DOTHAN, Ala. – Homeowners near downtown Dothan are in the midst of cleanup efforts following an EF1 tornado that tore through the area, causing widespread damage to homes, trees, and other property. The storm’s path left a trail of destruction, with trees downed on homes and significant roof damage reported across several neighborhoods.
Khris Miller, a local homeowner, described the damage to his rental property on Dutch Street. The storm caused a large tree to fall onto the home’s roof, landing directly on the master bedroom. “Right now we are chopping down the tree that caused the damage. We’ve got it off the roof, but it’s going to take some time. I have to get my roofer out here today and get some quotes,” Miller said.
The property, which was being rented by an elderly tenant, sustained an estimated $10,000 to $15,000 in damage to both the exterior and interior of the home. The tornado struck while Miller’s tenant was inside the master bedroom, just moments before the tree crashed through the roof. Fortunately, the tenant escaped unharmed. “She called me and said a tree is in my bedroom, and I knew it was the tornado. But she was safe. The lights went out, so she got up and left—and thank God she did,” Miller recalled.
While the material damage to the home is considerable, Miller expressed gratitude that no lives were lost. “All of this material stuff can be replaced, it’s life that we can’t. It’s precious that can’t be replaced,” he said. The tenant, who is currently staying with a relative, was shaken by the event but remained safe. Meanwhile, a dog that was left behind at the home was reportedly startled but also unharmed.
The destruction wasn’t limited to Miller’s property. Just a street over on Memphis Street, another home was completely covered by a tree that had fallen onto the structure. Southland Drive and Chalker Street also saw significant damage, with trees slicing through homes and even a car that was parked nearby.
According to Mark Wool from the National Weather Service, the tornado was classified as an EF1, based on the damage observed. “It looks like an EF-1 according to the damage, not far from those streets,” Wool said, referring to the areas most affected by the storm.
One of the first locations impacted by the tornado was Dothan Prep Academy. The school suffered damage to its structure, and two students were injured as a result of the collapse. However, the injuries were not life-threatening. Dothan City School Superintendent Dr. Dennis Coe addressed the community’s concerns, stating that the school would remain closed until necessary repairs were made to restore life safety measures. “Until we get all of the life safety measures back functional—like the fire alarms and water—we will keep the building closed to the public. It is our hope that we can resume school on that campus by mid-week next week,” Dr. Coe said.
As cleanup and recovery efforts continue across Dothan, residents are working together to rebuild their homes and communities. While the damage caused by the EF1 tornado is significant, many are focused on the fact that the storm could have been far worse. The road to recovery will take time, but with the support of local officials, emergency responders, and the community, Dothan will begin to restore what was lost.
