Dothan, ALA – Alabama Governor Kay Ivey issued a statement on Sunday morning following the destructive storms that swept through the state over the weekend, confirming that at least three individuals lost their lives in the violent weather outbreak.
The Governor’s statement revealed that the storms impacted most of Alabama, with reports of damage spanning across 52 of the state’s 67 counties. Two fatalities were initially reported, one in Plantersville and another in Winterboro. However, by midday, new reports confirmed that the death toll had risen to three. Among those killed was an 82-year-old woman who was inside a manufactured home when a tornado destroyed the structure in Dallas County, according to Dallas County Sheriff Michael L. Granthum.
The National Weather Service (NWS) in Birmingham confirmed that damage assessments from their teams revealed evidence of at least an EF-2 tornado in the Winterboro area of Talladega County. The EF-2 tornado, which is capable of producing winds of up to 120 mph, left widespread destruction in its wake.
Governor Ivey expressed her condolences to the victims and their families, offering prayers for those who were injured as well as for the first responders and emergency crews who have been tirelessly working on the ground to provide assistance. “The sun has risen in Alabama, though,” she said, emphasizing the resilience of the state’s residents in the face of such tragedy.
The NWS has planned additional storm surveys for southeastern Cullman County on Monday to further assess the storm’s impact. However, no additional surveys are scheduled for the northern areas of the state at this time.
As Alabama continues to recover from this devastating weather event, authorities are focused on assessing the full extent of the damage, providing relief to affected residents, and ensuring the safety and well-being of the community.
