Classes resume today in Butler, Conecuh, Monroe, Mobile and Baldwin counties after being canceled more than a week because of Hurricane Ivan. But students will probably find many reminders of the powerful storm, which blew across Alabama's Gulf Coast ten days ago.
At least one regular classroom at Bay Minette Middle School has been condemned, and roof sections blew off at several schools. Computers and ceiling tiles alike have been ruined. Schools in Repton and Castleberry are still closed.
In the meantime, experts say there probably will be more storms in the future that will batter homes and condominiums along the Gulf Coast the way Hurricane Ivan did. That leaves property owners, insurance companies and bankers facing the decision of whether to rebuild paradise during the calm between storms.
Early estimates put the insured damages for Hurricane Ivan at three to ten billion dollars nationally. But some experts say that even though coverage along the coast remains expensive, development will continue because people like going to the beach.
With help from the Associated Press
The 72-year-old suspect has been identified as a former police officer and "nice guy."
More >>The 72-year-old suspect has been identified as a former police officer and "nice guy."
More >>Among the items leaving for the month are hit movies like "Disney's The Jungle Book," "Bridget Jones's Diary" and "Talladega Nights: The Legend of Ricky Bobby."
More >>Among the items leaving for the month are hit movies like "Disney's The Jungle Book," "Bridget Jones's Diary" and "Talladega Nights: The Legend of Ricky Bobby."
More >>The parents and husband of a 25-year-old Midlands woman have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against American Airlines.
More >>The parents and husband of a 25-year-old Midlands woman have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against American Airlines.
More >>OJ, a blind dog adopted alongside his guide dog companion Blue Dozer, was adopted over the weekend. OJ was then found wandering more than 100 miles away.
More >>OJ, a blind dog adopted alongside his guide dog companion Blue Dozer, was adopted over the weekend. OJ was then found wandering more than 100 miles away.
More >>The Supreme Court is saving one of its biggest cases for last, weighing President Donald Trump's ban on travelers from several mostly Muslim countries.
More >>The Supreme Court is saving one of its biggest cases for last, weighing President Donald Trump's ban on travelers from several mostly Muslim countries.
More >>President Donald Trump's personal attorney says he'll exercise his constitutional right against self-incrimination in a lawsuit brought by a porn actress who said she had an affair with Trump.
More >>President Donald Trump's personal attorney says he'll exercise his constitutional right against self-incrimination in a lawsuit brought by a porn actress who said she had an affair with Trump.
More >>Jurors at Bill Cosby's sexual assault retrial are poised to start deliberating after a marathon day of closing arguments.
More >>Jurors at Bill Cosby's sexual assault retrial are poised to start deliberating after a marathon day of closing arguments.
More >>A person has died at a fair in Alexander City, the Alex City Police Department confirms.
More >>A person has died at a fair in Alexander City, the Alex City Police Department confirms.
More >>