Tornado victims look on 'bright side'

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - People in midtown Mobile continue to clean up and secure their homes after severe thunderstorms and an EF-1 tornado struck on Thursday, December 20.

“We got some leaks, and we are trying to cover it up until we get everything done with the insurance adjuster,” said Artemis Houston.

PHOTOS: Severe weather pounds Mobile

Debris still sits on curbsides on Union Avenue and Fredrick Street in midtown. A number of people were pulling out their ladders and putting tarp on their rooftops in preparation for more possible severe weather.  

“We are basically repairing the roof, drying it in to keep it dried in from the next storm that is coming,” said Edward Leggett.

Ameritus Houston lives just feet away from a home destroyed by Thursday’s tornado on Fredrick Street.  He knows the power of Mother Nature.

 "God is good. It’s so close, so close.  It could have been me,” said Houston.

Houston is covering his roof with a tarp with help from a friend. He does not want to take any chances.

"We got some leaks and we are trying to cover it up till we get everything done with the insurance adjuster,” said Houston.

Even with all the destruction around him, Houston is taking it one day at a time. And is trying stay in good spirits this holiday season.

"You have to look at the brighter side in everything life is tough enough but if you roll over it's no good at all,” said Houston.