US: At least 23 people killed by tornado in Lee county (Alabama) March 3 /update 1

Event

At least 23 people were killed due to a strong tornado that struck eastern Alabama on Sunday afternoon (local time), March 3. According to local officials, the most affected areas include Opelika and Beauregard. The National Weather Service (NWS) indicates an EF-3 tornado measuring 800 m (0.5 mi) wide struck Lee County (Alabama) at approximately 14:00 on Sunday, prompting Alabama Governor Kay Ivey and Georgia Governor Matt Kemp to declare or extend states of emergency in several counties. Several other tornado warnings were issued on Sunday in parts of Alabama, northern Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina, with at least 40 people injured across three states. Over 12,000 customers are without power in Alabama and Georgia as of Monday morning, March 4. Residual transportation disruptions are to be expected in the area as recovery efforts continue.

Context

Tornadoes are common in the southern United States and Great Plains region from March through June, though tornadoes can spawn outside that period.

Advice

Individuals in the affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities, and take appropriate precautions in the event of severe weather or tornadoes.

The safest place to be in a building in the event of a tornado is in the basement or on the ground floor, or in an interior hallway or stairwell. Avoid doors and windows. If a tornado is approaching, crouch face down as low as possible to the floor and cover your head with your hands.