Three hours on the air is a long time. But not on that crazy day. That radio show was a blur because of one tornado warning after another. The weather was like a chain-smoker flicking lit cigarettes into a fireworks stand.
Because of my radio show’s near-statewide reach, my producer Jim Thorn cut in whenever there was a new warning. Northeast and East Central Mississippi were taking it on the chin. An EF-5 tornado roared near Philadephia. Then we got word another one was bearing down on Smithville.
I’ve seen a lot of tornadoes. I’ve never seen a monster like that (Candlestick was before my time). I knew there was no way to hide from it as it roared through town.
EF-5 tornadoes rip the asphalt off of roads and will throw their victims for miles.
It’s a helpless feeling when you are calling tornado warnings. You know where they are. You have an idea where they are going. You pray for the souls in their path. And you hope someone heeds your warning.
As I went off the air at six, I saw live coverage of another monster tornado heading toward Tuscaloosa. My last words were, “If you have children at the University of Alabama, tell them to take shelter now.” And then I walked out of the studio with a sick feeling in my stomach.
My thoughts and prayers are with everyone in Smithville, Tuscaloosa, Webster County, Cullman (Ala.) and everyone else affected on that dark day five years ago today.