By Michael Tomberlin

The Alabama National Guard had its largest mobilization for a domestic response when the April 2011 storms and tornadoes devastated the state.

The public saw and experienced that, as soldiers and airmen were visible bringing relief throughout the state.

What the public didn’t know is that the Alabama National Guard had changed the way it manages natural disasters just days before the tornadoes hit, holding its first training exercise as a unit on April 9-10, 2011. The hope was to be prepared in time for the start of hurricane season on June 1 of that year. As it turned out, they would have to be ready much sooner.

The AlabamaWx Weather Blog gladly brings you an excerpt of this article through a partnership with the Alabama NewsCenter. You can see the complete post featuring all the associated images and videos by clicking HERE.