Albertville - Geraldine - Sand Mountain
Receive Heavy Damage From Tornadoes

April 24, 2010 - 11:30pm
Albertville, Geraldine, and many of the surrounding communities were heavily damaged by tornadoes as severe storms pounded the area Saturday night.

At least one large tornado touched down west of Albertville near Alabama Hwy 75 and continued through residential and business areas around 10:20 pm. The tornado crossed US Hwy 431 at the intersection of East Main Street. The storm continued eastward with another confirmed touchdown in Geraldine. Several other storms raked the Sand Mountain area setting off additional tornado warnings but no confirmed touchdowns are damages were reported with these storms.

There are confirmed injuries in the Albertville area. No fatalities have been reported at this time. Emergency crews are still responding to the area to assist with the clearing of roads and search and rescue in the damaged areas. Rescue efforts are being hampered by heavy rains. Several units from Arab responded to assist with rescue efforts in Albertville.

Damage in the downtown area of Albertville was reported to be extensive. A mobile home park near the Westend Elementary School was heavily damaged. Damage was also reported at the Albertville High School, Albertville First Baptist Church, Albertville Foodland, and many more. A BP station and a block building at the Hwy 431 - East Main Street intersection were heavily damaged. Trees and power poles were down in a wide area.

In Geraldine the Dekalb County EMA office was requesting all area fire departments to respond to the town to assist with rescue and cleanup efforts.