This week, we reach the five-year anniversary of the deadly April 27, 2011 tornadoes that devastated Alabama and left a permanent mark on the lives of thousands who lost family, friends, homes, businesses and belongings.
Alabama Power employees restored power as quickly as it could be accomplished safely following the storms, with support from utility crews traveling to Alabama from 19 states.
While some of the communities, such as Tuscaloosa, are well on the road to recovery, other towns like Pleasant Grove and Pratt City continue to struggle to return to their previous status.
As we remember those who suffered losses that day, we take a look back at some of the dramatic images from the days following the April 27 tornadoes.
We’ll have more coverage throughout the week here on Alabama NewsCenter.
The tornadoes of April 27, 2011 killed 247 people and devastated Alabama towns and communities.
The tornadoes of April 27, 2011 killed 247 people and devastated Alabama towns and communities.
Southern Co. crews work to restore service in Alabama communities following the deadly tornadoes of April 27, 2011. This is Pratt City.
A church announces its first service following the deadly tornadoes of April 27, 2011.
The tornadoes of April 27, 2011 killed 247 people and devastated Alabama towns and communities.
The tornadoes of April 27, 2011 killed 247 people and devastated Alabama towns and communities.
The tornadoes of April 27, 2011 killed 247 people and devastated Alabama towns and communities.
The tornadoes of April 27, 2011 killed 247 people and devastated Alabama towns and communities.
The tornadoes of April 27, 2011 killed 247 people and devastated Alabama towns and communities.
The tornadoes of April 27, 2011 killed 247 people and devastated Alabama towns and communities.
Southern Co. crews work to restore service in Alabama communities following the deadly tornadoes of April 27, 2011.
The tornadoes of April 27, 2011 killed 247 people and devastated Alabama towns and communities. This is Alberta City in Tuscaloosa. (file)
The tornadoes of April 27, 2011 killed 247 people and devastated Alabama towns and communities.
Southern Co. crews work to restore service in Alabama communities following the deadly tornadoes of April 27, 2011.
The tornadoes of April 27, 2011 killed 247 people and devastated Alabama towns and communities.
The tornadoes of April 27, 2011 killed 247 people and devastated Alabama towns and communities.
The tornadoes of April 27, 2011 killed 247 people and devastated Alabama towns and communities.
The tornadoes of April 27, 2011 killed 247 people and devastated Alabama towns and communities.
The tornadoes of April 27, 2011, killed 247 people and devastated Alabama towns and communities. (file)
The tornadoes of April 27, 2011 killed 247 people and devastated Alabama towns and communities.
The tornadoes of April 27, 2011 killed 247 people and devastated Alabama towns and communities.
The tornadoes of April 27, 2011 killed 247 people and devastated Alabama towns and communities.
Blue tarps mark roofs damaged in the April 27, 2011 tornadoes.
Southern Co. crews work to restore service in Alabama communities following the deadly tornadoes of April 27, 2011.
Alabama Power and Southern Company officials visit tornado-ravaged neighborhoods following the April 27, 2011 storms.