Storm Topples Large Tree
Onto 2nd St SE Home

Top Photo:  A home on 2nd St SE was damaged when a large tree was toppled during heavy winds that moved through the area around 2 a.m. Monday morning.  Bottom Photo: Brush and portions of the tree truck cover the yard.  Damage to the right front of the home is visible.  Arab Today Photos by Dwight Hayes

April 13, 2009
Sherry Taylor thought a tornado had hit her home on 2nd St SE when a huge tree in the front yard came crashing down early Monday morning.  Taylor said she had just gotten up when the storm hit around 2 a.m.  Minutes later the large tree fell onto the right front of the home and a portion of the porch.  "We thought a tornado was taking the house and we ran for cover." Taylor said.

Taylor's 79 year old bedridden mother, Margaret Taylor, was in a bed in the living room of the home just a few feet from where the tree struck the house.  David Rider, Taylor's son was also home at the time.  Luckily no one was injured in the incident.  Riker said that rescue workers helped to cut the tree off of the roof immediately after the storm and that he and an uncle had been working to clean up the debris since daylight.

Taylor told Arab Mayor Gary Beam that they have no insurance.  Beam, who stopped by while surveying the storm damage, said he would try and round up volunteers to help with the clean up and repairs.