January 26, 2021, Fultondale, Alabama, U.S., tornadoes hit the scene after a wreck.
Powerful tornadoes swept through northern Alabama on Thursday (March 25), killing at least five people and injuring dozens more. In addition, a number of homes and other buildings were destroyed south of Birmingham (Birmingham).
A spokeswoman for the Calhoun County Emergency Management Agency (Calhoun County Emergency Management Agency) said five people were confirmed dead in Ohatchee, Alabama, about 60 miles northeast of Birmingham. In addition, there are still a number of other people missing and unaccounted for. The tornado in Ohatchee, a town of about 1,200 people in the northwest corner of the state, destroyed homes and blew down trees and power lines.
Calhoun County Coroner Pat Brown confirmed to the Birmingham News that four adults were killed in Ohachi, three of them from the same Family. A fifth adult was killed in the Wellington, Alabama, area. However, those killed have not been identified.
In northwest Florence, Alabama, the local police department said a police officer was struck by lightning from the storm while setting up a roadblock. Florence police revealed on Twitter that the officer is currently being treated at North Alabama Medical Center and “remains conscious and responsive.”
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey (R) said in a statement on social media, “Severe and dangerous weather will continue to affect parts of Alabama, and I urge all those in the path of these tornadoes and storm systems to remain on high alert.”
Ivey said, “Unfortunately, we have received reports of people who have lost their lives. I offer my most sincere prayers to all those affected. Unfortunately, the day is not over yet. Everyone stay safe and stay alert!”
The news site Al.com reported “multiple injuries” in Shelby County, southeast of Birmingham. Details on the number of those injured and the extent of their injuries were not available until 6 p.m. local Time.
Shelby County Sheriff John Samaniego said in a written statement to Al.com, “Shelby County has suffered severe tornado damage. We have confirmed that local homes and other structures have been completely destroyed.”
Samaniego said, “Our first priority at this time is to identify those citizens who need emergency medical assistance. We will then work with our partner agencies to provide the necessary resources for the displaced residents. This search and outreach effort will continue throughout the night and into the early morning hours.”
A few hours later, Jefferson County (Jefferson) Sheriff’s deputies notified that another tornado had struck there.
The local police department tweeted out an announcement, “Jefferson County now has a confirmed tornado. It is currently located in the area of Interstate I-59 and 459. Please seek shelter immediately.”
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a tornado watch for much of the northern part of the state.
In Pelham, a city of about 21,000 people about 20 miles (32 kilometers) south of Birmingham, residents were also told to take shelter from a possible “second round” of strikes, according to Al.com.
In a second tweet, Pelham police confirmed that communications and power lines along highways 119 and 31 north of Pelham were damaged. According to pictures posted on social media, local homes, trees and power lines were destroyed.
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