergency ahead of the storms, and damage was reported in 52 of the state’s 67 counties. Emergency management officials are working hard to assess the damage, with the National Weather Service continuing to survey sites for tornado activity.
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