County avoids storm damage

By Staff
Jason Cannon, Franklin County Times
Franklin County skipped largely unscathed through yesterday's severe weather event, with no damage being reported in what was expected to be a violent beating from Mother Nature.
Heavy rains and thunderstorms marred much of the day yesterday, but it was a far cry from the flash flooding and possible hail and tornadoes that were expected.
"We came out of this one with basically some rainfall," Franklin County Emergency Management Director Carol Frederick said. "It just seemed to pass us by."
A hook echo was reported over Vina about noon yesterday, a sure sign of a possible tornado, but Frederick said it never touched the ground and no damage was reported across the county in yesterday's storms.
A tornado watch was issued early Thursday but was reissued as a severe thunderstorm warning at 11:45 a.m. All watches and warnings for Franklin County expired yesterday by 4:15 p.m.
Russellville and Franklin County schools were dismissed at 11 a.m. yesterday as an extra precaution but some students weren't so lucky.
An apparent tornado struck Enterprise High School in Cleburne County yesterday, causing extensive damage to the building, trapping some students inside and killing at least eight.
"It's just better to be safe than sorry," Frederick said. "That's why we decided it was best to dismiss school early, because that's what can happen. It's not worth it to chance it."