US tornado LIVE: Alabama hit by relentless ‘DOUBLE TORNADO’ ripping homes & downing trees
Twitter @LimestoneCoSO @NWSBirmingham Homes are pictured without roofs as structures failed to resist the powerful force
3.00: Jacksonville State University suffers “major damage” as tornado rampage continues. Jacksonville State University has suffered “major damage”, according to its Athletic Director, Greg Seitz. He tweeted: “Thanks for all the calls, texts and emails and we do have extensive damage in Jacksonville. I can confirm we have major roof damage at Pete Mathews Coliseum, but The Pete is not completely destroyed. “We have staff on site and will update as soon as possible.”
2.30am: A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued until 10.30 local time (3.30GMT). The areas of Anniston, Oxford and Saks have all been issued with the terrifying warning that will be in place for the next hour.
A tornado warning has been issued in the area of Jacksonville - residents have been advised by the National Weather Service to “take shelter”. A tweet from the NWS read: “confirmed damaging and possibly large tornado near Jacksonville/Calhoun Country moving east into northern Cleburne Country. “Tornado warning in effect! “Take this seriously and shelter now!”
The Limestone County Sheriff's Office in Athens, Alabama, posted pictures of the horrific destruction caused by the severe weather on social media. Homes are pictured without roofs as structures failed to resist the powerful force. However, the office declared that they have not received any reports of injuries. They stated: “We have no reports of injuries from today’s storms. Crews are working to clear roadways.”
Many towns in the Southeast saw large #hail as severe storms rolled through this evening. This video comes from northern #Alabama as a resident watches as their car gets hit with hail. #ALwx pic.twitter.com/dNN8LKwrMm — WeatherNation (@WeatherNation) March 20, 2018
Weather maps show the frightening storm moving eastwards - video footage shows the significance of the destruction. Two tornados are understood to have been formed in the storm, the newest of which presents the threat to Jacksonville and has instigated the dire warning. Sparks are filmed flying from power lines as they crumble under the sheer power of the tornado. Video also emerged of horrifying hale that measured up to 2.75 inches in some areas.
Twitter @LimestoneCoSO A tornado warning has been issued in the area of Jacksonville
Twitter @LimestoneCoSO Field meteorologist Logan Poole declared that visibility is incredibly difficult