Over 160 fatalities have been reported in my State today as a result of yesterday's ravaging storms. Update at 4:58 central 193 reported dead (pictured above Tornado touches down in Tuscaloosa). Numbers keep rising as I've been writing this diary over the past two hours. Personally, I'm thankful that none of my family and friends were hurt. However, nearly all I've talked to throughout the State know someone that was seriously injured or their entire house has been destroyed.
Pictures from arial views show just how devastating the wrath of yesterday's events were. I remember many great storms in Alabama over the years, like one in 1999, but the widespread effect surely has never been greater.
Update of new pics below the thread of a friend's street
My friend's neighborhood - Pratt City - you cannot even get in here right now
36 are dead within the police jurisdiction of the City of Tuscaloosa
Tuscaloosa Mayor Walter Maddox says the tornado that hit the Alabama city tore through in a streak of "utter destruction."At least 36 people are dead in the city's police jurisdiction.He says some neighborhoods have been "basically removed from the map."
Here are various pictures from downtown Birmingham, Western Jefferson County and Tuscaloosa
Here's the Mayor of Tuscaloosa who is discussing the impact upon his city where at least 12 fatalities and 600 injuries reported this morning
Here's a video showing the damage in Western Birmingham as rows of houses were wiped out
Unfortunately the politics of disaster relief wanes. But the good news is that President Obama will be visiting the State tomorrow. The area will need lots of local, state and federal assistance.
Let's continue to keep our fellow brothers and sisters in our prayers and thoughts as we assess the aftermath.