TROY, Ala. — A tornado struck the city of Troy on Saturday, leaving widespread damage across the southern side of the city, including the building that had been designated as a storm shelter for local residents. The storm caused significant destruction to the Troy Recreation Center, which had been sheltering over 200 people from Pike County, Elba, New Brockton, and even Tuscaloosa.
Workers at the recreation center, who had only moments before moved guests into the facility’s locker and shower rooms, expressed relief that no injuries were reported. Dan Smith, the Troy Recreation Director, described the harrowing moments as the storm passed overhead. “Just as we were getting them in, the storm came over head, you could feel the air leaving the building and the roar,” Smith said. “We are just fortunate and blessed. We know some had it worse than we did.”
While the storm may have spared lives, it left a trail of devastation behind. The roof of the recreation center’s gym was torn off, scattered across the property, and rain poured into the facility, damaging two wooden basketball courts beyond repair. Additionally, several light poles and trees were snapped in the parking lot, and three of the sportsplex’s ball fields, including the Miracle League field, sustained significant damage.
As of Sunday afternoon, city officials and recreation staff were still assessing the full extent of the damage, which has left many wondering about the costs of repairs. “This Sunday afternoon, we are going to have a staff meeting to lay out a roadmap and see where we are at and see what’s next,” Smith said. “There is going to be a lot of cleanup and restoration, as well as repairs to the ballparks.”
Despite the destruction, Smith remained focused on the most important aspect of the ordeal—safety. “The most important thing is life itself,” he emphasized. “We’re grateful for that, and the damage is nothing we can’t replace.”
The storm struck during a time when many visitors had sought shelter at the recreation center, which had served as a safe haven for travelers who could not find hotel accommodations. Smith expressed his gratitude for the calm and order maintained by his department and law enforcement officials, which helped ensure the safety of all those present. “We had people who drove here from Elba, New Brockton, and Tuscaloosa who couldn’t get a hotel and stayed here with us last night,” Smith noted. “We always have a lot of people from beyond, and I just have to give the highest of praise to my department and law enforcement.”
At present, the recreation center will remain closed for an undetermined amount of time as cleanup and repairs begin. While the damage to the facility and the surrounding areas is substantial, Smith emphasized the community’s resilience. “It’s devastating to see, but we’re grateful to be alive today,” he said.
The city of Troy is now focused on recovery and restoration efforts, as officials work to bring the community back to normal in the wake of Saturday’s devastating storm.
