At least one person died after a tornado hit Alabama on Monday night, tearing down buildings and trapping people inside their homes.
The National Weather Service (NWS) in Birmingham, Alabama, said the heavy storm hit Jefferson Co’s Fultondale area, causing “significant damage”.
“We will inspect the damage to determine the strength of the tornado,” wrote the NWS on Twitter.
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Fultondale police chief DP Smith said a young man was killed when he was trapped in his basement, according to AL.com.
“The family took shelter in the basement, but it looks like a tree fell on the house and caused it to collapse,” reported the newspaper.
Videos and photos on social media captured part of the devastation.
A tornado alert was issued shortly after 10:30 pm on Monday.
The resulting storm cut power and produced debris that blocked roads in the area. A Hampton Inn, Comfort Inn and Suites and a Chili’s restaurant were badly damaged, the WBRC reported.
“We have possible fatalities, we cannot confirm the number yet. We still have search and rescue teams working,” said Fultondale’s assistant fire chief, Justin McKenzie, shortly after 3:30 am.
Fultondale police chief DP Smith said at least five people had been hospitalized. James Coker, director of the Jefferson County Emergency Management Agency, said the storm’s injuries ranged from mild to severe.
“Our current goal is always the safety of life,” said Coker. “This is not just for people who may have been injured, but also for the first aid who assist them.”
Earlier, Fultondale Mayor Larry Holcomb said the city had received about 20 reports of minor injuries, CBS reported 42.
“There are still people trapped in their homes that we are trying to access right now,” said Holcomb.
Dave Moerbe, a pastor in Gardendale, and his son, Sam, 18, went to Fultondale when they heard about the devastation.
“It looks like a bomb went off,” ‘Sam said, according to AL.com.
The Hoover Fire Department said there were personnel on site in Fultondale helping with search and rescue efforts
(Hoover Fire Department)
The Jefferson County Emergency Management Agency urged the public to avoid the Fultondale and Center Point areas to allow them to continue their operations safely.
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“In addition to the dangers on the roads, such as power lines and debris … traffic is obstructing the roads. Again, PLEASE stay out of the area,” tweeted the agency.
At least 11 closed schools were announced for Tuesday after the storm, according to the agency.
A tornado watch has been suspended in Jefferson County, but nearby areas, including Clanton and western Georgia, are still being monitored.
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“We will clear the counties as soon as possible (as soon as the storms pass through a certain county and the threat is over),” wrote the NWS on Twitter.
The Associated Press contributed to this report