By Associated Press
Vernon, AL – A possible tornado toppled trees in Lamar County and caused scattered damage Thursday as strong storms moved into Alabama where thousands of students were sent home early as a precaution.
The weather service said two houses were destroyed in Sulligent. A tree fell on a vehicle in Vernon, trapping a woman, and an 18-wheeler was jackknifed nearby, according to Don Dollar, an administrative assistant with the city.
Rescuers freed the woman from the vehicle and took her to a hospital, but her condition was not immediately available.
A tornado watch for west Alabama stretched from Tennessee to the coast and will not expire until 7 p.m. CST Thursday. The National Weather Service issued several tornado warnings, but no touchdowns were immediately confirmed.
The University of Alabama suspended classes and the University of North Alabama shut down in Florence. A number of public and private schools from the state line to Birmingham dismissed classes early because of the threat of severe weather.
At least two persons were injured in Mississippi, where several structures were damaged.
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)