Montgomery, Geneva slightly damaged in storm

Montgomery, Geneva slightly damaged in storm

Montgomery and Geneva counties suffered minor damage following storms that came through the two counties Jan. 19.

The F-0 tornado that hit Montgomery had winds ranging from 40–72 mph, according to Anita Patterson, director of the Montgomery Emergency Management Agency, who was quoted by The Montgomery Advertiser in its coverage of the storm.

While no major injuries or fatalities were reported, the storm caused damage to several churches, businesses and residences and blew down trees in Montgomery.

Eastern Hills Baptist Church reported shingles were blown from the roof of its building.

In addition, some members received damage to their homes and cars, along with trees blown down in their yards.

A spokesperson for Heritage Baptist Church also reported several shingles blown away from the roof of that church as well as slight damage to the exterior structure and trees blown down.

A third Baptist church in Montgomery, Dalraida, sustained damage when shingles were blown from the roof. In addition, a secretary said trees fell in the parking lot, where several light fixtures were also blown down.

Patterson said, “There were some minor injuries. (But) no one was hospitalized as far as I know.”

The Advertiser also reported some 18,000 Alabama Power customers were left without electrical service for several hours.

The Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions was without electricity during that time, which also affected the offices’ telephones.

The storm that hit Geneva County resulted in roof damage to Calvary Baptist Church, Geneva.

Geneva Baptist Association Director of Missions Dicky McAllister said the damage did not result in any rain entering the church building.

“We feel like we’re going to be OK,” McAllister said.

He said 38 homes in the area received “moderate damage.”