What Stands in a Storm (Atria Books, 2015) by Kim Cross, chronicles the events and aftermath of the April 27, 2011 tornado outbreak, specifically in Alabama where the damage was the worst seen in decades. Written like a thrilling novel, Kim Cross tells the story of what happened that terrible day from the perspective of college students at the University of Alabama, fire and rescue workers in places like Cordova and Tuscaloosa, and even the famous weather forecaster in Birmingham, James Spann. What Stands in a Storm is a reminder not simply of the devastation that can be brought by a tornado outbreak, but also how families, communities and a state can rally together in an effort to heal and rebuild. For those who lived through the events of that fateful day, What Stands in a Storm is a reminder to always be prepared for severe weather events, hold your loved ones close, and to never, ever forget.
Editor’s Note: Thank you to all of those who help keep our communities safe during severe weather events including the NWS, local meteorologists, and first responders…This post has been updated since it’s original publication.
READING FOR THE GLORY 