Flood warnings in Alabama, a tornado touchdown and rain

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama (AP) - BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — The National Weather Service has issued flood warnings for parts of northern Alabama following days of heavy rain and severe weather that's claimed at least 15 lives in parts of the South. The NWS says moderate flooding is occurring and major flooding is forecast for Big Nance Creek. It's warning drivers to stay off roads where flooding is expected.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — A tornado touched down in north-central Alabama, including part of Birmingham, Christmas evening. So far, no reports of serious injuries. Elsewhere in the region, where the weather had calmed, dozens of people faced the holidays having lost their homes and possessions. But many they said they were thankful to see another Christmas.

LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) — The National Weather Service says a "historic blizzard" could hit Amarillo, Lubbock and other parts of the Texas Panhandle this weekend. Forecasters say the Panhandle could get 6 to 15 inches of snow, with higher amounts possible in pockets of the region. High winds could drive the wind chill to as low as 10 below zero and cause snow drifts several feet high.