Three homes destroyed, no reported injuries

BY VICTOR INGE

THE SELMA TIMES-JOURNAL

SUMMERFIELD &8212; Three homes were destroyed and several others received extensive damage just northwest of Selma on Sunday after a tornado touched down, skipping its way across County Road 16.

Area residents said they know what a tornado sounds like, and it does resemble a train &8212; only louder. Jeff Hudson heard it. He said he was on his couch when it began.

Hudson said their home was spared, but the twister blew his barn away. After the twister passed Hudson said he went to a neighbor&8217;s house.

The Dempsey residence, in sight of Hudson&8217;s home, was totally destroyed. Trees were drug against the house and half of its roof was gone. Betty and Brenda Dempsey were okay.

Two houses down from the Dempsey home, family members were arriving to check on Willie Frank and Carrie Marshall. Their grandchildren were thankful they were all right.

The Valley Grande and the Potter&8217;s Station volunteer fire departments were out clearing roads. Dallas County Sheriff deputies and Selma Fire and Rescue members were out securing the area.

By late afternoon Alabama Power Company reported there were 400 customers were without power. Work crews were out clearing up downed power lines and replacing power poles.