BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) - A falling tree hit a mobile home and
killed an elderly woman as powerful pre-dawn winds blew through
central Alabama early today, leaving thousands without electricity.
The Jefferson County coroner's office identified the victim as
71-year-old Juanita Greene of Leeds. Police reported the death
about 3:45 a.m.
The storms left about 42,000 homes and businesses without power.
Several school systems canceled classes or opened late because of
the blackouts.
Downed trees blocked some roads, slowing travel, and numerous
wrecks brought morning rush hour traffic to a standstill in metro
Birmingham. The weather service issued a tornado warning for
Lowndes County in south central Alabama, but no touchdowns were
reported.
Forecasters said the storms moved ahead of a cold front that
could bring a chance of snow flurries by early tomorrow.
A severe thunderstorm watch remains in effect until 2 p.m. for
Coffee, Dale, Henry, Geneva and Houston counties.
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