The Selma Times-Journal

Downed trees were reported after a night of gusty winds, heavy rains, frequent lightning and ground-shaking thunder stretched across Dallas County on Thursday.

Pam Cook, director of the Dallas County Emergency Management Agency, said trees along County Roads 3, 11, and 45 were toppled by winds that the National Weather Service predicted to reach upwards of 45 miles per hour.

The National Weather Service had predicted strong thunderstorms that could produce damaging winds and isolated tornadoes across the Black Belt region Thursday. Sustained winds were expected to be between 15-25 miles per hour with gusts.

Branches and debris could be seen on area roads early Friday morning. Trees were reported down Thursday at the intersection of County Road 3 and County Road 11, in Marion Junction at County Road 45 and in Orrville on Alabama Highway 22.

Friday, trees were reported down on County Road 4 and County Road 23. A report issued by the Dallas County Emergency Management Agency said the trees were either removed by citizens, deputies, or members of area volunteer fire departments.

A wave of storms that came through the area Tuesday night left downed trees and power lines in its wake. Damage was reported along County Road 5 in Minter, Highway 43 in Tyler, Highway 14 West, on Howell Road (check) behind the McDonald’s at West Highland and Summerfield Road, on Broad Street, in Plantersville, on Old Montgomery Highway and Persimmon Tree Road, Cook said.

Clear weather is predicted in the Dallas County area through the weekend, with chances for precipitation picking up again today and continuing through Wednesday.