The Deep South was the scene of some nasty weather yesterday as severe storms brought damaging winds, flash floods and tornadoes to four states in the region. One particularly damaging tornado struck Theodore, Alabama and surveillance video captured the effects of the storm as it tore apart a hardware store.
According to the National Weather Service the tornado initially touched down at about 9:00am local time yesterday as an EF1. As it tracked to the northeast the tornado increased to EF2 strength packing winds up to 120mph. At its maximum size it was 150 yards across.
Four people suffered injuries from the tornado and 25 residential and commercial structures were damages. Cars in a strip mall were tossed about like toys and a gas station awning collapsed.
Alexander Hardware and Small Engine was in the path of the tornado when it was at its strongest after it passed over Theodore Dawes Road. The store sustained a near direct strike from the twister.
Video captured by Alexander’s surveillance cameras provide video proof of the power and fury of the twister. In one video, employees are seen tentatively looking out the front door before running for cover as the tornado struck. The second video provides an overall view of the store interior as the tornado hits sending shelves and merchandise flying.