Gulf Coast environmental journalist John Wathen shares video of tornado that ravaged his community in Tuscaloosa

Journalist John Wathen, who earlier this month received an award for his tireless efforts to document the impact of the BP oil disaster on the environment and people of the Gulf Coast, survived the tornado that ravaged his community of Tuscaloosa, Alabama. He and his family were safe in his storm cellar, but homes were destroyed along with the essential tools John uses in his work as a citizen journalist -- computer, cameras, boats and more.

John has a longstanding personal connection to the Gulf Coast and helped with recovery efforts after Hurricane Katrina. Gulf Coast friends and organizations are mobilizing to support John and recovery efforts in Tuscaloosa and beyond.

Today John uploaded this video he shot of the tornado approaching his home on Hurricane Creek.

Read about John's recent Wild South's Roosevelt-Ashe Society Conservation Award for Outstanding Journalist in Conservation and find out more about John's work as the Hurricane Creekkeeper and blogger on BP Slick.