March 11, 2019
Jim Evancho
On March 19, 2018 toward the end of the day strong storms began to approach the City of Jacksonville. Many of the residents were glued to their TV’s and radios to monitor the approaching super-cells that weather forecasters were reporting on.
At 8:26 pm the tornado sirens began to sound as reports of a tornado on the ground were being reported. Jacksonville residents sought shelter as the EF-3 tornado entered the city with a fierceness residents of the small community were not expecting. Although it lasted only a matter of minutes on the clock the massive storm seemed to last an eternity. The sound of the tornado was deafening, old growth trees being snapped like kindling, homes being torn down to their foundations, flying debris hitting cars and buildings made it seem like it would never end.
The violent tornado ripped through the avenues destroying residential homes and carrying away personal items leaving only destruction in its path. The unforgiving storm also tore through the JSU campus decimating buildings and surrounding apartment complexes. The main saving grace for JSU is that the campus was not full of students due to spring break.
First responders immediately went into full action and began making their way back to the disaster zone to begin checking on residents in the now destroyed quiet part of town. They were met with roads closed by downed power lines, trees, and building debris but still pushed forward to get to the people that needed them most. Within minutes there were rescuers arriving from other cities surrounding Jacksonville and a command post was set up. The danger of live power lines on the roadway, trees still falling, and potential building collapses did not keep these trained professionals from coming to help.
As police and fire were trying to get back into the heavily damaged area many residents began checking on their neighbors. Moving from house to house and conducting physical head counts to ensure everyone was accounted for the individual residents became one large family in just a blink of an eye. This was Jacksonville’s time to come together; this was the time to survive.
As Jacksonville approaches the one year anniversary of that devastating day they can look back and be proud of the progress that has been made. The downed trees have been removed, new power lines and poles have been installed, cable and telephone lines replaced, and the public streets are all open. New tree planting has commenced and many of the homes have been rebuilt or repaired. The City of Jacksonville Government took actions to help the community recover and the residents remained vigilant with restoring a new normal. Much of the landscape has been permanently altered but Jacksonville remains strong.
To commemorate the one year anniversary of the tornado The City of Jacksonville will be hosting an event at the community center on March 17, 2019 from 5 – 7:30 pm. “The residents of Jacksonville have much to celebrate about after the devastation of the tornado”, said Mayor Johnny Smith. Mayor Smith also wants to personally invite everyone to come by to celebrate and relax.” Mayor Smith went on to say “Jacksonville is stronger for what we endured”.
The event, which is open to everyone, will have food and drinks, a live band, and the opportunity to look back and reminisce.
