logo

23 Killed after Tornadoes Rip through Alabama, More Fatalities Expected

Ra'eesah Manack
Mar 04, 2019
05:27 A.M.

Huge tornadoes ripped through Alabama yesterday. Lee County, about 60 miles northeast of Montgomery, recorded a death toll of 23 and officials expect the death toll to rise.At least 23 people were killed in southeastern Alabama on Sunday. Damaging tornadoes swept through the area leaving massive destruction in its wake.

Advertisement

The number of dead is expected to rise. Recovery crews will go out again on Monday morning according to the Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones.

Advertisement

Rescue operations were ceased after night fall. Currently, drones are flying over the disaster area with heat-seeking devices to find survivors.

However, Jones revealed the teams on the ground will wait for morning light before attempting to sort through the rubble. Emergency officials have not released details about the victims.

The Lee County Emergency Management Agency did reveal that the brunt of the damages happened near Beauregard, Alabama. They added that at least two of the deaths occurred in the area.

Advertisement

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey extended a previous state of emergency declaration due to severe weather conditions. The first tornado that hit the county was at least a half-mile wide.

The tornado had winds between 136 and 165 miles per hour. More tornadoes struck other parts of Alabama from the Georgia state line, till Macon, Georgia, about 100 miles to the east.

"We have confirmed 'at least' 8 fatalities (likely more) in Lee County. At this time, we cannot confirm anything higher, still awaiting official word from Lee Co EMA. Many injured & still missing," tweeted the National Weather Service in Birmingham in the early stages after the tornado hit.

Advertisement

The Lee County Emergency Management Agency deployed more than 150 first responders in the moments after the storm. East Alabama Medical Center received more than 40 patients injured in the tornadoes. Some patients were also transported to surrounding hospitals.

Advertisement
info
Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories!
By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy
Advertisement
Related posts

Heroic Teen Boy Found Dead Next to Roadway with a Dog by His Side: Details & Update

December 18, 2023

Missing Texas Girl, 11, Found Dead — Person Who Knocked Door to Door to Help Find Her Charged with Murder

February 22, 2024

Two Little Boys Die in Tragic Incident after Staying Home Due to School Cancellations amid Frigid Weather

January 24, 2024

3-Year-Old Girl Dies 'Just a Few Short Miles from Home', Her Younger Brother Luckily Survives: Details

January 22, 2024

Dad, Who Cried on Camera over Late 5-Year-Old Son, Arrested for His Murder 34 Years Later – Details

January 15, 2024

10-Month-Old Baby Found Dead near Still-Living Father after 36-Hour Search

December 05, 2023

Poor Man Houses Family in His Old Trailer during Storm, Finds Dozen of Boxes near Home Next Day – Story of the Day

February 20, 2024

Texas Girl, 11, Found Dead after Vanishing on Her Way to School – Cause of Death Finally Revealed

February 23, 2024

Texas Girl, 11, Found Dead – Her Dad Finally Speaks Out after His Friend Was Charged with the Murder

February 27, 2024

Plane Crashes near Shopping Center in Texas – Witness Says There Were ‘Flames Everywhere’

November 22, 2023

Poor Man Shelters Family in His Old Trailer during Storm, Finds Dozen of Boxes near Home Next Day – Story of the Day

December 06, 2023

‘Healthy’ 4th Grader Shot While Sitting in the Living Room & Waiting for His Brother to Check His Homework

November 23, 2023

Shawn Johnson & Her Husband Showed Full Tour of New House Where They Live Following Loss of Baby 5 Years Earlier

December 19, 2023

Family Receives Son's Ashes and Formal Certificate of Death - Soon Discovers He Is Alive

January 15, 2024