Tuscumbia begins long rebuilding process after tornado

As soon as the EF-1 tornado that hit Tuscumbia on Feb. 15 lifted, support began funneling into the city.

Since basic amenities like power have been restored and roadways cleared of debris, now begins the slow, unenviable task of rebuilding not just a city, but people’s businesses. Their homes. Their lives.

Colbert County EMA Director Jody Hitt gave an update at the Feb. 20 meeting of the Tuscumbia City Council.

He said 72 homes were damaged in the storm, with one destroyed. He said of the 3,300 customers without power after the tornado, all but 500 had service restored within 24 hours, which he said is “unheard of.”

“From where we were Saturday to where we’re at now, that speaks volumes for the community and everything we have here. I’m very proud,” Hitt said.

Hitt said Police Chief Tony Logan, new Fire Chief J.T. Fox and their departments worked diligently to aid the citizens of Tuscumbia.

Logan’s own home was damaged in the storm.

“I was torn between trying to see what kind of damage I had at my house and helping everybody else,” Logan said. “Other cities sent help, and the Sheffield and Muscle Shoals police chiefs showed up at the command post.

“Working together during these times shows how tight knit we are, and we couldn’t have done it without them. We were without power until Tuesday, and it was a crew from Russellville that got us back on. They were so professional and helpful.”

“I cannot thank everyone enough that helped out,” Mayor William Foster said. “We had several medical calls for people running out of power for their oxygen tanks. We ended up getting battery packs to them. It was a hectic night. Luckily for us, numerous affiliates helped us. If we didn’t have their help, we wouldn’t have everybody in power like we do.”

Tuscumbia Utilities General Manager Jeff McDonald said crews worked almost around the clock between Saturday night and Tuesday night to restore power across the city.

“It’s not fun to go through that process,” he said. “People depend on the services we provide, and our goal is to always get power restored as quickly and safely as possible. With something this size, it takes a lot of work to get the power back on.

“We came in at midnight Saturday, and the guys worked all through the night until 10 p.m. Sunday. They came back at 5 a.m. Monday and worked to 10 that night, and then 5 a.m. to midnight Tuesday. By then everyone that could have power, did.”

Public Works Director Joel Kendrick said as of the night of the meeting, just shy of 2.6 million pounds of brush, limbs and trees had been removed from the city.

The kicker? That is estimated to be just 15% of the total to be picked up.

“The impact was overwhelming,” he said. “We have had so many other agencies provide mutual aid. It’s made a huge impact. At some point down the road the bulk will just be us, so we will be working on this for a long time. We are asking for patience as we work.”

Foster said the rebuilding effort will be a “monster” undertaking and will take time to complete.

“As we finish the cleanup effort, this is where the rebuilding begins, and if you know anything about building, it takes time,” he said. “This is a disaster, but we are rebuilding, and we will be back.”