A powerful storm swept across the southern United States, unleashing a massive tornado that damaged dozens of homes and killed at least six people in Alabama and one in Georgia.
Six people were reported dead and multiple properties were under pressure in the Old Kingston neighborhood of Otoga County.
At least 12 people were taken to hospital, local officials said.
Autauga’s director of emergency management, Ernie Baggett, told The Associated Press that 40 to 50 homes were damaged by the extreme weather and the tornado was described as “massive and extremely dangerous.”
Properties in the city of Selma were also affected – photos showed devastated neighborhoods, with strong winds ripping through walls and collapsing roofs.
Debris after bad weather in Selma.Photo: Associated Press
Some 18,000 residents are “spread across” the city, said former state Senator Hank Sanders.
“The tornado definitely damaged Selma,” he added.
“It actually hit our house, but not head-on. It blew out the bedroom and living room windows.
“It’s raining on the kitchen roof.”
Image: Mike Goodall via AP
Cars were toppled by high winds, trees were uprooted and a citywide curfew was imposed.
But so far, no deaths have been reported in Selma.
“There were injuries, but no deaths,” Mayor James Perkins said.
“We’ve got a lot of broken power lines. There’s a lot of danger in the streets.”
The tornado in Alabama was one of 33 tornadoes reported by the National Weather Service Thursday night, with warnings for Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina in place well into the night.