News Summary
An EF-2 tornado struck Gurley, Alabama, causing significant destruction, especially on Killingsworth Cove Road. The tornado, with wind speeds of 134 mph, destroyed a mobile home and damaged nearby structures. Thankfully, timely warnings ensured no injuries were reported. The community is now rallying to support recovery efforts and address the emotional toll of the disaster.
Gurley, Alabama – An EF-2 tornado wreaked havoc in the Gurley area of Madison County on Tuesday night, resulting in extensive property damage, particularly on Killingsworth Cove Road. The National Weather Service in Huntsville confirmed that the tornado made landfall at 7:07 p.m. and lifted just ten minutes later at 7:17 p.m. During its short but severe path, the tornado traveled approximately 6.76 miles from Acuff Road to a point west-southwest of Skyline.
Wind speeds peaked at an astonishing 134 mph, with the tornado measuring 175 yards in width at its most powerful moment. The most significant damage occurred on Killingsworth Cove Road, where a mobile home was completely destroyed. The wreckage was so severe that the mobile home’s mangled frame was thrown 150-200 yards from its original position. Fortunately, the family that lived in the mobile home had evacuated to a community storm shelter before the tornado struck, ensuring their safety.
The destruction did not end there; debris from the mobile home was scattered across an area of 225-250 yards, affecting the road and a nearby field. Additionally, two adjacent structures suffered damage—one home experienced significant roof damage while another faced major structural challenges. A concerning detail emerged when inspectors found that no anchor bolts were used to secure the severely damaged home to its foundation, likely contributing to its destruction. Widespread tree damage was also noted on JB Hawkins Road as the tornado dissipated.
Thanks to timely warnings issued to residents, there were no reported injuries in the community—a clear testament to the effectiveness of early communication. In the aftermath, community members are rallying together to support those affected by the tornado’s destruction. There have been organized calls for donations and supplies, aimed at helping families recover from this disaster. The Killingsworth Cove Volunteer Fire Department is leading efforts to collect donations for storm victims. Meanwhile, debris cleanup is underway, with power poles knocked down and Killingsworth Cove Road closed to traffic.
Despite the extensive damage to property, residents expressed gratitude for their safety. The tornado’s destructive impact underscores issues pertaining to the structural integrity of older homes that lack modern anchoring methods. The storm followed a recent First Warning Alert Day issued by local meteorologists, highlighting the seriousness of the weather conditions leading up to the tornado. In response to the emotional toll on residents, community counseling and assistance programs are being established to help those affected cope with the aftermath of the disaster.
In summary, while the EF-2 tornado caused significant physical destruction in the Gurley area, the quick responses from the community and health services have played a crucial role in safeguarding lives and addressing immediate needs post-tragedy. The situation continues to evolve as further assessments are made, support efforts are organized, and recovery projects are initiated.
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Additional Resources
- WAAY TV News
- Wikipedia: Tornado
- WVTM 13 News
- Google Search: Alabama tornado 2025
- WAFF 48 News
- Google Scholar: tornado damage Alabama
- Rocket City Now
- Encyclopedia Britannica: natural disasters
- WHNT News 19
- Google News: Killingsworth Cove tornado
