WINTERBORO, Ala. – Drone video captured the sheer power of a tornado that struck Alabama recently, showcasing 120-mph winds that lifted a school bus onto the roof of a high school gymnasium. The devastating storm left a trail of destruction across Winterboro, leading to one confirmed death and several injuries during the severe weather outbreak that struck the region over the weekend of March 15-16, 2025.
The National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed that at least seven tornadoes touched down in Alabama during this fierce weather event. Preliminary damage surveys indicated that the tornado that impacted Winterboro registered as an EF-2, with maximum winds of 120 mph. Talladega County bore the brunt of this tornado, which not only demolished part of the local high school but also severely affected nearby homes and farms.
According to damage assessments from the NWS’s Birmingham office, the tornado made landfall southwest of Winterboro High School, wreaking havoc on the football press box and the baseball and softball fields. As the storm intensified, it reached the old Winterboro High School building, lifting a school bus and depositing it onto the side of the gymnasium. The drone footage showed extensive damage to the gymnasium, where the walls had mostly collapsed, evidencing the tornado’s ferocity.
“Drone video showed a school bus lofted onto a high school gymnasium in Winterboro, Alabama, due to a tornado's 120-mph winds,” reported an eyewitness source covering the event. This harrowing image serves as a stark reminder of the destructive potential nature can unleash.
In an official statement, the National Weather Service noted, “We have confirmed at least seven tornadoes in Alabama during this past weekend’s severe weather outbreak,” highlighting the breadth of the storm’s impact across multiple communities in the state.
Surveys conducted following the winds reported considerable damage across various structures in Winterboro, particularly focusing on the impact at the old school site. The damage assessments revealed not only physical destruction but also an emotional toll on the community, gripped by the loss and extensive property damage. Residents, many of whom witnessed the storm firsthand, reported a mix of shock and disbelief as the cleanup began.
Preliminary findings showed EF-2 damage in Talladega County was particularly severe, with one report stating, “Preliminary damage surveys found EF-2 damage in Talladega County, where a tornado with maximum winds of 120 mph tore through Winterboro, killing one person and injuring another.” This chilling acknowledgment of both the storm's physical impact and its human cost reverberates through the tight-knit community.
As recovery efforts kick into gear, local officials have emphasized their commitment to assisting those affected by the tornado. Community leaders are mobilizing resources to help residents deal with the aftermath, focusing on restoring essential services and providing support for those who have lost their homes. “This community will come together, as we always do, to help each other recover from this tragedy,” said a local spokesperson.
The severity of the storms serves as a potent reminder to communities across the region to stay prepared for extreme weather events. With changing climate patterns leading to more frequent severe weather outbreaks, officials underscore the importance of having robust emergency plans in place. “Preparedness is key—by knowing what to do in the event of severe weather, we can save lives and protect our community,” advised a local emergency management official.
As the focus shifts from immediate recovery to longer-term rebuilding efforts, residents reflect on both the challenges ahead and the resilience of their community. The tornado that devastated Winterboro will not be forgotten, and neither will the strength shown by those who stood together in the face of adversity. In memory of the storm's victim and in support of those still grappling with its effects, the community pledges to emerge stronger than before.
In the days following the tornado, volunteers have rallied, offering their time and resources to assist with debris cleanup and emotional support for affected families. The collaborative spirit among residents stands out as a beacon of hope amid the destruction, reinforcing the notion that together, they can overcome any challenge that comes their way. This community spirit will be crucial as they begin the arduous journey of recovery and rebuilding after this harrowing experience.
