Reports of significant damage from recent Tornado activity are rolling in from several counties.
Tammy Williams captured this image of significant damage to a school in Alabama, Union Grove primary school, this afternoon.
Such thunderstorms are still severe in nature, therefore be aware of the risk of hail and very gusty winds. NOAA also states that tornadoes are a possibility, with Tornado Watches currently active for parts of NW Florida (Panhandle), Alabama, and parts of Tennessee.
Tornado warnings are also active in the very far North East of Alabama, and most recently parts of southern Tennesse. For example, this warning is in force for the Fort Payne and Valley head areas (this expires at 2:30pm CST). If you are travelling in areas recently affected by tornado activity, please be aware that some downed trees, and standing water is possible.
Unfortunately, it has also been confirmed that 3 people have sadly lost their lives due to the incliment weather near the town of Carrollton, in Birmingham, Alabama.
Within this squall, marked in the radar image below, some very strong winds and hail are possible. The odd tornado can’t be ruled out this evening as the cold front continues to engage with a very unstable air mass. Please keep a close eye on further warnings and watches issued by NOAA and don’t travel unless absolutely necessary within the severe weather risk area.
Even in the absence of tornadoes, severe weather outbreaks in the U.S. often feature very strong winds. The effects of those winds were seen today in Mississippi, when a 30 car train derailed due to straight line winds produced by squall like thunderstorm activity. High sided vehicles in particular should take extra care and precaution in today’s severe weather and strong winds.
Strong, damaging straight-line wind has blown at least 30 train cars off this track in the Sumner area of Tallahatchie County. Photos courtesy of Stephanie Simms. #mswx @matt_laubhan @NWSMemphis @WTVAWeather pic.twitter.com/USASJdtxto
— Joel Young, CBM (@JoelYoungTV) January 11, 2020
Please stay safe, and remember to keep an eye on NOAA warnings in the next few hours.