Roger Williams community cleans up tornado damage

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - The Toulminville community saw a lot of heavy damage following severe weather on Tuesday.

Residents at Roger Williams will never forget this Christmas. It is marked by a devastating tornado. Jaraven Jackson was at home when she saw it coming. She and her family took cover in a bathroom.

"It came; and dirt and whatever form the house, it just started blowing. So it blowed in my face, and I couldn't breathe. And my niece started choking, and we just panicked,” said Jackson.

Courtney’s Davis' son was inside his apartment when it hit.

"Yesterday, I was so scared because I couldn't get to him,” said Davis.

Kiera Willis said she and her family huddled together in a hallway.

"When this door busted open and this window blew out, it was strong enough to slide people across the floor. And my 5-year-old sister was sliding, and I was trying to pull her back,” said Willis.

The complex is now the scene of downed power lines, cars that have been tossed through the parking lot and debris scattered.

"It’s gone; not up there anymore,” said Jackson.

At 3 p.m., residents said they hadn’t gotten much help.

"We’ve been waiting here since early this morning to get assistance,” said Willis.

The Salvation Army answered that request with a hot meal.

"It seems like there hasn’t been much help today so we want to come and bring some warm food and warm drinks for the people out here in this cold weather,” said Katie Emer with the Salvation Army.

Down the street on Oak Drive Court residents like Augusta Collins were also hit hard.

"Lost two cars it looks like. Took all the trees down," said Collins.

The most significant damage was at Collins’ neighbor’s home.

"That’s her den right there, and it tore all that off," said Collins.

AAA moving company was out in the area helping residents move their belongings into safe shelter until they rebuild.

The Toulminville area is asking for all of the volunteers it can get. If you want to help or need help call the disaster response team in Toulminville at 251-281-8323.