There are reports of storm damage across much of Alabama from tornados, wind and heavy rain Wednesday night and Thursday morning. We are receiving reports from Hale, Jefferson, Chilton, Morgan, Cullman and Dallas counties, among others, of severe weather impacts.
Downtown Moundville was reportedly struck by a tornado and there are a number of homes destroyed in Chilton County. Flash flooding is a problem in localized areas across the state.
Hale County EMA reports that the ALEA Marine Police and the town of Fyffe are doing water rescue operations near the riverfront community of Riverview Beach. A woman in Morgan County was rescued from a tree after fleeing rising floodwaters.
If you do not need to go out this morning, then don’t. If you do have to travel, allow yourself extra time due to the likelihood of downed trees and powerlines, flooding, as well as utility crews and first responders out working along the roads to restore power and deal with emergency needs.
Currently, Alabama Power has 12,750 customers who are without power across the state. Utility crews are already on the scene working to restore power.
“Never assume a downed line is de-energized. Keep your distance and never touch a downed line!,” Alabama Power warned.
Dozens of school systems are closed due to storm damage, a loss of electric service, or as a precaution to keep students and families from having to travel today. Check with your local school system to see if classes have been canceled or are online only before traveling today.
Governor Kay Ivey released the following statement following yesterday’s severe weather: “Alabamians weathered tornadoes and significant thunderstorms yesterday into the early hours this morning. Like forecasts projected, we had a lot of spinning systems last night, but thankfully, a number of funnel clouds and swirling supercells with vortices did not extend to the ground. While tree and structure damage seems fairly widespread, I have received no reports of fatalities. I pray that remains the case as the assessment gets going. Overall, we have a lot to be grateful for, as it could have been much worse. Thank you to our weather experts, first responders and power crews. I am praying for all those that have been severely impacted and stand ready to assist in the recovery efforts.”
The state has EMA crews that will be out assessing the damage once the sun comes out this morning.
