Deaths Blamed on Tornadoes in Alabama and Georgia

ALABAMA (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. Coweta County closed its schools Friday while officials surveyed the damage.