FULTONDALE, Ala. — At least one person has died after a line of severe storms rolled through central Alabama late Monday, spawning a tornado in Jefferson County, authorities said.
Confirmed Tornado in Jefferson County near Fultondale, headed generally toward Center Point! Seek Shelter! #ALwx pic.twitter.com/PTtGIo1rWH
— NWS Birmingham (@NWSBirmingham) January 26, 2021
According to WVTM, the National Weather Service’s Birmingham office said shortly before 11 p.m. CST that a confirmed tornado had been spotted near Fultondale and was moving toward Center Point. The twister damaged residences and businesses, trapped people in their homes, downed trees, knocked out power and blocked roads in the area, officials said.
Working with first responders and snapping images when possible. In the worst damage. Storms in the area so we had to stop a minute. #ALwx pic.twitter.com/maeJfHlLWk
— Brett Adair (@AlaStormTracker) January 26, 2021
Fultondale police said a young man, possibly a teen, was found dead early Tuesday after his home collapsed, The Associated Press reported. At least six people were hospitalized, according to the news agency.
Storm damage in Fultondale. @abc3340 pic.twitter.com/Bcd6fw3fIe
— Byron Khalil (@ByronKhalilTV) January 26, 2021
BREAKING: This hotel sustained major damage in Fultondale. pic.twitter.com/YRM9Z3Cu2J
— Fred Davenport (@FredWVTM13) January 26, 2021
In a tweet early Tuesday, the Jefferson County Emergency Management Agency urged the public to avoid Fultondale and Center Point so first responders could “safely continue their operations.”
First responders are requesting that the public avoid the Fultondale and Center Point areas to allow them to safely continue their operations.
— Jefferson County EMA (AL) (@EMAJeffCoAL) January 26, 2021
The NWS tweeted that it will “inspect the damage to determine the strength of the tornado.”
NOW: We are monitoring ground reports and @EMAJeffCoAL after a tornado impacted the Fultondale area of Jefferson Co. a short time ago. Significant damage has been reported. We will inspect the damage to determine the strength of the tornado.
— NWS Birmingham (@NWSBirmingham) January 26, 2021
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Cox Media Group