Etowah county storm worse in state

Officials say the damage Etowah County suffered from the April 28-29 tornadoes may be among the worst in the state.  Officials held a news conference Thursday afternoon in the Smiths Institute community, the site of much of the damage that occurred overnight Monday night. As that news conference was going on, the National Weather Service confirmed an EF-3 tornado hit that area.  Gadsden-Etowah EMA Director Mike Bryant says 29 homes were destroyed, 11 were heavily damaged and another 19 received minor damage. Bryant says that count includes Smiths Institute, Sardis City, the Carlisle community and the Mountainboro section of Boaz.  Sheriff Todd Entrekin said that tornado-damaged areas will be restricted at least through Sunday night with deputies and state troopers manning check points. Volunteers registered to assist in the cleanup will be given wristbands to wear, that will allow them past those checkpoints.