Waffle House feeds Ala. neighborhood after deadly tornado knocked out power
By Jordan Smith
Waffle House feeds community after Alabama tornado
A Waffle House in Fultondale, Alabama powered up the grill outdoors after a deadly tornado swept through the community. (Source: WBRC)
FULTONDALE, Ala. - Waffle House is known for always being open, and that’s a reputation the southern restaurant chain seems keen on protecting with or without electricity.
An EF-3 tornado moved through the Birmingham area on Monday evening, killing one person and injuring at least 30 others. The Fultondale area was also left without power.
Even so, Waffle House didn’t let the lack of electricity stop them from feeding the community.
UpdatedWed, Jan 27, 2021 at 3:59 pm CT
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Gov. Kay Ivey visited Fultondale Wednesday to survey damage from Monday night s tornado. (Jay Reeves/AP)
FULTONDALE, AL Gov. Kay Ivey came to Jefferson County Wednesday to survey damage from Monday night s EF3 tornado that hit Fultondale and Center Point. Dozens of injuries were reported and the tornado claimed the life of a 14-year-old boy.
Ivey was able to get a complete view of the aftermath of the tornado via helicopter Wednesday morning, as she saw the damage to the homes and businesses in the community and the destruction of Fultondale High School.
Ivey said state leaders are working with Jefferson County leaders on how to help the 650 displaced students and where and how they will attend school in the meantime.
14-year-old boy killed in overnight tornado in Fultondale
Preliminary damage survey indicates EF-3 tornado
Damage along Sunhill Road in Center Point area By WBRC Staff | January 26, 2021 at 12:11 AM CST - Updated January 28 at 12:27 PM
JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ala. (WBRC) - Jefferson County Superintendent Walter Gonsoulin confirmed Tuesday a 14-year-old boy, a 9th grader, was killed in the tornado in Fultondale Monday night.
The boy was identified by the Jefferson County Coroner Tuesday afternoon as Elliott Hernandez, a student at Fultondale High School.
“Out of respect for the family we don’t want to release too much information at this particular time,” said Dr. Gonsoulin. “But we do know that it’s a 14-year-old student in the 9th grade. Which, again, adds to the saddest of the situation.”
âLosing a young soul to a storm like this is heartbreakingâ: Gov. Ivey visits Fultondale to see tornado damage
Gov. Ivey discusses and tours tornado damage in Fultondale By WBRC Staff | January 27, 2021 at 11:25 AM CST - Updated January 27 at 9:44 PM
FULTONDALE, Ala. (WBRC) - Gov. Kay Ivey, state and Jefferson County leaders visited Fultondale a day after an EF-3 tornado destroyed homes, buildings, a school and killed a young boy.
Governor Ivey started the news conference Wednesday by saying, âThe people of Alabama are praying for yâall this morning and we are here as a sign of our commitment to your recovery.â
The Associated Press
FULTONDALE, Ala. A terrifying nighttime tornado that blasted through suburban Birmingham, trapping entire families in the remnants of shattered homes and killing a teenager sheltering in his basement, left a trail of destruction Tuesday that stunned even longtime residents used to Alabama’s violent weather.
Tim Herring, who survived the twister by huddling in a bathtub with wife Patti Herring as roaring winds ripped off the roof of their house and splintered walls, had followed weather forecasts during the day and didn’t expect the worst until it happened late Monday.
“I’ve lived here 64 years. I wasn’t too worried,” he said. Herring added: “I’ve helped folks after tornadoes. This time, it’s us.”