DOTHAN, Ala. — Homeowners near downtown Dothan are still grappling with the aftermath of an EF1 tornado that swept through the area, causing significant damage to homes and property. The storm uprooted trees, ripped off roofs, and left thousands of dollars in destruction.
One of the hardest-hit areas was the neighborhood on Dutch Street, where trees fell on several homes. Khris Miller, a homeowner whose property was severely damaged, described the situation as overwhelming. Miller, who rents the home to an elderly tenant, said a large tree fell onto the master bedroom where his tenant had been lying down just moments before.
“She called me and said a tree is in my bedroom,” Miller recalled. “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.”
Although his tenant escaped unharmed, the property sustained significant damage, including between $10,000 and $15,000 worth of roof damage and interior destruction. Several furniture items, including a television, were also damaged. Despite the setback, Miller was quick to put the situation into perspective.
“I told my tenant, all of this material stuff can be replaced, it’s life that we can’t,” he said. “She’s safe, and that’s what matters most.”
Nearby, a home on Memphis Street was completely covered by a tree that toppled onto the structure. Similar damage was reported throughout the area, including on Southland Drive and Chalker Street, where trees sliced through houses and even a car parked on the street.
Mark Wool of the National Weather Service confirmed the tornado’s classification, stating that the damage along these streets was consistent with an EF1 tornado. “It looks like it’s an EF-1, according to the damage,” he said.
In addition to the destruction in residential areas, Dothan Prep Academy was also severely affected. The school was one of the first places hit by the tornado, with the storm damaging the building and injuring two students.
Dothan City Schools Superintendent Dr. Dennis Coe provided an update on the school’s status, emphasizing the importance of safety as repairs are made. “Until we get all of the life safety measures back functional, including the fire alarm and water systems to ensure there are no hazards, the building is closed to the public,” he said. “Our hope is to resume school on that campus by midweek next week.”
As recovery efforts continue, local residents are working together to clear debris and assess the damage. While the storm left a trail of destruction, the community is determined to rebuild and move forward.
The full extent of the damage remains under assessment, but the resilience of the people of Dothan is evident as they begin the process of recovery, supporting each other in the face of adversity.
