Multiple social media and local reports say a storm has caused damage in Lee County and left “multiple fatalities.”
Shortly after, a possible tornado struck near Eufaula’s Weedon Field Airport, according to reports.
Rita Smith, spokeswoman for the Lee County Emergency Management Agency, said first responders were on the scene in two different areas of the county. Smith said she could confirm multiple fatalities but that officials were still trying to gather information, and multiple search and rescue operations were underway.
Lee County Coroner Bill Harris at 5:42 p.m. said there were two confirmed fatalities but said he expected that number to rise.
“Our community has sustained a major tornado and all first responders are at work,” the post stated. “We opened our Incident Command Center around 2:45 p.m. CST and are prepared for patients arriving by ambulance and also by car. We have contingency plans in place for alternate care.”
“We’re still got people being pulled out of rubble,” he said. “We’re going to be here all night.”
Lee County EMA stated a tornado warning was issued at 2:38 p.m. Several reports are centered around the Smith Station area near Phenix City and the Alabama/Georgia line. Other reports came from the Beauregard area. EMA told residents that Smith Station Volunteer Fire Department Station #1 was where citizens affected by the storms should seek assistance with sheltering or unmet needs.
Other storm warnings were issued this afternoon in south Alabama and the Wiregrass area.
Alabama Power stated this afternoon that more than 10,000 customers were without power.
The National Weather Service said it would send three survey teams out tomorrow. They will assess damage in Autauga, Macon, Lee and Barbour Counties.
Gov. Kay Ivey said in a tweet that state EMA officials are working with local officials.
East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika stated through social media that its ambulance service had set up a satellite tent at the Beauregard Volunteer Fire Dept., though it may get moved to Sanford Middle School.
“Our hearts go out to those who lost their lives in the storms that hit Lee County today. Praying for their families & everyone whose homes or businesses were affected,” Ivey said.
Story Courtesy Of AL.com
