I know this is off topic but it's about an Effie guy. Has anyone heard from John Niolon? I know the tornadoes yesterday were all around his part of the world. Just concerned about our buddy, Steve

 

no word.. have heard from some else near Birmingham, AL..

Sam

 

I was thinking the same thing while driving home from work this evening. NPR was talking about that area this week down there.

 

What part of Birmingham does he live? Maybe I can help out?

 

used to be Hueytown, southwest of Birmingham
don't remember him talking of moving..

sam

 

John Niolon is alive and well !!!!! Praise God. Tornados did some horrific damage in the area .. we spent a prayful few minutes in the bedroom closet but came thru it unscathed.

At first after the initial reports I thought it passed about 3 miles north of us in my old hood. I had several people call me today and ask about my subdivision and if we were hit. I was confused about it and told them "NO, nothing in my immediate area, must be a mistake."

did a little riding around behind the house... three blocks back in the subdivision was where it passed... lots of trees down and several roofs, gables and siding destroyed... one overturned travel trailer and just behind those lots.... total devastation. Trees twisted off 30 feet up and stripped clean. Lost a close friend when his home and business was totally destroyed... sad times right now. My town, Hueytown took a hard hit several folks died... neighboring area was hit even harder... and Tuscaloosa (about 50 miles sw looks like it was carpet bombed... we'll recover but it will take a while...

thanks for all the good thoughts and prayers. My wife was so deep in prayer in the closet she didn't even hear me when I told her it was clear...I think she singlehandedly prayed it off of us... she has the Lord's ear.

another area hit was where my engine builders shop is... haven't been able to raise him... he lives about 50 miles from his shop and his home area was hit also... I sure hope my engine is ok ... and of course Jerry !!! At one time yesterday afternoon late there were 9 tornados on the ground in alabama at one time. The one that came thru my area was on the ground for over 2 hours and in places it's path was over a mile wide... Lots of folks suffering right now... if you have an opportunity to help in any way... pay it forward...

makes you appreciate three blocks distance... A LOT !!!!!

later
John

 

Our thoughts, prayers, and hearts go out to all you good folks down south. Up here in this little corner of the world we are so fortunate to not have to worry or deal with those types of disasters.

 

Relived to hear our comrade from Hueytown is unscathed, sorry for the loss of others.

Humbling to say the least. We are a resilient species and hopefully time will heal the area.

 

Thanks for the update John. Glad you are ok.

Sam

 

Wow! 3 blocks....sheesh.

I'm very pleased to hear that you are OK.

Bobby

 

We're here for you John - Should you need anything - Thankful that everyone is OK at this Time - Be saying some extra Preyer's for everyone

 

From what I've heard the tornado that destroyed Pleasant Grove some how jumped Hueytown and landed on them. You are very fortunate. The tornado missed me by three miles south and destroyed a 3/4 mile wide path through Ohatchee. For two hours after the storm there were all kinds of EMA vehicles going down HWY77 south near my house.

 

Glad to hear you guys are alright. It's obviously been a nightmare according to the news.

 

Glad to hear that you are OK John, lots of thoughts and prayers going out to those not so fortunate.

 

It hit all around me, but it was very calm here. Every time I looked at the radar it was "overhead." The siren went off about 7 times last night. I hope all other member (and others) are safe and secure.