NEW: Severe storms, tornado leave thousands without power

Severe storms hit North Alabama Tuesday night, including a tornado that touched down in the Huntsville area. More than 18,000 households lost power in Huntsville, according to Huntsville Utilities.

Workers still cleaning up damage from storms

More than 18,000 Huntsville Utilities customers lost power. (Huntsville Utilities)

Huntsville Utilities reported approximately 18,500 customers without power Tuesday night, although most of those customers have had their power restored as of Wednesday morning.

Todd Long of Huntsville Utilities said as of 10AM Wednesday, more than 4,000 customers were still without service.

“At its peak, there were 18,508 customers without power. This was a significant damaging wind/tornado event, with utility poles broken and lines brought down.”

Todd Long, Electronic Content Administrator

A confirmed tornado was reported Tuesday night in the Huntsville metro area — near Lacey Springs and close to the Toyota Plant — but we have heard no reports of injuries, despite a bevy of property damage.

Meteorologist Reed Timmer was able to capture some tornado footage in Madison County Tuesday evening:

The official measure of the tornado’s strength has not been released by National Weather Service yet.

In response to the storms, the Madison County Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster has mobilized to support recovery efforts.

County residents who need help cleaning up storm damage caused by the recent storms are encouraged to call the Crisis Cleanup hotline at 256-207-5832.

By calling the hotline, residents will be connected with local volunteers from relief organizations, community groups and faith-based organizations who may be able to assist with: