Governor Bentley Tours Storm Damaged Community in Autauga County

Governor Bentley surveys damage with local and state leaders at the Boone’s Chapel community in Autauga County.

Governor Bentley comforts one of the survivors of the storm.

Governor Bentley meets with Henley Hollon who shared his family photos and a personal story about the storm. Hollon’s brother, nephew and niece were the three confirmed fatalities in Autauga County.

AUTAUGA COUNTY— Governor Robert Bentley today toured one area of Alabama hit hard by Friday’s severe weather outbreak.  Damaging storms in Autauga County resulted in at least three known fatalities and significant damage. Governor Bentley, along with Art Faulkner, Director of Alabama Emergency Management Agency and other state and local officials toured the Boone’s Chapel community in Autauga County.

“This is a tragic day for our state and especially for those who lost loved ones Friday night and early Saturday morning,” Governor Bentley said following a tour of the damaged area. “Our thoughts and prayers are with those who lost loved ones and whose homes and property were damaged. Working with our state agencies we will see to it that these communities receive the assistance they need to recover.”

At least seven confirmed fatalities have been reported as a result of the strong storms and possible tornadoes.  Those fatalities were in the following counties:  three in Autauga County, one in Marengo County and three in Washington County.

Significant damage was reported in the following counties: Autauga, Bibb, Blount, Butler, Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, Coosa, Covington, Cullman, Dallas, Elmore, Escambia, Greene, Hale, Lamar, Lee, Marengo, Marshall, Morgan, Monroe, Montgomery, Morgan, Randolph, Russell, Sumter, Tallapoosa, Tuscaloosa and Washington.

Governor Bentley commended the Alabama Emergency Management Agency and Director Art Faulkner for the agency’s quick work and timely response to the storm.

“State agencies and emergency personnel have worked throughout the night to provide resources and manpower for the impacted counties and I appreciate their hard work.” said Governor Bentley.

Alabama Emergency Management Agency personnel are coordinating with local emergency management agencies to assess the damages.