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On March 3, multiple tornadoes touched down causing fatalities and injuries in Beauregard, AL and in other communities across East Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina. Many homes, personal property and businesses sustained heavy damages.

“It’s absolutely devastating,” said Alabama’s Regional Executive, Mark Beddingfield. “Our hearts are with every resident impacted by this tragic series of storms.”

The American Red Cross of Alabama is working with partners to help people impacted by these deadly storms. Resources, including volunteers and supplies have been mobilized and damage assessment teams will be out in the most heavily impacted communities — as soon as it is safe to do so. In addition, disaster mental health workers and Red Cross volunteers trained in Spiritual Care are standing by to assist anyone with emotional support, as needed.

l There were 39 confirmed tornadoes across Alabama, Florida, Georgia and South Carolina.

l In Alabama, with 23 deaths reported in Lee County, March 3 was the deadliest day for tornadoes in Alabama since 2011, when the Tuscaloosa-Birmingham tornado killed more than 200 people. Initial reports indicate that hundreds of homes were damaged or destroyed and dozens of people are still reported to be missing.

Alabama’s Red Cross has Opened a Shelter:

l Providence Baptist Church, 2807 Lee County Rd. 166, Opelika, AL. 36804

Anyone with immediate, disaster-caused needs can call their local Red Cross office or 1-800-RED CROSS for help. People who need a safe place to stay can visit RedCross.org/shelter to locate an open Red Cross shelter.

To Locate a Missing Loved One:

Visit RedCross.org/SafeandWell to search for a missing loved one. People can also visit the site to notify family and friends that they are safe.

To Help:

To support Red Cross disaster relief and help people affected by this and other emergencies, visit RedCross.org, call 1-800-Red-Cross or text REDCROSS TO 90999 to donate $10.

Blood Donations:

The need for blood is constant and it is the blood already on the shelves that Hospital Staff reach for during emergencies.

Anyone eligible and wishing to donate blood may schedule a donation appointment at redcrossblood.org