Rickwood Caverns state park damaged by thunderstorm

BLOUNT COUNTY, Ala. (WIAT) — A storm on Monday caused down trees, powerlines and a collapsed roof at Rickwood Caverns State Park.

A tree took out almost half of the pool building, including the women’s locker room, which was hit by a large tree. No one was injured, but there was a group of lifeguards taking shelter just a few feet away from where the tree fell.

Residents who live just outside the park said they the tops of trees touching the ground.

“I didn’t see any tornadoes, just some real strong winds, about the strongest wind we have up here had in a long time,” reside Jim Hill said.

Rickwood Caverns State Park Superintendent Chris Bentely said the staff took precautions to clear the park during the storm.

“When we have storms in the area, we clear the pool until it is safe to re-enter the pool,” said Bentley.

Hill said his house does not have any damage, but it’s important to stay aware of weather.

“If they looked at Rickwood down there they should take this seriously, because I think this thunderstorm, it had some strong winds in it that it did all that damage down there,” he said.

Park officials said that other than the pool area, the park is operating normally including, cavern tours. No opening date has been announced for the pool.

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