Alabama Tornado Updates: Exclusive Eyewitness Photo
Storm systems have been ravaging the South and Midwest since Wednesday, and continue to pose serious threats to the states today.
Two tornados touched down in Alabama Friday, leveling homes and damaging a school and prison with violent winds.
The storm system had traveled across the South and arrived in Alabama just two days after a string of twisters killed 13 people in the Midwest.
The Christian Post obtained an incredible photograph taken by Alabama resident and pastor John Colonnello Friday as the tornado touched down right before his eyes.
Anxiety is still mounting in regions of the U.S. where "High Risk" storm warnings have been issued by the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center.
Tornadoes have been predicted across the Ohio and Tennessee Valleys Friday afternoon and into the wee hours of the night. The service also indicated that storms are likely across north Alabama from Friday afternoon through Saturday morning.
Thousands of school children have been sent home as a precaution to protect against the danger caused by the storms.
The following Alabama counties have issued tornado warnings: Limestone, Madison, Franklin, Jackson, Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell, Scott, Washington, and Wise Counties.
Twitter has been flooded with people talking about the tornados in the state.
One user, Reed, urged readers, "Take shelter now!"
"Damaging wind and large hail is still main threat for North Alabama per NWS," warned Tommy on the social media site on Friday. "An isolated tornado is not out of the question."
"Watch, please stay weather aware, primary threats are damaging winds, hail, and tornadoes," posted Alabama EMA.
Christi posted condolences for those suffering from the storms, writing: "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the people in Alabama who have lost loved ones and their homes."
CP will continue to cover the outbreak of storms in the U.S. as information is presented.