EF-1 tornado touches down near Dallas Co. church

From the West Alabama Newsroom–

Members of a Dallas County church are counting their blessings tonight — after a close call at church during Sunday’s storms.

A confirmed EF-1 tornado touched down around East Salem Missionary Baptist Church on County Road 405.

Several vehicles were damaged and the church van was flipped over on its side. Downed trees damaged the church kitchen — knocked out power — and blocked the roadway leading up to the church.

“Couldn’t get in or out. But we thank God that we had some people that responded to us,” said Rev. James Mitchell.

“They came on out and they cleared the roadway that the people can get out and go home.:”

National Weather Service officials says the tornado was 400 yards wide — with winds of 95 miles per hour.