Update: The threat of severe weather for the Auburn area ended early Tuesday morning.
The threat of severe weather Monday night into Tuesday morning has been downgraded from an enhanced risk to a slight risk of severe weather, according to the Birmingham National Weather Service.
Severe weather is still possible through 3 a.m. Tuesday for the Auburn area.
Tornadoes, damaging winds
Auburn is now included in a "slight" risk area, the NWS's third-highest threat level.
Severe weather began impacting the state Monday afternoon. Storms moving from the northwest to the southeast have caused significant damage in some parts of the state.
Gov. Kay Ivey said in a statement Monday evening that state resources were dispatched to affected areas including Jacksonville, Jacksonville State University and the remainder of Calhoun County.
Here’s a photo of the tornado that hit the Jacksonville State campus this evening. Please continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers. pic.twitter.com/HV1eV514h2
— Greg Seitz (@gseitz) March 20, 2018
"We will continue to monitor and respond to needs in other areas as needed," Ivey said. "Our first priority is ensuring our people are safe. Please stay out of affected areas and let first responders do their job. I thank all first responders, EMA and Weather officials, and utility workers for their hard work trying to keep Alabamians safe.”
Jacksonville State University athletic director Greg Seitz said several academic buildings and the university's Pete Matthews Coliseum sustained major roof damage after a tornado passed through the area.
JSU is currently on spring break.
A sobering image of Jacksonville from @trentpenny pic.twitter.com/L50w6sg4Oo
— Kirsten Fiscus (@KFiscus_Star) March 20, 2018
The National Weather Service has advised residents to stay aware of severe weather conditions through the night. The University will open storm shelters in RBD Library and Greene Hall at the College of Veterinary Medicine if a tornado watch is issued for Lee County. Watches mean conditions are favorable for a tornado.
If a tornado warning were to be issued — meaning that the threat is imminent — seek shelter immediately in the lowest part of your home or apartment, inside and away from windows. Mobile homes, trailers and vehicles are not safe during tornadoes.
If a Tornado Watch (conditions favorable) is issued for Lee County, Alabama, we’ll open Greene Hall at the College of Veterinary Medicine & Draughon Library. These buildings are opened for the duration of all Tornado Watches. pic.twitter.com/M6kX4Zt9PI
— AU Campus Safety (@AuburnSafety) March 18, 2018
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Chip Brownlee, senior in journalism and political science, is the editor-in-chief of The Auburn Plainsman.
