Hard storms and tornadoes hit central Alabama on Thursday, causing five deaths and widespread damage to houses and other structures, Calhoun County Coroner Pat Brown confirmed to Fox News.
Meteorologists warned local residents that severe weather conditions would continue in some parts of the Mid-South and Tennessee River Valley until at least 8 p.m., local time. According to CNN, 14 tornadoes damaged nearly 60 houses and structures in the town of Pelham, some trapping people inside. Almost 36,000 Alabama residents went without electricity for a period of time after the twisters struck.
"The most persistent/intense supercells will be capable of producing strong to violent tornadoes, along with very large hail and substantial damaging winds," the National Weather Service's (NWS) Storm Prediction Center announced on Thursday.
NWS issued emergency alerts for Shelby and Jefferson counties, along with areas to the south and east of the city of Birmingham. High threat levels remain throughout northern Alabama, including Birmingham, Tuscaloosa and Huntsville.
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey urged residents to follow safety rules during storms.
Netizens shared photos and video on social media, depicting destroyed properties.