Tornadoes and severe storms have killed at least seven people in the southeastern United States. The state of Alabama was hardest hit, where six people were killed, Governor Kay Ivey wrote on Twitter late Thursday evening (local time). According to the emergency services, the hurricane raged particularly hard in the Autauga district and in the city of Selma, about 50 kilometers away.
Dozens of homes were destroyed or severely damaged. Several people are still missing. The weather service reported 33 tornadoes or severe storms across the country. In Selma, most roads were closed due to broken power lines and trees, the city announced on Facebook.
60,000 households without electricity
Rescue teams are on hand to provide assistance and clean up the streets. Citizens were asked not to go outside. Children are not allowed to leave school. The weather service had warned of a “major and extremely dangerous tornado” in the area.
In the neighboring state of Georgia, a motorist was also killed by a falling tree, authorities said. A tornado was also spotted near Atlanta International Airport, the busiest airport in the United States by passenger numbers. According to the American aviation authority FAA, planes had to be temporarily grounded due to severe storms.
About 60,000 homes in Alabama and Georgia were without power Friday evening, according to the website poweroutage.us. (SDA)