A powerful storm swept through Alabama from Saturday night into Sunday morning, significantly damaging downtown Athens and the Limestone County Courthouse. The National Weather Service in Huntsville confirmed that an EF-1 tornado caused the destruction, with winds reaching 100 mph and a path spanning 160 yards.
Downtown Athens faces heavy damage
Meteorologist Chelsea Aaron from WAFF TV 48 reported on X that the courthouse roof was blown off, likely by a brief tornado—storm debris, including Christmas decorations, tree limbs, and bricks, scattered across the town square. To allow for cleanup, city officials temporarily closed the area.
Businesses, vehicles, and infrastructure take a hit
The storm damaged about a dozen downtown businesses, some experiencing significant issues. It also damaged two vehicles and brought down trees across streets like Jefferson, East, and Nuclear Plant. Crews reported that ten utility poles were broken or knocked over. Initially, 2,500 homes in the area lost power, but restoration efforts reduced that number to 750 by early Sunday morning.
Community responds swiftly to the crisis
State Rep. Andy Whitt shared updates on X, acknowledging the storm’s impact on the downtown area and the Alabama Veterans Museum. He noted additional damage to trees and power lines across Madison and Limestone counties. Despite the widespread issues, Whitt expressed relief that no injuries occurred. He also thanked EMS and public works teams for their quick response.
Cleanup crews and utility workers started clearing debris early Sunday morning. The city continues to repair damage and restore services while ensuring the safety of residents and visitors.
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