It was my worst experience in 32 years with the National Weather Service, Birmingham–and there were a number of huge events.
I feel sure that Bill will post a lot of information this weekend (Bill is a walking text-book of weather history!) and I am speaking of the Super Outbreak of tornadoes om April 3rd and 4th, 1974. It was 36 years ago but memories are so vivid that it could have been yesterday.
Alabama was the hardest hit state in the number of fatalities and injuries and 16 counties were hit. (86 dead, 949 injured)
Starting Monday, I plan to post a series of stories (relatively short) from the NWS perspective and what went on that long, historic night. I was working the midnight to 8 am shift at that time but I got called in early to help on the afternoon of April 3 and worked 17 hours in a row under the most extreme pressure. Wasn’t just me, we had plenty of help.
Will also mention the strangest telephone call I have ever received, in fact two of them about one hour apart.
At one time so many storms were exploding that we issued a special statement advising people that if they heard a thunderstorm approaching, to take cover and assume it is severe even if you don’t hear a warning.
In closing, I was extremely impressed, after storm surveys and talking to dozens of folks that lost everything, that I did not encounter a single angry person. They were so thankful to be alive. No lashing out at God, the government or anything!
