Emergency crews were busy working on cleanup efforts in Cherokee County Thursday morning following severe storms which struck the area Wednesday, April 27.
A storm packing tornadoes which had already passed through Tuscaloosa and Birmingham earlier, affected much of the southern area of Cherokee County, including the Goshen area on Highway 9, which was devastated by the notorious Palm Sunday tornado of 1994.
A number of houses and church was destroyed in the area, according to reports.
Cherokee County and surrounding areas found themselves without power after the main TVA a line supplying power to the area was destroyed. A spokesperson for Cherokee Electric Cooperative said power could be off seven to 10 days while the system is being rebuilt.
During a Thursday morning meeting of Cherokee County officials, Sheriff Jeff Shaver said deputies and jail personnel will be working 12-hour shifts. Alabama State Troopers will also provide assistance and patrols across the county.
Cherokee County Engineer Corey Chambers said his crews worked throughout the night to make roads as passable as possible.
Cherokee County School Superintendent Brian Johnson said schools will be closed until further notice.
Cherokee County Commission Chairman/Probate Judge Melvyn Salter and Cherokee County Administrator Tim Burgess said they are working to provide adequate fuel to enable county employees to do their jobs.
Beverly Daniel, director, Cherokee County Emergency Management Agency, said crews are in the Goshen area today working to provide needs as much as possible.
"We are trying to do an assessment of what our damage is, providing shelter, trying to get drinks and refreshments to first responders," said Daniel.
Despite the destruction Cherokee County, Cherokee County considers itself fortunate, according to emergency responders. With almost 200 deaths statewide, Cherokee County only had one injury which was not life-threatening.
