Tornado Causes Damage In Alabama; More Twisters Forecast
Authorities reported major tornado damage Thursday south of Birmingham as strong storms moved through the state. The governor issued an emergency declaration as meteorologists warned that more twisters were likely on their way.
No injuries were immediately reported in the city of Pelham where the tornado struck. Storm damage, possibly from a tornado, also was evident in the Eagle Point subdivision near Birmingham, where numerous large trees were down and homes were damaged.
The National Weather Service issued multiple tornado warnings in Alabama and surrounding states where forecasters said conditions were ripe for “long-track strong tornadoes.” Thousands were without electricity after strong winds knocked down power lines.
More footage of Eagle Point near HWY 280. #alwx
— WBHM 90.3 FM (@WBHM) March 25, 2021
📸: Beth Hodgin pic.twitter.com/M7weDB2f78
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey issued an emergency declaration for 46 counties as the severe weather approached, and officials opened emergency shelters in the Birmingham area.
Severe storms also were hitting parts of Mississippi on Thursday, a day after authorities reported a weather-related death in the southwest part of the state. Ester Jarrell, 62, died when a large tree toppled over onto her mobile home after heavy rain soaked the ground Wednesday night, a Wilkinson County official told The Associated Press.
Parts of Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee on Thursday were at high risk of strong tornadoes that could stay on the ground for miles, the national Storm Prediction Center warned.
— Pelham Police Dept (@PelhamPoliceAL) March 25, 2021
Some of the metropolitan areas in the path of Thursday’s storms included Memphis and Nashville in Tennessee, and Birmingham and Huntsville in Alabama.
A flash-flood watch Thursday covered northern parts of Alabama and Georgia and portions of Tennessee and western North Carolina.
Up to 4 inches (10 centimeters) of rain — with higher amounts possible — is expected in northern Alabama, according to the National Weather Service in Huntsville.
State troopers closed all lanes of a section of Interstate 65 near Cullman after floodwaters covered the roadway. The highway was reopened later in the day.
White House unveils TrumpRx website for medication discounts
Under Trump administration deals to lower drug prices, pharmaceutical companies are offering some of their drugs at discounted prices through a new website called TrumpRx.gov.
Virginia Democrats show map to counter Trump redistricting but its future is unclear
The new map still requires approval from the courts and the voters but, if enacted, it could help Democrats win four more House seats
What to watch at the 2026 Olympics
NPR journalists are at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Join host A Martinez and correspondents Becky Sullivan, Brian Mann, and Rachel Triesman as they talk about what's coming up.
A ‘Jane Doe’ in the R. Kelly trials is ready to share her real name. And her story
A once anonymous R. Kelly survivor, Reshona Landfair is now ready to reclaim her voice.
Alabama seek to bring back death penalty for child rape convictions
Alabama approved legislation Thursday to add rape and sexual torture of a child under 12 to the narrow list of crimes that could draw a death sentence.
What a crowded congressional primary in N.J. says about the state of Democrats
The contest is one of the first congressional primaries of the year where we will find out what issues are currently resonating with some Democratic voters. Here are some key things to know.
