Updated: 7:18 PM CST Jan 27, 2021
WVTM 13 Digital
One person was killed and at least 30 people were injured when an EF-3 tornado tore through Fultondale late Monday night. Watch the video above to hear Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey's speech upon landing in Fultondale on Wednesday.**The National Weather Service in Birmingham upgraded the tornado to an EF-3, with peak winds up to 150 mph, around 7:30 Tuesday night.Jefferson County Coroner Bill Yates confirms there was one death related to the Fultondale tornado. No further details were released by Yates. Jefferson County Commissioner Joe Knight said a "young man" was killed after a large tree fell on his family's home. Knight said the victim was huddling with his father in the basement when the tree fell. The father was injured and taken to the hospital.Jefferson County Schools Superintendent Dr. Walter Gonsoulin said a 14-year-old high school student was killed in the storm. The teen has since been identified as Elliott Hernandez.State Superintendent Dr. Eric Mackey released this statement:"Our hearts go out to those impacted by last night’s storms. We are in contact with local school systems as they continue to assess the damage and commit to provide our support to these schools. Updates will be posted as more information becomes available."Governor Kay Ivey issued the following statement Tuesday morning:"The people of Fultondale took a hard hit last night — I’m grieved over the loss of life, injuries, homes and damaged businesses. I offer my prayers and deepest sympathies and pledge the full support and resources our state has to offer. I am with you, Fultondale!"The governor released another statement saying she has reached out to the mayors of Fultondale and Center Point to offer them "any support or resources that are available." Fultondale Fire Chief Justin McKenzie says while he cannot confirm fatalities as of Tuesday morning, 17 people were transported to the hospital with storm-related injuries and 11 people were treated on scene.First responders from surrounding areas have been assisting Fultondale with search and rescue efforts throughout the night. As of 4:15 a.m., crews were on heavily damaged Lykes Blvd. working to free a man who had been trapped inside of his home by a tree. McKenzie says they have since accounted for everyone else in the area.