Tornado outbreak strikes Alabama, Georgia; at least 5 dead

(AP) Blaring tornado sirens and howling winds roared across parts of western Georgia early Friday as severe storms pounded southern states.

Meteorologists say a large, dangerous tornado struck metro Atlanta’s Coweta County and surrounding communities, sparking a tornado emergency. It comes after a tornado outbreak blew through Alabama on Thursday. Authorities say at least five people died in the storms in Alabama. Several homes were destroyed, trees splintered and businesses damaged. Thousands of customers were left without power. No deaths were immediately reported in the severe weather in Georgia.

Several school districts were closed or delayed Friday due to the damage.