quote:
BIRMINGHAM, AL (AP) -
Wednesday's severe weather has now turned deadly in the state of Alabama.
At least two people are dead after thunderstorms laced with tornadoes and powerful winds caused widespread damage across the state.
Cullman County sheriff's spokesman Jay Pendergrass told the Associated Press Wednesday that one person was killed when a tree fell on top of a car in the north Alabama county. Pendergrass says another person was trapped inside the same car and emergency responders were working to free that person.
WAFF-TV in Huntsville is also reporting the death of another person in Pisgah located in Jackson County.
The storms sweeping through Alabama early Wednesday snapped trees, damaged buildings and left more than 260,000 utility customers without power.
The National Weather Service didn't immediately confirm twister damage, but forecasters issued several tornado warnings and said winds blew as hard as 70 mph, just short of hurricane force.
Forecasters said tornadoes were possible later in the day.
quote:
MONTGOMERY, AL (WSFA) -
Governor Robert Bentley is declaring a State of Emergency for all Alabama counties as severe weather moves across the state. Tornados, severe thunderstorms, hail, and straight line winds have begun moving into the state and more severe weather is expected with this weather system later Wednesday.