MONTGOMERY, A.L. – At least 22 people were killed as powerful tornadoes swept through the southeastern US state of Alabama on Sunday, according to reports in local media.
At least 40 people were reported injured. Emergency workers said death toll could rise as rescuers sift through the rubble.
The victims including children, died in Lee County, said Sheriff Jay Jones. At least 12 of those deaths occurred in an area about 5 to 6 miles south of the city of Opelika, he said.
Jones initially reported 14 deaths, and when he updated it to 22 people later Sunday, he told CNN affiliate WRBL “that number may rise yet again.”
https://twitter.com/WeatherNation/status/1102382213616685057
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey extended the state of emergency that had been issued last month statewide due to tornadoes and severe weather.
https://twitter.com/GovernorKayIvey/status/1102363177071886339
“Our hearts go out to those who lost their lives in the storms that hit Lee County today,” she tweeted. “Praying for their families & everyone whose homes or businesses were affected. Officials from @AlabamaEma & other agencies are quickly working to provide assistance.”
President Donald Trump tweeted “to the great people of Alabama and surrounding areas: Please be careful and safe.” He also said “to the families of the victims, and to the injured. God bless you all!”
https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1102405884016250880
The 22 deaths reported on Sunday marked what would be deadliest day for tornadoes in the state since the deadly Tuscaloosa-Birmingham tornado that killed more than 200 people in 2011.
