PHOTOS: Tuscaloosa changed forever on April 27, 2011, when a devastating tornado struck. Thirteen years later, the recovery, rebuilding and restoration in the tornado's aftermath helped move Tuscaloosa forward in many ways.
Tuscaloosa County Probate Judge Rob Robertson said the destruction from the April 27, 2011, tornado provided a blueprint showing how emergency agencies can be better prepared for the next natural disaster.
"A lot of things you see and how they do things today and procedures during severe weather ... there are lessons learned out of that terrible tornado, (a) traumatic event," said Robertson, who by virtue of his office also serves as chairman of the Tuscaloosa County Commission.