(TWC) – A severe storm with radar confirmed tornadoes was being tracked across north-central Alabama on Thursday afternoon. The storm has moved more than 100 miles from Bibb County all the way to Calhoun County by 2:45 p.m. CDT. “This is a particularly dangerous situatiton. Take cover now!” the National Weather Service warned after declaring a rare tornado emergency.

A tornado was first confirmed near Moundville, Alabama, at 12:21 p.m. CDT, the National Weather Service said. It moved across northern Hale County into Bibb County.

Bibb County’s Emergency Management Agency reported damage to several houses and mobile homes around the Mount Carmel area in West Blocton, according to WBMA. No injuries had been reported.


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By 1:30 p.m., the storm was nearing Pelham, Alabama, about 15 miles south of Birmingham, in Shelby County, WVTM reported. Radar indicated debris over the very populated area, the station reported.

The Fire Department in Helena, just northwest of Pelham, was responding to a collapsed structure, the NWS said. The Helena Police Department said, “Helena has received major damage as a result of the tornado.” The Pelham Fire Department was also responding to numerous calls.

Several trees were downed at Pelham High School. Damaged homes and extensive tree damage was reported at Heardmont Park, near Oak Mountain State Park northeast of Pelham. Power lines and trees were down in Indian Springs Village. 31 and State Highway 119. The Pelham Civic Complex also was damaged. Bearden Road at Crosscreek Trail was not passable. READ MORE