DOTHAN, Ala. — Business owners and community organizations in Dothan are working tirelessly to recover after an EF-1 tornado struck the city on Monday, causing significant damage. The storm’s impact has left many in the area grappling with the aftermath, but despite the destruction, there is a shared sense of resilience among local residents.
Patrick Anderson, the owner of Southside 66, was inside his business with his wife and grandchild when the storm hit. As the tornado approached, a stranger ran to the door seeking refuge. Anderson initially hesitated, concerned that opening the door might expose them to the dangerous forces of the storm. However, realizing the gravity of the situation, he decided to let the individual in, ultimately saving his life.
The tornado caused extensive damage to Anderson’s property, destroying cars that were being repaired for customers, knocking down a power pole, tearing down a fence, and damaging decking. As Anderson surveys the damage, he remains focused on the immediate task at hand: cleaning up and figuring out how to complete the work that had already been scheduled for customers.
“The biggest thing right now is cleaning up and trying to make sense of the work I’ve got on my plate already that I have to turn out and explain to the owners,” Anderson said.
Another victim of the storm was Christ Miracle Ministries, located on Selma Street. The church’s windows were blown out by the powerful winds, but they have since boarded them up. Senior Pastor Eric Holt expressed a sense of faith amid the destruction, acknowledging the loss but finding comfort in the belief that everything happens for a reason.
“I wasn’t disappointed because this is God’s hand, but it still kind of hurts at the same time,” Pastor Holt said. “All the work that you put in feels like it’s going down the drain, but it’s not. Everything happens for those who love the Lord.”
The church is now in the process of working with insurance providers to repair the roof and will begin replacing the broken windows. Despite the damage, Holt remains optimistic and hopeful for the future.
Across town, a local laundromat on Selma Street has already begun the process of cleaning up. Crews were seen removing damaged sections of the roof and replacing them with new materials. Meanwhile, the Salvation Army property on South Bell Street is also being cleaned up, with a disaster relief team focusing on removing debris from fallen trees.
As Dothan continues to recover, it is clear that the community is coming together to support one another. While the storm’s damage is considerable, the determination and faith of local businesses and organizations remain unshaken. The road to recovery may be long, but the strength of the community will play a crucial role in rebuilding what was lost.
