Tornado wreaks havoc in Alabama, multiple reports of fatalities

As fierce storms, including at least one confirmed tornado, rages through the United States on Thursday, Alabama has been the worst hit with reports of multiple fatalities and injuries and heavy damage emerging from the state.

In Calhoun County, Alabama at least five people have died from today’s storms, CNN reported.

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Meanwhile, two people with injuries have been transported to a hospital after being in damaged buildings in Birmingham, Alabama. However, the exact nature and extent of the injuries are still unknown at this time.

A level 5 of 5 “high risk” still continues for much of northern Alabama, into southern Tennessee, including Birmingham, Tuscaloosa and Huntsville.

Following the tragic reports, Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey released a statement Thursday evening urging residents in the path of dangerous weather to “remain on high alert.”

“Tragically, we are receiving reports of loss of life,” Ivey said in the statement. “I offer my sincerest prayers to all impacted.”

There are also severe damage reports out of Ohatchee, Alabama, according to CNN.

There are damages to buildings, trees down and power lines down throughout Ohatchee. Although there are currently no reports of injuries.

Reports have damages have also emerged from Helena, Alabama.

All phone lines into the police department are down, the police department tweeted.

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Talking about the ongoing rescue mission in Shelby County, the police tweeted: “Shelby County, we are still in a rescue response in North Shelby County with reports of another storm capable of producing tornadoes heading toward South and West Shelby County. Please continue to monitor weather reports and take appropriate safety precautions.”

There are more than 55 million people who remain under threat for severe storms from Pennsylvania to the Gulf Coast as tornadic storms will continue well into the evening.

A large level 4 of 5 risk covers more than 5 million people and includes Nashville and Chattanooga, where tornadoes are also possible.