'Large, extremely dangerous' tornado confirmed

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - A "large and extremely dangerous tornado" knocked out power to thousands in Alabama and caused damage throughout Mobile on Christmas Day 2012, according to the National Weather service.

The National Weather Service said at 4:59 p.m. on Dec. 25 that the tornado was located near downtown Mobile or five miles southeast of Interstate 65 and US 45 moving northeast at 45 mph.

The Midtown area of Mobile, as well as parts of Toulminville and the Roger Williams Community saw heavy damage form the storm.

Historic Murphy High School in Midtown  was stricken by damage to its auditorium, where part of the roof was on the ground. Portable classrooms were completely destroyed, and a scoreboard on the school's practice field was thrown into a nearby resident's yard.

Photos: Murphy High School damaged in Christmas Day tornado

Alabama Power said just under 26,000 residents in Mobile were without power Tuesday night, and around 31,000 people across the state had lost electricity.

Officials also said they were working on fixing gas leaks in a couple of areas.

The Mobile County Sheriff's Office said Telegraph and Bay Bridge Road were struck by the tornado, but no injuries have been reported at this time. USA Medical Center officials also said no one was admitted to the hospital for tornado related injuries.

The Chickasaw Police Department said they have received reports of debris, but no injuries.

Around 6 p.m. the Clarke EMA said there is a possible tornado touchdown near Aniotch, which is near Grove Hill as well, the warning there lasted until 6 p.m.

PHOTOS: Severe weather pounds Mobile

On December 20, an EF-1 tornado ripped through the Mobile causing major damage to the Crichton area. The National Weather Service said the tornado traveled up to seven miles and carried winds up to 110 mph.