Tornadoes and violent storms hit US South-east, leaving at least 5 dead

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE (NYTIMES) - At least five people died and homes and businesses were levelled in Alabama as a result of powerful storms and tornadoes moving across the South-east on Thursday (March 25).

The National Weather Service reported multiple tornadoes in Alabama, including one that likely travelled over 160km from near Birmingham to the northeastern corner of the state.

The five deaths were reported in Calhoun County, where crews were performing search-and-rescue operations to look for any more people who were injured or killed, said Ms Tiffany DeBoer, a spokesperson for the county's emergency management agency.

In Florence, Alabama, a police officer was struck by lightning during the height of the afternoon storm, said Chief Mike Holt. The officer suffered burns but survived.

Homes were destroyed in and around Birmingham. Police in Pelham, Alabama, a suburb south of Birmingham, said that some roads were left impassable by downed trees and utility lines.

More than 45,000 properties across several states had lost electricity by evening, according to PowerOutage.us.

Officials in several states urged residents to brace for hail, powerful winds and possible flash floods just days after facing a similar bout of destructive weather.

The National Weather Service issued tornado warnings in Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina, urging residents facing the most imminent danger to "take cover now".

Forecasters also warned that other portions of those states, as well as Tennessee and Mississippi, could see storms that bring a high risk of tornadoes, as well as flash floods. A tornado watch remained in effect until 8pm on Thursday.

The National Weather Service confirmed that a tornado touched down shortly after 1pm Central time in an area South-west of Birmingham, and warned that it was moving toward the city and its suburbs.

"Our priority at the moment is identifying those citizens in need of emergency medical attention," Shelby County Sheriff John Samaniego said in a statement, adding that there had been "significant tornado damage", including residences that had been "completely destroyed".

He added, "This search and outreach effort will continue throughout the night and into the early morning hours."

In Calhoun County, the victims included a family of three who lived in a wooden home in Ohatchee, a man in a mobile home in Ohatchee, and a woman in a mobile home in Wellington, said the coroner, Mr Pat Brown.

In Birmingham, Mr James Spann, an ABC33/40 meteorologist, was reporting on the storms when a tornado struck his home.

"What I'm doing is texting my wife to be sure she's in the shelter," Mr Spann said as a live camera shot showed a wide, billowing tornado.

For a few minutes, Mr Spann's colleague on the broadcast, Ms Taylor Sarallo, took the lead.

"It's not a good situation," Mr Spann said when he returned. "The reason I had to step out - we've had major damage at my house. My wife is OK, but the tornado came right through there."

In Trussville, Alabama, Ms Hannah Carter rode out the storm in her home, putting helmets on her two children and ushering them into a small hallway closet, along with herself, her husband and their dog.

"It's been a crazy day," she said.

She learned later that a tornado had come dangerously close to their home, but their property remained unscathed.

She recalled a tornado in 2011 that also came within a street or two or her home.

"It was a very nostalgic, flashback experience," Ms Carter said. "It could have been much worse."

Officials warned residents to prepare as schools and government offices closed early.

"Stay home, stay safe, stay informed," Mr Andy Berke, the mayor of Chattanooga, Tennessee, said on Twitter.

In Birmingham, the city government opened safe rooms and put up barricades in areas prone to flooding.

On Thursday morning, Governor Kay Ivey of Alabama declared a state of emergency in more than 20 counties and pressed residents to "to closely monitor the weather system", especially if their areas were under high risk.

The destructive weather returned a week after some of the same areas were hit by an outbreak of powerful storms that swept through Mississippi and Alabama before moving on to Georgia, the Carolinas and Virginia.

In January, a tornado in Alabama led to the death of a 14-year-old boy in Fultondale, a suburb of Birmingham; he had been sheltering in a basement with his family members when a tree fell on the house.

Meteorologists acknowledged the likelihood that residents were fatigued by the possibility of dangerous storms returning so soon, but urged them to stay vigilant.

"You really need to take action when the warnings are issued and not wait until you can see the danger," said Mr Bill Bunting, chief of forecast operations at the National Weather Service.

In 2020, there were almost 1,000 tornadoes and 76 tornado deaths in the United States, according to preliminary counts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Mr Bunting said he recommends that people have multiple ways to receive weather warnings, such as using a weather radio for backup, in case they are unable to use their cellphone.

He also recommends people map out safe places to shelter, such as the lowest floor in their home and away from windows and exterior walls.

The National Weather Service suggests people shelter in closets, bathrooms or an interior hall.

Those living in mobile homes should make sure to find a sturdier building or storm shelter.

If outside, people should locate a nearby ditch or a low spot and lie flat with their heads covered for protection.

Officials also urged residents to have emergency supplies on hand, including a first aid kit, non-perishable food, water and batteries.

"In many areas, there will be more than one round of storms," Mr Bunting said. "So, you've got to keep your guard up until all the threats have passed."

In Florence, meanwhile, Chief Holt marvelled at the unlikely chance that his officer would be hit by lightning and his relatively good fortune at surviving.

"He's doing really well for someone who got struck by lightning," Chief Holt said.