Punishing winds, possible tornadoes inflict damage as storms cross US South

ALBANY, Ga. (AP) — Damaging winds and tornadoes have toppled trees, damaged buildings and left tens of thousands without power as a powerful storm system crosses the South. The National Weather Service issued numerous tornado warnings Wednesday in southeast Alabama and southwest Georgia, where officials reported uprooted trees, damaged buildings and downed power lines. Witnesses captured video of tornados moving through two Alabama towns. In Georgia, Sheriff Josh Hilton of Calhoun County said two people escaped uninjured from a home that was demolished Wednesday afternoon. Troup County authorities say one person was struck by lightning. The weather service warned of a potential for hurricane-force wind gusts exceeding 90 mph in northeast Louisiana and central Mississippi.