Deadly Tornado's Toll On University Of Alabama Students

On April 27, 2011, a tornado tore through Tuscaloosa, Alabama, killing 6 University of Alabama students and injuring several others. The tornado, known as the Tuscaloosa-Birmingham tornado, destroyed portions of Tuscaloosa and Birmingham, Alabama, causing billions of dollars in damage and killing a total of 64 people. The University of Alabama honoured the six students who died with a graduation ceremony for lost loved ones.

Six University of Alabama students died in a tornado in 2011

On April 27, 2011, a tornado tore through Tuscaloosa, Alabama, killing 44 people in the area and causing billions of dollars in damage. The University of Alabama was spared physical damage, but six students and one employee lost their lives.

The tornado, known as the Tuscaloosa-Birmingham tornado, destroyed portions of Tuscaloosa and Birmingham, Alabama, as well as smaller communities and rural areas between the two cities. It was one of the costliest tornadoes on record, causing approximately $2.4 billion in property damage.

The tornado reached a maximum path width of 1.5 miles during its track through Tuscaloosa and attained estimated wind speeds of 190 mph. It ripped through neighbourhoods, levelling and sweeping away numerous homes and businesses.

The six University of Alabama students who died in the tornado were Morgan Sigler, Danielle Downs, Scott Atterton, Ashley Harrison, Melanie Nicole Mixon, and Marcus Smith. Sigler, a 23-year-old student, died alongside two friends when the tornado swept her home from its foundation. Downs, 24, was sheltering with friends when a tree fell, killing her.

The University held a memorial service and vigil, which was attended by five of the families and 300 students. The University also granted posthumous degrees to five of the students and organised a graduation ceremony for the lost loved ones, where family members received plaques and hugs from the University President, Robert Witt.

The tornado also killed one University of Alabama employee

On April 27, 2011, a tornado tore through Tuscaloosa, Alabama, killing at least 36 people and leaving hundreds homeless. The University of Alabama was also impacted by the storm, which caused billions of dollars in damage. Six students and one employee of the university lost their lives, and several others were injured.

The tornado, known as the Tuscaloosa-Birmingham tornado, destroyed portions of Tuscaloosa and Birmingham, Alabama, as well as smaller communities and rural areas between the two cities. It was one of the costliest tornadoes on record, causing approximately $2.4 billion in property damage. The tornado reached a maximum path width of 1.5 miles and attained estimated wind speeds of 190 mph.

The University of Alabama student who died in the tornado has not been publicly identified, but their death is a tragic reminder of the impact of natural disasters on communities. The university community came together to support those affected by the storm, with students volunteering to help remove debris, rebuild homes, and collect and deliver donations.

The university also took steps to improve its disaster preparedness and response, implementing a robust alert system and building storm shelters on campus. The tornado's legacy at the University of Alabama is one of resilience and service, with students and employees working together to support the community and honor the memory of those who were lost.

The University held a graduation ceremony for the students who died

On a tragic day in April 2011, a tornado ripped through Tuscaloosa, Alabama, killing 44 people in the area and causing billions of dollars in damage. Six University of Alabama students were among the dead.

The University of Alabama held a graduation ceremony for the students who died in the tornado. The ceremony took place in August 2011, as the original graduation in May had been postponed due to the storm.

Two of the students who perished were seniors who would have graduated just days after the tornado hit. The families of the six students gathered to receive posthumous degrees on behalf of their lost loved ones. Two siblings and three sets of parents accepted the plaques and hugs offered by University President Robert Witt.

The ceremony was an emotional one, with many tears shed as the university community grieved the loss of their fellow students. The families of the deceased expressed their appreciation for the university's support during this difficult time. One parent shared the sentiment that "it was so very hard... we hope these awards will bring the families closer to closure."

The University of Alabama demonstrated its resilience and compassion in the wake of the tragedy, postponing the original graduation and providing support to the families and the wider community affected by the tornado. The university also improved its disaster preparedness and response, implementing enhancements to its alert systems and building storm shelters on campus.

The tornado caused billions of dollars in damage

On April 27, 2011, a tornado ripped through Tuscaloosa, Alabama, causing billions of dollars in damage. The tornado, known as the Tuscaloosa-Birmingham tornado, destroyed portions of Tuscaloosa and Birmingham, as well as smaller communities and rural areas in between the two cities. It was one of the costliest tornadoes on record, causing approximately $2.4 billion in property damage. This made it the costliest single tornado in US history at the time.

The tornado reached a maximum path width of 1.5 miles during its track through Tuscaloosa and again when it crossed I-65 north of Birmingham, attaining estimated wind speeds of 190 mph. It destroyed a cell phone tower and several warehouses in an industrial area of Tuscaloosa, as well as numerous homes, apartment buildings, and businesses. The tornado maintained its strength as it continued through the neighbourhood of Alberta City, leveling and sweeping away numerous block-foundation homes. As the tornado exited the Alberta City section, the Chastain Manor Apartments were completely destroyed and partially swept away.

The tornado then grew from 0.5 to 1 mile wide and ripped through the suburb of Holt, leveling and sweeping away homes while still at low-end EF4 strength. Every tree was snapped in this area, including those within deep ravines. As it crossed Hurricane Creek, it tore apart a large metal railroad trestle, and a 34-tonne metal truss support structure was thrown 100 feet up on a nearby hill. A marina on Holt Lake was also significantly impacted, with numerous boats and a restaurant destroyed.

The tornado exited the Tuscaloosa area and weakened to low-end EF3 status while contracting back to 0.5 miles wide. However, it continued to cause significant damage as it moved through a dense forest towards Birmingham. Thousands of trees were downed, and more rural homes were flattened. As the tornado moved across a coal yard in this area, a 35.8-tonne coal car was thrown 391 feet through the air. Past the coal yard, the tornado weakened to EF2 intensity but still destroyed numerous homes and industrial warehouses.

The tornado then struck the suburb of Fultondale, damaging homes and businesses. Light poles were damaged along Interstate 65, and several commercial buildings sustained major damage. Some additional EF0 to EF1 damage occurred before the tornado dissipated two miles north of Tarrant. In total, the tornado caused 64 deaths and more than 1,500 injuries.

The University has improved its disaster preparedness since the tornado

On April 27, 2011, a tornado tore through Tuscaloosa, Alabama, killing six University of Alabama students and injuring several others. The tornado, known as the Tuscaloosa-Birmingham tornado, caused billions of dollars in damage and was one of the costliest on record. In the decade since the tragedy, the University of Alabama has made significant improvements to its disaster preparedness and response capabilities.

The University has implemented several enhancements to its emergency communication systems, including the UA Safety App, desktop emergency alerts, the UA Safety Twitter account, and digital signage for emergency alerts across campus buildings. They have also added IT resiliency to keep their network, internet, and critical servers operational during and after a disaster. The University has constructed new, more robust Emergency Operations Centers and hired a meteorologist to join the Office of Emergency Management.

In addition to improving communication and response capabilities, the University has also focused on providing better shelter and refuge during severe weather events. Since 2011, four storm shelters rated by federal standards to withstand up to 250 mph winds have been built on campus, with three more under construction and several others planned. The University has also evaluated, identified, and placed wayfinding to the Best Available Refuge Area in every campus building and built BARAs inside the Magnolia and Capstone parking decks.

The University of Alabama is now recognized as a leader in disaster response and has deep relationships with service organizations in West Alabama. The University's Center for Service and Leadership works with local communities affected by disasters to assess needs and organize relief efforts, and students volunteer in large numbers to donate and serve.

The University has also strengthened its ability to provide expertise on issues surrounding tornadoes and severe weather. The UA Center for Advanced Public Safety is part of a regional project to gain a deeper understanding of the vulnerabilities communities face during severe weather events, and UA researchers are involved in several efforts to enhance storm communications and improve tornado warnings.

Overall, the University of Alabama has made significant strides in improving its disaster preparedness and response capabilities since the 2011 tornado. The University has enhanced its emergency communication systems, provided better shelter and refuge options, and strengthened its ability to provide expertise and support to affected communities. These improvements reflect the University's commitment to the safety and well-being of its students, faculty, and staff.

Frequently asked questions