A tornado warning has been issued in the area of Jacksonville – residents have been advised by the National Weather Service to “take shelter”.
A tweet from the NWS read: “confirmed damaging and possibly large tornado near Jacksonville/Calhoun Country moving east into northern Cleburne Country.
“Tornado warning in effect!
“Take this seriously and shelter now!”
The Limestone County Sheriff’s Office in Athens, Alabama, posted pictures of the horrific destruction caused by the severe weather on social media.
Homes are pictured without roofs as structures failed to resist the powerful force.
However, the office declared that they have not received any reports of injuries.
They stated: “We have no reports of injuries from today’s storms. Crews are working to clear roadways.”
Weather maps show the frightening storm moving eastwards – video footage shows the significance of the destruction.
Two tornados are understood to have been formed in the storm, the newest of which presents the threat to Jacksonville and has instigated the dire warning.
Sparks are filmed flying from power lines as they crumble under the sheer power of the tornado.
Video also emerged of horrifying hale that measured up to 2.75 inches in some areas.
Field meteorologist Logan Poole declared that visibility is incredibly difficult near the storm as it rampages across the state.
He stated: “You know it’s hard to decide one way or the other even from here on the ground if there is a tornado in the storm it is very much rain wrapped.
“Now that it’s getting dark, it’s becoming harder and harder to see so I would say regardless of whether we have a confirmed tornado everyone should treat the tornado warnings as though there is one on the ground.”