Storms Cause Scattered Damage

VERNON, Ala. (AP) - A possible tornado toppled trees in Lamar
County and caused scattered damage today 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. 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 person were injured in Mississippi, where several
structures were damaged.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)