April 27, 2011. I was a freshman at Alabama when an EF4 tornado ripped right through Tuscaloosa. We were all crowded into the hallways of our dorm rooms when rumors starting flying.

"Oh it just hit Paty Hall."

"Denny Chimes was knocked to the ground."

The tornado ended up missing campus by about a mile to the south. We didn't really know just how bad it was until a few of us walked over to 15th Street and saw the devastation. It was the most surreal thing I have ever seen. Twisted metal, wood everywhere, busted windows, and power lines dangling down to the street. I was able to finally meet up with my girlfriend who had been taking refuge in another dorm. They ended up cancelling exams and everyone who could go home, did on the next day. Once the reality really set in, students came back to help with the rebuilding efforts by making meals, donations, and clearing debris.

I think around 57 people died in Tuscaloosa that day, including 6 University of Alabama students. I can't imagine what the totals would've been if it had come directly through campus. Here's an interactive site where you can see before and after pictures of Tuscaloosa.