Search resumes for tornado survivors

23 DEAD AFTER STORMS STRIKE

RESCUERS are scouring the rubble of mobile homes and houses in search of survivors of a powerful tornado that rampaged through south-east Alabama and killed at least 23 people.

The trail of destruction was at least half a mile wide and overwhelmed rural Lee County’s coroners’ office, forcing it to call in help from the state.

“The devastation is incredible,” Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones said.

Drones equipped with heatseeking devices had scanned the area for survivors, but dangerous conditions halted the search late on Sunday, Mr Jones said.

The tornado was part of a powerful storm system that also slashed its way across parts of Georgia, South Carolina and

Florida.

Mr Jones said the twister travelled down a county road in the rural community of Beauregard, reducing homes to rubble.

The National Weather Service confirmed that a tornado with at least an F3 rating caused the destruction in Alabama.

Although the statement did not give exact wind estimates, F3 storms typically are gauged at wind speeds of 158 to 206mph.

Rita Smith, spokeswoman for the Lee County Emergency Management Agency, said about 150 first responders had quickly jumped in to help search the debris after the storm struck in Beauregard.