A History of Alabama's Deadliest Tornadoes: Disaster in Dixie [Paperback]

After a brief introduction in Chapter One titled "Alabama, State of Chaos" - a section in which we learn of Alabama's deadly history with tornadoes - author/researcher/journalist Kelly Kazek explores the details six of the most devastating tragedies to affect the Yellowhammer State.

Various trivia information - like the fact that Alabama has two tornado seasons - is provided with chilling details. Unbeknownst to me, my current home state is in the top five for F5 tornadoes, some of them attack nocturnally (which is abnormal), and enough of the twisters hit to garner the nickname "Dixie Alley." Amping up the fear for many is the fact that Alabama is very densely populated, and quite a few people, more than most other states, live in mobile homes. This is a recipe for disaster that has struck enough times - most notably in the six aforementioned fearful vignettes spanning 1908-1994 - that this book was even possible.

Since I have lived in Kansas, I never really thought of Alabama as a tornado state twin...but I was evidently incorrect in my assumptions. Having lived in north Alabama for nearly four years as of this review (July 2010), I luckily missed all the major events in my "neck of the woods," but unfortunately lived here long enough to experience the state-wide surprise and heartache resulting from the tornado that sadly took nine young lives in Enterprise, AL in 2007.

The power of this book is in the familiarity. A virtual neighbor to the author, I have been or live in the towns, counties, and cities referenced, places within a stone's throw, places swept of the map in one fell swoop. The fear has been planted within me after numerous roads I have driven, and some I drive every day, are shown in chaotic photos displaying the war-torn junkyard of unrecognizable debris, car parts, and confusion a tornado's punch can cause. The final nail into my consciousness is the picture of a Gibson's BBQ van covered, like a junker in a horror movie, in the aftermath of the tornado's wake. If world famous barbecue is not safe, then no one is safe.

Included as afterthoughts are the final two chapters covering terrific tornado tales and tips on twister safety. The overall collection is a bitter reminiscence for Alabamians (and transplants), a chronological eulogy of sorts for those affected, and worthwhile historical perspective. Recommended for Alabama and North Alabama historians, amateur meteorologists, storm chasers, and people who hate the absurdity in the movie Twister.

Jason Elin

... tragically, it was published one year before the event that overshadows nearly every Alabama tornado outbreak before it - April 27, 2011. Thus, ironically, despite being a truly excellent book for any weather enthusiast and Alabamian, the statistics therein are woefully outdated already. But don't let that discourage you, it's still as good a read now as it has ever been. The stories are truly gripping, and paint a vivid picture of the hope and loss that has swept across this state in the form of atmospheric violence so many times in the past. Some of the events listed and described are rather forgotten today, and the author has done an excellent job compiling stories of the less-remembered deadly outbreaks of years long past. It's a must-have for any severe weather enthusiast and Alabamian.

› Go to Amazon.com to see both reviews  4.5 out of 5 stars