During the late afternoon and evening hours of April 3, 1974, at least eight tornadoes, including four extremely intense and long-lived storms, brought death and unequaled storm destruction to Alabama. Eighty-six people were killed. 949 were injured and damages exceeded $50 million. Sixteen counties in the northern part of the State were hit the hardest.
On November 15, 1989, at 4:30 pm, as much of Huntsville's workforce was heading home from work, a powerful F4 tornado carved out an 18.5 mile long path across Madison County, devastating everything in its path and causing an estimated $250 million in damages. There were 21 fatalities and 463 injuries.
We've seen first-hand too many times how devastating severe weather can be to our region. From the devastation of tornadoes and hurricanes to treacherous road conditions for motorist traveling through snow and ice, I believe we need our own Weather Forecast Office to help provide better weather protection for us and our loved ones.
I began fighting for our own WFO when I came to Congress, and as a Senior Member of the House Appropriations Committee, I will fight to ensure this office remains open and that provides the weather protection we deserve here in North Alabama.
2008 Weather Press Releases from Representative Bud Cramer:
Cramer Encourages North Alabama to Learn More about Severe Weather
(February 20, 2008)
House Pays Tribute to Victims of North Alabama Tornados
(February 13, 2008)
Cramer Tours Tornado Damaged Areas
(February 7, 2008)
Cramer: “Thoughts and Prayers Are With the Victims”
(Feburary 6, 2008)
Related Weather Links:
Huntsville Weather Forecasting Office
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
National Weather Service
