[chris]

On Thursday, January 12, a large tornado struck Selma, Alabama, at 12:20 pm local time as a powerful storm system pushed through the Southeast. It destroyed houses and caused major damage in the city.

Based on radar and reports, the tornado was likely a high-end EF2 or EF3, with debris lifted to at least 16,000 feet.

Most streets in Selma were closed because of downed power lines and trees. Damage was concentrated south of Highland Avenue, and several vehicles were tossed around. Recovery efforts were underway.

Damage assessments were continuing, and the total extent of the damage was unclear. Local authorities issued more than a dozen tornado warnings across Alabama. Storm damage was also reported in Mississippi, Georgia, and Kentucky.

More than 120,000 customers in Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee were without power as of 4:00 pm. More tornadoes were expected as a line of severe storms moved through Georgia and the Carolinas Thursday night.