How You Can Help Those Affected By Deadly Alabama Tornadoes

Published Mar 4, 2019 By Jennifer Pernicano

NWSBirmingham / Twitter

At least 23 people lost their lives – with more people still missing – on Sunday (March 3) when several tornadoes plowed through Lee County in Alabama.

CNN reported that residents only had a five-minute warning before the tornadoes came through the area. A tornado watch was issued around noon, with the first tornado warning occurring at 2:58pm EST. The first reports of damage came in just five minutes later.

A second tornado warning was issued at 3:38pm EST, and the first reports of damage came in 13 minutes later. CNN reports that at least a dozen tornadoes touched down in Alabama and Georgia on Sunday.

According to Weather.com, it “was the deadliest day for tornadoes in the United States since May 20, 2013” and Alabama’s deadliest since 2011, which killed more than 200 people.

Winds were recorded at upwards to 165 miles per hour. The damage was described as “catastrophic.” You can see some of the damage in the tweets below.

How You Can Help

While we are at a loss for words after seeing the damage to hundreds of homes, and send our condolences to the family and friends of the 23 people who lost their lives, there are some things we all can do to help everyone affected – even if you don’t live in the area.

Disaster Recovery Funds

American Red Cross

The American Red Cross can help find loved ones and are taking donations here.

Auburn Dream Center

https://www.facebook.com/AuburnDreamCenter/posts/1973269039646758?__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARBCuudk-LWrjB6OzKXNBwyGXWX6vk6n_7zirIK1_WOHfYuIbmcE1J9ze4yRHkOPsxa6Ws4oAvT0ECG3RTxW-g8iN-mp739zzc1tLQNuKVVWFFY6Hltp6uJeRTVI4pM0B_DKyRkd3p8JJ8YySaeDOQLQ7aptsXUiLRvk7p1BWhYNAmLP6LH4jAgPr3CQMxKIs8Lj502S6iGwRhTB4UnI5zJzRg0DmwgcFJCOH5Xg_RH1CnciVdwzegxs3qeaAOlHL2lrvrGhFQJwa1hIebDbCoJxputlf3jsuaQveK84u6AId4R90UnE6MJHtKhCSYCXnK3DpXy_qbfd3ECoEtJHOH30&__tn__=-R

Samaritan’s Purse

GoFundMe

A retired US Army combat veteran set up this GoFundMe that will “go directly to assisting families affected by this horrific catastrophe.  Assistance will include: cleanup, support for displaced families, rebuilding efforts  and aid with funeral expenses.”

You can donate by clicking here.

Let us know if you find anymore ways we all can help out.