3 article shawm.doc

Birmingham, Alabama (CNN) -- Severe weather tore across the Southeast early Monday, killing at least two people and spreading damage through at least two states, emergency officials said. The two fatalities were reported near Birmingham, Alabama, according to Jefferson County sheriffs Sgt. Jack Self. One was a 16-year-old in the city of Clay, northeast of the city, and the second was an 82-year-old man in the Oak Grove community west of Birmingham, Self said. The teenager was a female, Self said, although the fatality was initially reported as a male. Authorities believe the same storm, which struck about 3:30 a.m. (4:30 a.m. ET), was responsible for the deaths, he said. Severe weather hits Arkansas At least 100 injuries were reported, from cuts and bruises to broken bones, Self said. Several homes were reported destroyed. Emergency crews were working to locate people who may be trapped or injured and clear roads, several of which were impassable, the sheriffs office said. Video from the Center Point area, northeast of Birmingham near Clay, showed numerous downed trees, some on top of homes. People had to step over trees as they made their way down a residential street. One local resident told CNN affiliate WVTM he and his family had sought shelter in his homes basement when the houses front door came flying by us. We made it just in the nick of time. The man, who was not identified, grew emotional as he told the station, Weve lost our house, but at least ... weve got our family, and thats all that matters right now. Several organizations, including the Salvation Army and the Red Cross, said on Twitter they were sending teams to aid storm victims. Damage was also reported in Perry and Chilton counties south of Birmingham, in the central part of the state. Damage was reported in the Chilton County town of Maplesville, the countys emergency management agency said, but no one was injured. A radio studio and transmission tower was reported toppled in Chilton County by a