Many in Lee County are in need of services and supplies after Sunday's devastating tornadoes.
Twenty-three people lost their lives and dozens more were injured in the powerful tornado that swept through Lee County Sunday. Many lost their homes, loved ones, and pets. Here are five ways to help those affected.
Update — March 22, 2019 – 3:00 p.m.
You can donate perishable supplies at Greater Peace Baptist Church. Goree’s Furniture is taking items such as food, diapers and clothing. They’ll pick up the items.
Greater Peace Baptist Church: 650 Jeter Ave, Opelika, AL 36801
Goree’s Furniture: 334-742-0607
Want to give money? The Red Cross of East Alabama and the Salvation Army are accepting donations, and the United Way of Central Alabama created a disaster relief fund.
More options:
Samaritan’s Purse International Relief
Community Foundation of East Alabama Tornado relief
The Governor’s Emergency Relief Fund
Church of the Highlands is organizing volunteers to help those in need and to assist in clean up efforts. Text the word “response” to 74000 to get updates on ways to get involved.
The East Alabama Medical Center has treated more than 40 people after the tornado. You can make a blood donation through LifeSouth. The Opelika location is at 505 E Thomason Circle, 36801.
Opelika Animal Hospital is boarding displaced pets for free.
Smith Station Fire & Rescue is distributing donations.
You can also follow the Lee County Emergency Management Agency on Twitter for volunteer and donation updates.
Know of more to add to the list? Let us know. Email news@wbhm.org.
One benefit of mobile homes is they tend to be relatively affordable. But these structures can be especially vulnerable during severe weather. Many of the 23 people died in last week's tornado in Lee County lived in mobile homes. Auburn University civil engineering professor David Roueche grew up in one and he wants to make them safer.
The victims in the Lee County tornado range in age from 6 to 89. Most seem to have died in their homes.
Teams from the National Weather Service in Birmingham are evaluating the damage from six potential tornadoes that touched down across parts of Alabama Monday. The storms killed at least 23 people in Lee County Sunday.
Crews in Lee County Monday kicked the search and recovery efforts into high gear, as officials expect the injury and death toll to rise.
In Alabama, Lee County was hardest hit by the series of tornadoes that devastated the state. Authorities put the death toll at 23 so far, with dozens still missing.
Several are dead in Lee County after multiple violent tornadoes touched down Sunday in southeast Alabama. The death toll stands at 22 with more expected as search crews look for more victims.
