Storm brings tornado threat to west Ala.

Posted: Sun 3:05 PM, May 03, 2009

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) - The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning Sunday afternoon for Greene, Hale and Sumter counties in west Alabama and later expanded it to include suburban Birmingham.

A funnel cloud was reported to NWS at 1:44 p.m. Sunday near
Helena in Shelby County, moving northeast at 35 mph. No immediate
damage was reported.

A severe thunderstorm watch also covered Bibb, Chilton, Fayette,
Greene, Hale, Lamar, Marengo, Perry, Pickens, Sumter, Tuscaloosa
and Walker.

The weather service reported a chance of severe thunderstorms
along and north of Interstate 20 and across most of central Alabama
into Sunday night, with conditions improving by midnight.

New Hampshire: Hail, Wind, Rain Strike