Tornadoes may have been factor, but hail caused most damage

Published 10:52 am Tuesday, March 20, 2018

Tornadoes may have been a factor in some damage across Cullman County, but that determination will be made after more evaluation.

A possible tornado touched down in Battleground during the first warning before sundown around County Road 1108, said Cullman County Emergency Management Agency Director Phyllis Little.

While she has photos sent to her agency of the suspected tornado, a physical examination of the area will be made. She also said funnel clouds were reported in Fairview and other areas during the night.

A full assessment of damage in the county has not been made because reports were slow to come in during the hours of storms that raked the area, she said.

“At this point we don’t have a full picture of the county,” Little said. “The damage in the city is intense in areas like Carrol Acres, Fox Meadow and Adelsheim.”

The Cullman County Sheriff’s Office has extensive damage from hail, including the training facility and detention center where hail penetrated the roof in places, Little said.

“Right now, the most damage we are seeing is from hail,” she said. “A lot of the hail was softball-sized and went right through roofs and windshields.”