A suspected tornado ripped through a Walmart pharmacy and other stores within the accompanying strip mall in Troy, Ala. on Thursday, injuring at least five people.
Reported #tornado in Troy, AL Thu. night. NWS survey today. #ALwx RT@ItsJust_Mik3 Another image of Damage to walmart pic.twitter.com/aHGAl9CqCv
— The Weather Channel (@weatherchannel) August 7, 2015
The damage done by the unconfirmed tornado is evident in the photo. Roof supports have collapsed and boxes, display racks, and merchandise are strewn about.
One source revealed that customers and employees were actually inside Walmart during the event, according to Inquisitir.
"We heard a loud noise," Walmart employee Sarah Brookins said. "All of a sudden the wind was blowing in the store. We saw dust blowing through the door."
Mayor Jason Reeves talked about the event and revealed the extent of the damage.
"What seemed to be a tornado-like storm damaged the Wal-Mart in Troy structurally," Reeves told NBC News. "It flipped multiple trucks and tractor trailers in the parking lot, and damaged a strip-mall structure near the Wal-Mart. There is also water damage in the area from damage to a water main."
The National Weather Service warned at 10:32 p.m. CT (11:32 p.m. ET) of possible flash flooding and "frequent cloud to ground lightning" accompanying the storm, according to Sky News.
"Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways," the Weather Service instructed. "Seek a safe shelter inside a building or vehicle."
