Shocking Tornado Death toll

Hackleburg, AL tornado 27 April 2011

The shocking death toll of the Super tornado outbreak of 27 April 2011 is not because people did not take shelter.  Thanks to today's technology, long track tornadoes have long lead times.  The reason for so many deaths was because of the sheer strength of the tornadoes and that homes and businesses in this part of the country cannot have basements.  Across the south, the water table under the soil is very close to the surface of the ground.  Digging a basement for a home would be very difficult because it would fill with water.   The victims of the tornado took shelter in a central room.  Unfortunately to survive an EF4-EF5 tornado you must be underground.   Some of these poor people never stood a chance as even the plumbing fixtures to their homes were twisted or completely swept away by the tornado.  The scars left from this tornado will take decades to fade.  My prayers go out for anyone who is affected by the violent weather over the past week.