MONTGOMERY, AL (WSFA) –
First there was one, then three, then seven confirmed tornadoes thanks to extensive surveys being conducted by the National Weather Service following the Wednesday night’s central Alabama storms. Now, the number has jumped to nine, and surveys of other sites are still ongoing.
The twisters touched down in Montgomery, Bullock, Barbour, Lee, and Russell counties with most reaching EF-0 strength (winds less than 86 mph). The exception has been one Bullock Co. tornado that his EF-2 levels (winds between 111 and 135 mph).
The newest additions to the list were found in extreme southwest Russell County and are listed under the county’s report.
MONTGOMERY TORNADOES
The first tornado, with winds of between 70-80 mph, struck the Pike Road Village mobile home park off Troy Highway in Montgomery County. Details regarding the tornado’s length or start/stop times are still being determined.
Large trees fell on several mobile homes and cars, causing damage or destruction to at least nine homes. There were no injuries except for minor scrapes. One man, John Casrell, reported a cut under his eye caused by a piece of flying roof shingles. Casrell said everything was calm at 11 p.m. before a storm suddenly blew out his windows and stripped siding off his home.
Montgomery County EMA Director Calvin Brown says it’s not yet known if there is enough overall damage to the park to qualify for federal assistance. The park is home to around 200 people. The EMA and Red Cross have been contacted to help the victims.
The second tornado struck near Mathews, south of U.S. Hwy. 82. No other information was immediately available since surveys aren’t yet complete.
LEE COUNTY TORNADOES
A third tornado developed in western Lee County along U.S. Hwy. 29 south of Interstate 85. That twister is thought to be just shy of an EF-1 classification. Initial estimated wind speeds topped 85 mph while an EF-1 starts at 86 mph.
