x
Breaking News
More () »

Oak Mountain State Park closed until further notice due to storm damage

The park near Pelham, AL sustained damage from severe weather on March 25, 2021.

PELHAM, Ala — Severe weather, including an apparent tornado, moved through north Shelby County today and caused damage at Oak Mountain State Park.

The park suffered widespread tree damage in areas near Alabama Highway 119, as well as damage to the park’s campground and cable skiing areas.

No injuries have been immediately reported.

The park closed because of downed trees and power lines, and it’s unclear when it will re-open.

Park staffers continue to survey the damage, and that work couldn’t be completed because of continued rainy weather and the forecast of more severe weather through the night.

“We are evaluating and accessing the damage to Oak Mountain State Park,” said Chris Blankenship, Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. “We don’t yet know how long the clean-up and recovery from these storms could take, and we understand many homes were also damaged in nearby areas of Shelby County.

“Once we know the full extent of the damage at Oak Mountain State Park, we will formulate an action plan. We appreciate the consideration and patience from all of our visitors as we figure out the best way to respond.”

Other nearby areas in Shelby County, including Eagle Point along U.S. 280 and areas of Helena also sustained storm damage from the suspected tornado that moved through suburban Birmingham in the early afternoon.

The National Weather Service has not yet confirmed the tornado, but photos and videos shared on social media strongly indicate a tornado moved through north Shelby County on Thursday.

   

Before You Leave, Check This Out