Community gathers to support Athens after tornado’s destruction in downtown—how you can help now

This weekend, the community rallied to clear debris and damage caused by a pop-up EF1 tornado that tore through downtown Athens Saturday night.

Keep reading to see how Athens is recovering, plus how you can help.

Downtown spots affected by storms

The City of Athens shared photos of the damage with several offering support in the comments. (City of Athens Public Relations)

As an Athens resident myself, I can attest that word spread rapidly of the damage to our beloved downtown.

The City of Athens was quick to share videos on social media of trees down and debris littering the streets from the 5-minute tornado.

Among the affected are:

• Athens Veterans Museum and Veterans Park
• CEI Bookstore (read their statement online)
• A dozen businesses on the Square
• Buildings between Sanderfer Road, downtown and Elm Street 
• 10+ Utility poles (leaving 2,000 customers without power at the peak of the outage)

The City of Athens continues to provide updates on power restoration and clean-up progress.

Volunteers help clear ground

First responders clear the roads with local support. (City of Athens Public Relations)

Volunteers quickly assembled to help clear debris. The City of Athens reported that state leaders, TVA, neighboring municipalities and more offered assistance.

More local support came today from Lowe’s manager Darwan Kerr who donated blowers and cleaning supplies to City crews and local business owners who are cleaning up tornado damage.

Athens Main Street shared a statement from Executive Director Tere Richardson, a key figure in revitalizing downtown Athens over the years.

“We appreciate the outpouring of support and willingness to assist. Public volunteers will be able to contribute to the efforts, and we’ll share more details about how you can help very soon.

Together, we can turn this setback into a story of strength and unity. Downtown Athens will rise again, better and brighter than ever—because that’s what we do. Thank you for your love, resilience and unwavering commitment to our downtown community.”

Tere Richardson, Athens Main Street Executive Director

Local restaurants feed volunteers

Workers enjoyed free lunch from local restaurants. (City of Athens Public Relations)

According to the City of Athens, local workers and volunteers were well taken care of.

Slim Chickens, Pepsi and Grayson Carter Contracting provided food and drinks to workers the morning after the storm.

Downtown restaurant Southern Table provided free burgers and wings to first responders and volunteers. Food was hand-delivered to linemen working to restore power.

How you can support downtown Athens

If you want to help restore Athens, here’s what you can do:

1. Donate: Athens Main Street launched a Storm Damage and Clean-up Fund with all donations going directly to restoration expenses.
2. Support local businesses: You can also help downtown businesses by purchasing gift cards, making online purchases or engaging with their social media.
   • Athens Main Street is sharing ways to support local, plus what’s open and closed in downtown.
3. Volunteer: Limestone County EMA is coordinating relief efforts—those interested in volunteering can reach out at 256-262-2631.

While the damage is devastating, the response is a testament to the strength of our community and why I love being an Athens native.

“If there’s one thing I know about downtown Athens, it’s this: we are a resilient community. Time and time again, we have faced adversity and emerged stronger. This moment will be no different.”

Tere Richardson, Athens Main Street Executive Director

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