‘Powerful’ tornado damages buildings and uproots trees in Alabama
National Weather Service warned of “large and extremely dangerous tornado”
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A “powerful” tornado that struck the city of Selma, Alabama, on Thursday damaged dozens of buildings and uprooted trees, officials say.
The “large and extremely dangerous tornado” hit Selma at 12.19pm CT (1.19pm ET), according to the National Weather Service, and was one of more than a dozen twisters reported as a major storm swept through the south.
Mayor James Perkins said the city had sustained “significant damage” in a Facebook post.
“Please refrain from traveling the roadways and stay away from down power lines,” Mr Perkins said.
California flooding – live: Flash floods, sinkholes shut roads with more storms forecast as rain dents drought
I’ve already had many terrifying near misses in the California storms - not everyone is as lucky
Boy, 4, and two adults rescued by good samaritans after Tesla crashes into California swimming pool
Footage posted to social media showed a swirling storm system descend on the city, bringing wind gusts of up to 70 mph (113kms) and hail the size of quarters.
Roofs had been torn from homes, and large piles of debris blocked roads, while downed power lines brought outages across the city, according to a CNN report.
Moments ago as the Alabama tornado moved north of Prattville and across Interstate 65 #alwx pic.twitter.com/VTcfyLDdXd
— Steve Glazier (@SteveGlazier) January 12, 2023
Flights from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport were briefly suspended due to the storms.
One person was reported trapped in a building, and another was missing, Mr Perkins told WSFA.
Hank Sanders, a former state senator, told the Associated Press there was damage “all over Selma.”
The tornado had blown out windows in the bedroom and living room of his Selma home, he said.
“It is raining through the roof in the kitchen,” Mr Sanders said.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said “our hearts and thoughts go out to the Selma community,” during a media briefing on Thursday afternoon.
The weather service issued multiple tornado warnings in Alabama, Kentucky, and Tennessee on Thursday.
More than 35 million people were under storm warnings, according to the Storm Prediction Center.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
0Comments