Video from CNN affiliate WVTM shows that the Hampton Inn in Fultondale, which is located just north of Birmingham and has a population of approximately 9,000 according to census data, suffered significant damage during the storm. The branch reported that guests staying at the hotel were able to flee the building and seek shelter at a nearby restaurant when another storm broke.
NWS Birmingham said in a tweet that they are following reports “after a tornado recently hit the Fultondale area of Jefferson Co.”.
“Significant damage has been reported. We will inspect the damage to determine the strength of the tornado,” said NWS Birmingham.
Earlier, the agency said on Twitter, “At 10:54 p.m. CST, a confirmed large and extremely dangerous tornado was over Chalkville, or near Trussville, moving east at 50 mph.”
About 21 miles northeast of Birmingham, the town of Center Point, with a population of more than 16,000, also saw “quite a bit of damage” from the storm, Mayor Bobby Scott told CNN subsidiary WBRC.
Scott said the back half of Hilldale Baptist Church’s roof is missing and the town’s recreation center was also damaged in the storm.
“Looks like we have a long day ahead of us tomorrow,” Scott said. “Hopefully we can cover everything.”
“We have no injuries to report at the moment, so we are certainly grateful for that,” the mayor added.
The Jackson County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) has asked people to stay out of the area as first responders try to reach the most damaged locations.
“On top of road hazards, such as power lines and debris … traffic clogs up roads”, the agency tweeted.
Monday night, a tornado warning was issued for Jefferson County, Alabama, NWS Birmingham said in a tweet. The agency has since issued tornado warnings and guards for several counties as the storm line travels northeast through the state.
A tornado watch remains in effect for parts of Alabama and Georgia
This is a story in development and will be updated as more information becomes available.