Cullman receives storm damage, has gas leak

CULLMAN — A storm rolled through Cullman on Friday at about 11:30 a.m., leaving damage in its wake in the Dairy Queen area on U.S. 31.

There are reports of damage to the Belk Shopping Center, the old Cullman Hospital, a Verizon Wire-less’ cell phone tower and three homes.

A Cullman County Emergency Management Agency spokeswoman said a major gas leak forced evacuation of those within a half-mile radius of the Dairy Queen restaurant.

National Weather Service and EMA officials are trying to determine whether a tornado or straight-line winds caused the damage.

Look for more coverage in Saturday’s Decatur Daily.

BAYNE HUGHES