‘Significant damage’ in Alabama after storms pummel Southeast

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Admore storm damage
Storm damage in Admore, Ala. on Mon. Mar. 19, 2018. [Photo Credit: Limestone County Sheriff's Office via Twitter]

Severe storms pummeled the Yellowhammer State on Monday leaving destruction in its wake.

After the night of violent weather, Alabama Power Co. confirmed more than 15,000 were without power throughout the night. As of 5:45 a.m., 9,000 homes and businesses still were.

In Limestone County, Ala., the sheriff’s office tweeted photos of the the damage in Ardmore, Ala. showing several damaged homes and vehicles.

Jacksonville State University, located in east Alabama, was one of the hardest hit locations in the state.

There storms did major damage to the campus coliseum and several trees and power lines were downed.

“We are still surveying all of the damage to campus and can confirm major roof damage to Logan Hall and Patterson Hall. Numerous trees and power lines are down. I’m very thankful JSU is on spring break this week and most students are out of town,” tweeted the university’s athletic director, Greg Seitz. 

Seitz also tweeted a photo of the tornado that hit the university.

State Auditor Jim Zeigler took to Facebook to Monday morning sending prayers to those affected by the storm. He also posted photos of the damage from Jacksonville State.

jacksonville state storm damage
[Photo via State Auditor Jim Zeigler on Facebook]

“So thankful to God that it was Spring Break when the tornado hit Jacksonville State University, and most students were not on campus. Look at these photos. Prayers for the injured and those who suffered damage. Prayers for the emergency personnel. Prayers for the local people,” Zeigler wrote.

“So thankful to God that it was Spring Break when the tornado hit Jacksonville State University, and most students were not on campus. Look at these photos. Prayers for the injured and those who suffered damage. Prayers for the emergency personnel. Prayers for the local people”

In a late night news release, Gov. Kay Ivey confirmed she is sending state resources to the affected areas across the state.

“There has been significant damage tonight in parts of Alabama. We are sending state resources to those affected areas, especially to Jacksonville and Calhoun County. We will continue to monitor and respond to needs in other areas as needed,” Ivey said.

She also warned Alabamians to stay out of the affected areas.

“Our first priority is ensuring our people are safe. Please stay out of affected areas and let first responders do their job. I thank all first responders, EMA and Weather officials, and  utility workers for their hard work trying to keep Alabamians safe,” Ivey added.