Video from the CNN affiliate WVTM shows that the Hampton Inn in Fultondale, which is located north of Birmingham and has a population of about 9,000, according to census data, suffered significant damage during the storm. The affiliate reported that hotel guests managed to escape the building and seek shelter at a nearby restaurant when another storm surge passed.
NWS Birmingham said in a tweet that they are monitoring reports “after a tornado recently hit the Jefferson Co. Fultondale area”.
“Significant damage has been reported. We will inspect the damage to determine the strength of the tornado,” said NWS Birmingham.
Earlier, the agency said on Twitter: “At 10:54 PM CST, a large and extremely dangerous tornado was located in Chalkville, or near Trussville, moving east at 80 km / h”.
About 21 kilometers northeast of Birmingham, the city of Center Point, which has a population of more than 16,000, also suffered “much damage” from the storm, Mayor Bobby Scott told CNN affiliate WBRC.
Scott said the rear half of the roof of Hilldale Baptist Church is missing and the city’s recreation center also suffered damage in the storm.
“It looks like tomorrow we have a long day ahead of us,” said Scott. “Hopefully we can cover everything.”
“We have no injuries to report now, so we are definitely grateful for that,” added the mayor.
The Jackson County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) has asked people to stay out of the area while the first respondents try to reach the most damaged places.
“In addition to the dangers of the road, such as power lines and debris … traffic is obstructing the roads,” agency tweeted.
A tornado alert was issued Monday night in Jefferson County, Alabama, NWS Birmingham said in a tweet. The agency has since issued tornado warnings and observed several counties as the storm line moves to the northeast of the state.
A tornado watch remains in effect for parts of Alabama and Georgia
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.