Text Size

Email Post

Print Post

Comments (0)

Save Article

This is an aerial view of tornado damage as residents in Tuscaloosa, Ala., continue the process of cleaning up Saturday, April 30, 2011. Hundreds of people were killed across the South when a swarm of tornadoes hit on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)

Birmingham, AL - Officials at the National Weather Service say the tornado that killed at least 25 people in the Alabama town of Hackleburg was packing winds stronger than 200 mph.

The weather service report says the tornado was given an EF5 rating, the highest possible. The report says the tornado was on the ground for more than 20 minutes, tearing a 25-mile-long path across Marion County. It was three-quarters of a mile wide.

Weather service surveyors said the twister tossed cars as far as 200 yards and completely demolished a sturdy brick home.

More of today's headlines

“Jerusalem - Israel's prime minister warned Sunday that the nation must not dismiss Iran's threats to its existence, drawing a parallel at a ceremony in memory of the 6...” Jerusalem - As Israel Mourns 6 Million Holocaust Victims Netanyahu Says Don't Ignore Threats Against Jews “Cairo - Egypt's Justice Minister Mohammed el-Guindi has said ousted President Hosni Mubarak gathered his wealth from gas exports to Israel through a company owned by his...” Cairo - Egypt's Justice Minister: Mubarak's Wealth Came From Israel Gas Deal