Tornado rips through Alabama north of Birmingham, killing one, injuring dozens

Much of the damage appears to have occurred in the city of Fultondale, just north of Birmingham.

Published: January 26, 2021 10:59am

Updated: January 26, 2021 4:31pm

A tornado that ripped through Alabama’s Birmingham area overnight has killed one person and injured dozens of others.

The tornado severely damaged a hotel Monday night and tore off part of a church's roof, according to CNN.

A line of two large storms spawned the tornado. The storms were part of two large systems that have resulted in weather advisories for over 100 million people.

About 30 people in Fultondale, just north of Birmingham, were injured, the city's fire chief, Justin McKenzie, said Tuesday morning.

McKenzie also told CNN that 17 patients were taken to emergency rooms and that some of the injuries were critical. At least 11 people were treated on the scene.

The person who died was possibly a teen and was killed when trapped in the basement of his home, said Fultondale Police Chief D.P. Smith, according to AL.com.

Several of his family members were critically injured, Smith also said.

The severely damaged hotel is reportedly a Hampton Inn in Fultondale. Guests reportedly were able to escape and sought shelter in a nearby restaurant.