Photo by Fayette County Sheriff Byron Yerby
On Friday, May 2, the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office, Fayette County EMA and Kirkland Bluff Wayside Volunteer Fire Department responded to 1259 Kirkland Road in Fayette County after four trees fell on the residence of Joyce Gann during the evening storms. No injuries were reported during the incident.
Morris Loop Road, pictured here, suffered severe damage after storms swept through the county. | Photo by Fayette County EMA Director Michael Stoker
In the early morning hours of Sunday, April 6, severe storms swept through Fayette County, leaving 85 roadways damaged with 13 still deemed impassable. According to the county engineering department, preliminary estimates put the repair costs at $434,250, though assessments are still ongoing.
The 13 roads are listed as follows: Blondie Road, Jud Cook Road, Morris Loop Road, Dodson Circle, Pender Road, Brasher Lane, Fords Valley Road, Fowler Road, Rabbit Road, Pikeville Road, Kirkland Road and Griffin Drive.
Dodson Circle in Fayette County was partially washed away by swiftly flowing flood waters. | Photo by Fayette County Sheriff Byron Yerby
In the early hours of Saturday, April 5, severe storms swept through Fayette County, leaving a trail of damage in their wake. High winds and heavy rain caused trees to fall, roadways to collapse and widespread flooding across the area. As a result, all Fayette County Schools were delayed two hours on Monday, April 7, due to impassable road conditions.
The following statement was released to the Fayette County Board of Education Facebook page:
“Due to the possibility of bad weather, Fayette County Schools will be opening with a 2-hour delay on March 31. The safety of our students and staff is our top priority, and this delay will allow us to ensure safe travel conditions.
Please note that buses will operate on a delayed schedule, There will be no state testing on Monday. All other activities and schedules will be adjusted accordingly. However, after school activities and meetings will go on as planned.
With the potential of a significant severe weather outbreak - including strong tornadoes - beginning later tonight, Friday, March 14, and lasting into the evening Saturday, March 15, now is the time to prepare for the potential of being without utilities or able to leave your home for days due to potential storm damage.
Contributed photo
On Tuesday, March 4, the Berry Fire Department, along with the assistance of the Boley Fire Department, responded to several storm-related incidents, including downed power lines and trees obstructing roadways. Fire Chief Randall Kelley explained that high winds prior to the storm caused trees to fall, which brought down power lines and ignited a grass fire. Fayette County EMA Director Michael Stoker reported many cases of fallen trees and power lines across the county.
Due to possible severe weather conditions, all locations of Bevill State Community College will close today, March 4, at 4:00 p.m.
The ninth annual Alabama Severe Weather Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday will be observed Feb. 21 - 23. The tax holiday will begin at 12:01 a.m. on Friday Feb. 21 and continue until 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 23.
