By Alabama Public Radio
Lamar County, AL – Widespread damage is being reported this evening in Lamar County, following a line of severe thunderstorms that swept across the state. Strong winds and a possible tornado downed trees and powerlines, and ripped the roofs off some homes and businesses. The Vernon Elementary School was one of those buildings that lost its roof. Most of the damage in Lamar County was located near the communities of Sulligent, Vernon, Millport and Kennedy. The line of severe thunderstorms should reach areas near Birmingham and Demopolis by about 6 ... Heflin and Selma should begin seeing affects of the storm by around 8. The line is expected to stall just south of Interstate 85 by midnight, Again, damaging winds are likely. Communities northwest of Demopolis and Centre could see gusts up to 80 miles per hour before 8 this evening. Things should calm down again by midnight, with mostly sunny skies expected tomorrow. We'll keep you in touch of any developments.