By Marla Jones

Managing Editor

marla@southerntorch.com

DEKALB COUNTY, Ala.- As temperatures hit in the ’80s with severe storms being predicted on Wednesday, the National Weather Service in Huntsville announced that an EF1 tornado touched down in DeKalb County.  

The National Weather Service reported that a tornado touched down three miles of Powell, traveling close to six miles with a path of the width of 285 yards and having estimated peak winds of 104 mph. 

The storm approached the City of Rainsville at approximately 8:28 p.m. Kirk Road, Kilgore Street, Willingham Street, Hodges Street, and Church Avenue received damage to vehicles, trees, and houses.  

BlueScope Steel on Church Avenue received significant damage to the roof and structure.

Rainsville Police Department wished to thank Rainsville Fire Department for their tireless effort throughout this event. Rainsville Fire Chief, Willimac Wright, and his staff had crews helping with clean up, as well as assessing damage to property, on top of answering calls of service in the community.

The Rainsville Police Department also wanted to extend a thank you to all the departments who offered help after the storm hit. In a matter of minutes, the City of Rainsville had officers from departments from all local areas, as well as other local fire departments.

Chief Edmondson stated, “He was proud of all the support this community has given during this time.”

On Friday, a tornado touched down in the southern DeKalb County community, Mount Vernon. According to the DeKalb County Emergency Management Agency, this was also classified as an EF1 tornado.  

DeKalb County experienced unseasonably warm temperatures to host in the New Year with another round of severe storms entering the County on Saturday.  

On Sunday, a cold front entered Northeast Alabama, bringing with it snow. Snowfall amounts as high as six inches were reported in the upper elevations of Sand Mountain and Lookout Mountain.

Another potential round of wintery mix is predicted for the latter part of this week.