An apparent tornado in Alabama killed at least 14 people and injured several others Sunday, part of a severe storm system that destroyed homes and caused other tornadoes around the Southeast part of the state. Dozens of emergency responders joined search and rescue efforts Lee County, Alabama, after what forecasters said they think was a large tornado touched down Sunday afternoon, unleashed by a powerful storm system that raked its way across.
Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones told The Associated Press in Beauregard, Alabama “I can confirm 14 fatalities.” Beauregard is the area of greatest destruction. He told reporters that children were among the dead and that some people are still believed missing and that a search and rescue operation was continuing. “Unfortunately we believe that number is going to go up,” Jones said of the fatalities.
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey warned residents on Twitter that more severe weather might be on the way. She said the state was working to help families who had been impacted. Said Ivey on Twitter: “Our hearts go out to those who lost their lives in the storms that hit Lee County today. Praying for their families & everyone whose homes or businesses were affected.”
Lee County Schools announced on Twitter that schools would be closed on Monday. The storm left more than 10,000 customers without power, the Birmingham News said, and overnight temperatures fell to freezing following the storm.
