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image copyrightReuters
image captionThe tornadoes left a trail of destruction across AlabamaAt least five people have been killed in Alabama, as tornadoes continue to batter the southern US state.
"Tragically, we are receiving reports of loss of life," Governor Kay Ivey said. She urged residents to be on high alert.
The five deaths were in the small town of Oatchee in Calhoun County, the local emergency agency said, as the storm damaged houses and uprooted trees.
The tornadoes later hit Chilton County and were nearing Shelby Country.
"DO NOT WAIT TO SEE THE TORNADO! If you are in its path, TAKE SHELTER NOW!" the National Weather Service tweeted.
Social media users posted dramatic footage of the fast-moving tornadoes wreaking havoc in Alabama.
⚠️🇺🇸#URGENT: Tornado emergency issued for south Birmingham, Alabama
A large and violent wedge shaped tornado is passing through the southern end of the city at this time. The weather service has called this a ‘catastrophic event’!
pic.twitter.com/5P5wiPlMui
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.View original tweet on Twitter
In 2019, more than 20 people - including three children - died after two tornadoes caused extensive damage to buildings and roads in eastern Alabama.
First Lady Jill Biden has cancelled a planned trip to the state with actress Jennifer Garner due to the storms. Mrs Biden had been due to be in Birmingham to discuss the benefits of the newly-passed Covid relief package.
