Daily photo by Brennen Smith

Wind whips Valley

Strong winds blew part of this tree onto power lines on South Chapel Hill Road Southwest in Decatur on Friday.

Mike Richter, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Huntsville, said the area of Morgan County southwest of Decatur received the most rain and wind damage during thunderstorms.

“One particular downburst (a quick burst of wind exceeding 60 mph) did damage to trees in a three-quarter-mile area about 4 p.m. this (Friday) afternoon,” Richter said.

There were also reports of power lines down in the area of U.S. 31 South and Kayo Road. A large oak tree and several smaller trees blew down on U.S. 72 two miles west of Athens at about 3 p.m., Richter said.

In Lawrence County, thunderstorms hampered emergency communications.

“They aaaaaaa out the main 911 call center,” Richter said. Richter estimated 50 percent of Morgan County saw rainfall.

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