Can homes withstand tornadoes?
Homes built with insulated concrete forms (ICF), like Fox Blocks, maintain their integrity during the high winds of a tornado. Insulating concrete forms can withstand winds of over 200 mph.
Do brick houses withstand tornadoes?
For centuries, buildings constructed of brick have withstood the ravages of hurricanes, tornadoes, high winds, hail and punishing rain. When used in conjunction with modern building codes, brick homes can remain standing when others on the same block might be destroyed.
Is there a tornado alley in Alabama?
Alabama resides in the United States’ most deadly tornado area—the Dixie Alley. Researchers are becoming increasingly aware of how dangerous and deadly tornados in the Deep South/ Gulf Coast states can be.
Are brick homes safer in a tornado?
In general, single-story homes–many of those sheathed in brick–fared much better than their two-story wood counterparts. Tornadoes can exert enormous pressure on a building. “The sheer wall of bricks is what gives them strength,” notes Abel.
What was the worst tornado in Alabama?
The March 21, 1932, tornado outbreak is considered the worst tornado event in Alabama history. At least two waves of storms struck the state, producing at least 15 strong or violent tornadoes in which more than 300 people were killed.
How big was the tornado that hit Birmingham Alabama?
The tornado was also estimated to be at its maximum width of about 350 yards in this area as it crossed AL 150.
Where did the tornado hit in Henry County Alabama?
Tornado touched down just west of County Road 15 in Henry County, Alabama. The tornado continued northeast through the town of Tumbleton, damaging several single family homes. The tornado destroyed a double wide mobile home northeast of Tumbleton, leading to one fatality.
Was there a tornado near the mobile Fairgrounds?
A very brief, weak EF-0 tornado touched down just north of Zeigler Blvd on Durbin Court and tracked northeast, lifting as it approached the Mobile Fairgrounds. The damage with the tornado was very sporadic and light, with mainly branches of softwood trees damaged. A grain bin was damaged by a brief EF-0 tornado.
What kind of damage did the tornado do to the House?
The tornado caused notable timber damage as it crossed Highway 33 then it continues northeast. The tornado moved across County Road 3163 where it removed sheathing from under a manufactured home, destroyed a small outbuilding, and removed portions of siding and sheathing from a manufactured home.