By: Ron Whinety Photos: Sarah Kritner


EMSPROStaff Photographer


Early in the afternoon of April 28, 2011 the reports of forecasted severe weather had begun to trickle in. As each hour passed the notices and warnings became more detailed and much more defined. Severe weather is no stranger to Alabama. During the spring and summer months it is not at all uncommon for line after line of thunderstorm to cross the region, west to east, on a nearly daily basis. “We usually just keep an eye on them, take cover if we think they’ll get a little nasty”. Said one casual observer. What was to occur in the late afternoon on this day, was not nasty, it was devas‐ tating. On a level no one had ever experienced before.


Early Warning


One benefit of having a lot of experi‐ ence with extreme weather is that the local meteorologists have become keenly skilled at insuring the correct level of warning is issued, in plenty of time for people to act. The warnings were issued, at the correct level and in a very timely manner. Local Emergency Management Agencies, first respon‐ ders, Emergency Departments, Law


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