BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A storm front with severe weather settled across the South on Wednesday with heavy rains, a possible tornado in Alabama and damage to about 100 homes throughout the region.

Strong winds downed trees onto mobile homes and businesses in Arkansas and several people suffered broken bones. Storm debris blocked roads and damaged houses in north Mississippi, and tornado warning sirens interrupted students taking final exams at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. Power was knocked out to thousands of homes and businesses.

Forecasters said winds with gusts estimated at 70 mph knocked down trees and damaged homes in Tuscaloosa County, and a funnel cloud was reported near Hamilton in west Alabama.Want the whole story?