Rescue teams, as well as and assessment crews from the National Weather Service, spent Christmas night fanning out after forecasters and witnesses confirmed a tornado touchdown near downtown Birmingham, which put violent weather on a path through populated areas like Mountain Brook and Homewood. Preliminary reports are that several structures were damaged, and victims required aid. Calls for first responder help reportedly overwhelmed 9-1-1 operators. Birmingham declared a civil emergency asking motorists to stay off the roads overnight, to ensure public safety. Road crews also put up barricades at Center Point.
Other systems threatened central Alabama along with the one near Birmingham. Additional patches of heavy storms blew through parts of Chilton and Bibb County, and left streets flooded in Tuscaloosa, prompting NWS forecasters to issue multiple warnings throughout the region. Flooding in Jefferson and Tuscaloosa Counties were considered life threatening situation. NWS reported rising water Avenue W in Einsley near Birmingham reached seven feet in depth. Flooded roads, with watches and warnings across Central Alabama prompted warnings that residents remain off the streets. Earlier tornadic activity reported;y did damage in the Tuscaloosa County community of Coaling.
