Joel Cobbs

The Lights Went Out In Dixie Joel Cobbs

On April 27th, 2011, 59 tornadoes touched down in Alabama, killing 238 people and leaving 650,000 without power for days. The even caused widespread damage to rural areas of Alabama and left many without homes or loved ones. Based on first-hand accounts, news reports, and personal experience, The Lights Went Out In Dixie paints a vivid picture of a State in turmoil at unprecedented disaster.



Ryan and Hannah, who just started dating, are 125 miles apart with no means of contact. Ryan and his family create various ways to eat and drink with no power while Hannah deals with being alone and the terrors the storms caused.



As Colleen suffers from dementia and diabetes, her caregiver, Sharon, tries to provide for her with limited resources. When illness strikes Colleen, caring for her becomes more complicated and Sharon's dedication is tested.



Jon, Tracy, and their daughters choose to leave their home and drive 2 hours away to stay with family until the power returns. While they enjoy spending time with their extended family, Jon and Tracy struggle with their decision to leave everything behind and the potential consequences of doing so.



With strong imagery and memorable characters, The Lights Went Out In Dixie takes readers beyond the Southern stereotypes and into the heart of the disaster that shook a state to its core.