Tornado rips through Leighton

Schools across North Alabama let out early and community members battened down the hatches for the round of sever weather that came through Tuesday, April 2.

Though many areas saw wind, rain and even lightning, it was Leighton that caught the brunt of the storm.

The National Weather Service confirmed an EF-1 tornado with estimated peak wind speeds of 90 mph touched down around 4:58 p.m. and left a 3-mile path of destruction in its wake.

Fortunately, no casualties have been reported, but according to Leighton Fire Chief Jeremiah Holland, three buildings were completely demolished and around 20 homes had light damage.

“That first night we had several departments that helped us out,” Holland said. “Multiple people from the community helped out, and within the next day or two the Red Cross and local churches had taken over helping with food, water and getting people shelter.”

Holland said Leighton, Brick Hatton White Oak, Nitrate City, Colbert Heights and Littleville fire departments each sent firefighters to help, and Colbert County EMA, Colbert County Sheriff’s Office and Sheffield Utilities aided the town as well.

“It made me feel really good about the community,” Holland said. “It showed there were people standing behind each other and helping out. The community really stepped up and showed how great it is.”

Leighton has been hit by several tornadoes in the 2000s, including an EF-2 that struck on May 8, 2008, that damaged buildings and flipped cars.

Holland said the town has been hit by at least three since 2000, and around 10 since 1984.

According to the National Weather Service, the April 2 tornado touched down north of Leighton near Fennel Park and Puller Loop.

A tree was felled that was hit by a train, leaving County Line Road to Sixth Street temporarily closed. Other roads were closed by downed trees as well.

“Thank You to Colbert County EMA, Leighton Police, our volunteer fire departments, Colbert County Sheriff’s Office, Leighton Baptist Church, The Red Cross and all the other first responders today. Please keep the families affected by today’s weather in your thoughts and prayers,” the town posted on social media after the event.

Churches like Bethel Colbert Missionary Baptist and Leighton United Methodist also helped feed residents and first responders.