A teenager was killed, and 30 others were injured when a deadly tornado swept through Jefferson County, Alabama, Monday night, according to local authorities.
The storm struck Fultondale around 10:40 p.m. CST and brought a tornado that cut a roughly 10-mile path of destruction in the northern suburbs of Birmingham, according to the Associated Press.
A tornado killed one person and left several people critically injured in Alabama, US media said Tuesdayhttps://t.co/PIPbUduGdk
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) January 26, 2021
Coroner Bill Yates of Jefferson County said Tuesday there was one death related to the tornado but did not release additional details, local NBC affiliate WVTM reported. Walter Gonsoulin, Jefferson County Schools superintendent, said a 14-year-old high school student was killed during the storm. The victim’s name was not released.
Fultondale Fire Chief Justin McKenzie said 18 of the 30 people injured were sent to medical facilities. Six victims were rescued from damaged structures without injury Tuesday.
The National Weather Service in Birmingham reported the twister was rated as a 2 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale, with 135 mph winds. The EF-2 rating constitutes a tornado with 111 mph to 135 mph wind gusts of three seconds or more.
STORM SURVEY UPDATE: NWS Survey Crews have found at least High-End EF-2 Tornado Damage (135mph winds) in Fultondale, primarily north of Walker Chapel Road NE to US Highway 31 and to New Castle Road. This is still PRELIMINARY and surveys remain ongoing. #alwx
— NWS Birmingham (@NWSBirmingham) January 26, 2021
Authorities blocked an intersection leading to the hardest-hit suburbs in Fultondale from Monday’s storm, as thousands of residents were reportedly left without power.
Gonsoulin said several schools would be closed Tuesday for traditional and remote learning. He added that the school system is trying to determine how many students could be left homeless from the storm, noting Fultondale High School sustained enough damages that could prevent in-person classrooms from returning this year.
Gov. Kay Ivey tweeted her support for the victims of the tornado Tuesday, saying, “The people of Fultondale took a hard hit last night — I’m grieved over the loss of life, injuries, homes & damaged businesses.”
The Republican tweeted an update Tuesday afternoon, adding, “I’ve reached out to Fultondale Mayor Holcomb & Center Point Mayor Scott & have pledged to them any support or resources that are available. The search & rescue efforts continue today, & we certainly give our thanks to those folks as they carry out their mission.”
This is what it looked like as the tornado hit Fultondale, AL around 10:40 PM local time in Alabama Monday Night. What you’re seeing are transformers being blown as the tornado rips through power lines & other structures in the area. #alwx #tornado pic.twitter.com/eFWqfNiYBb
— WeatherNation (@WeatherNation) January 26, 2021
