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One Year Since Tornado Ripped Though Molino
February 17, 2009
Tuesday marked the one year anniversary of the Molino tornado that destroyed four homes, caused heavy damage and ripped the steeple of a church with worshipers inside.
The E-F1 tornado destroyed four homes in Molino about noon Sunday, February 17. Escambia County officials say at least 60 other structures were damaged by the twister along at least a two and a half mile path. At least 20 of those structures suffered major damage. There were no injuries reported.
Many homes in the Crest Lane area were damaged, with at least one house destroyed. Other suffered significant roof damage. As the tornado continued on a path to the northeast, it took the steeple off Highland Baptist Church and caused roof damage to the sanctuary. The steeple landed in the church parking lot, damaging at least four cars.
Church members said the service was about to end when they got word of the approaching tornado. Everyone evacuated the sanctuary and sought shelter in the church fellowship hall, a brick building with no windows. They prayed and sang songs as the storm approached, a church member said.
On Molino Road, near Brickyard Road, several more homes were damaged. The roof was completely gone from several houses and the Masonic Lodge building. One mobile home was flipped upside down and others were heavily damaged.
Gulf Power company cut power to about 4,500 people in the Molino area as a safety precaution. Power lines were down all around the area with many poles snapped in half.
Dozens of emergency responders conducted a door to door search in the areas with heavy damage, checking to make sure residents were not injured. Firefighters also drove all of the roads around the area, looking for any additional damage.
For cleanup photos from February 19, click here.
Pictured above: One of the homes destroyed by last year’s Molino tornado. Pictured below: Another home under repair February 17, 2008. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Comments
One Response to “One Year Since Tornado Ripped Though Molino”
I hope my two rescurers read this.
Again, I thank you Brian and Daniel for risking your lives to save mine. I know God used you in that, for I was earnestly praying, “God, if you are not through using me in the earth, you need to do something NOW!” I did not think He was through with me, even as my feet were being pulled back, and my hand slipping off the door. I never dreamed I would ever be IN a tornado. I will remember you guys forever.
I also thank David for coming to aid you guys, and the fourth man, no one has identified. Also thanks to Pastor Rob his added assistance. I love you all, including “the fourth man at the door.”