Justin Bullock, FISM News
Twelve people have died in Alabama as the latest tropical depression, Claudette, swept across the south-east coastline of the US. Claudette brought torrential rain, flash floods, and tornadoes which proved deadly in Alabama and also resulted in multiple injuries across the breadth of the storm’s journey. Claudette is the third named storm to come in this year’s hurricane season, with many more expected before the end of the year.
A tragic event occurred south of Montgomery, when a van of ten people, nine of which were children, likely hydroplaned to their deaths as a result of the wet roads and wild winds. In Tuscaloosa, a man and toddler were also killed after a tree fell on their house due to the fierce winds. In addition, multiple people were injured due to the effects of the storm throughout Alabama and Georgia where the most extreme weather occurred.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) tweeted that they are investigating the crash:
The NTSB, in coordination with the Alabama Highway Patrol, is sending 10 investigators to conduct a safety investigation of the fatal June 19, 2021, multi-vehicle crash on I-65, in Butler County, Alabama.
— NTSB_Newsroom (@NTSB_Newsroom) June 20, 2021
It is estimated that 12 inches of rain fell across the Gulf Coast causing substantial flash floods and property damage. In addition, multiple tornadoes were instigated by Claudette’s winds which destroyed several homes and buildings. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) previously predicted that this year’s hurricane season will bring 13-20 named storms and has strongly cautioned Americans to adequately prepare for severe inclement weather by listening to local and state weather advisories, maintaining a small reserve of emergency supplies, and leaving the impacted area whenever possible.