Three years after a deadly tornado struck the north Montgomery County community of Flatwood, officials celebrated the opening of a new community storm shelter, along with a new playground and covered pavilion.

On Tuesday, Dec. 9, county leaders showed off the shelter at the neighborhood's community center, 360 Williams Drive. It will serve the surrounding area during times of severe weather and will be open for all residents regardless of zip code. Pets are not allowed at the shelter.

The shelter cost about $150,000, with a grant from the Governor's Emergency Relief Fund covering about 25% of the cost. The playground and covered pavilion cost a total of about $130,000.

On Nov. 30, 2022, a tornado tore through Flatwood , damaging 19 of the 48 homes in the area. The storm took two liv

See Full Page