Tornado Rips Through Wetumpka, Causes Extensive Damage

Suspected tornadoes destroyed buildings, including homes and a church, damaged cars, and downed trees and power lines in Wetumpka, in Alabama’s Elmore County, on January 19. Alabama Emergency Management Agency (EMA) had earlier issued a tornado warning for Elmore County. Governor Kay Ivey said she had deployed EMA personnel to assist in the county after receiving reports of “severe damage.” The National Weather Service in Birmingham said at around 5:30pm local time that there were no reports of fatalities. This footage, shared by Sammy Randolph, shows damage to the First Baptist Church and surrounding buildings. The First Presbyterian Church, across the street, was entirely destroyed, residents said. Credit: Sammy Randolph via Storyful