Lady Escape Tornado in Downtown Selma Alabama at the Tax Office

SELMA, Ala. — There is severe damage along Broad Street in downtown Selma which is the hardest-hit area.

The video shows Deborah A. Brown's powerful testimony and her surviving a possible tornado that went through downtown Selma, Alabama.

The weather service issued a tornado emergency for several counties just north of the capital city of Montgomery as the same storm system moved eastward. "This is a life-threatening situation. Take shelter immediately," the Weather Service said of the reported tornado.

Tornado Damage in Griffin GAPhoto by11 Alive

The city of Selma received "significant damage from the tornado," Selma Mayor James Perkins' office wrote on social media. The National Weather Service in Birmingham said a "large and extremely dangerous tornado" moved through the city.

8 Ways How to Survive a Tornado

1. Know the warning signs of a tornado. Look for the dark, often greenish sky, large hail, a large, dark, low-lying cloud, and a loud roar similar to a freight train. 
2. Go to the lowest floor of the building you are in and get to the center of the room. 
3. If you are outside, go to a ditch or low-lying area and lie flat, covering your head with your hands. 
4. Stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls. 
5. Do not try to outrun a tornado in a car or truck. 
6. If you are in a mobile home, leave immediately and go to the nearest sturdy building. 
7. Stay informed by listening to local news and weather reports. 
8. Stay away from downed power lines and damaged buildings.

About Selma

Selma, Alabama is located in Dallas County and is a city with a rich history. The city is best known for the Selma to Montgomery marches of 1965, which were part of the civil rights movement. Selma is also home to the National Voting Rights Museum and Institute, which celebrates the legacy of the civil rights movement. The city is also home to the annual Selma Bridge Crossing Jubilee, which commemorates the marches with a reenactment every year. Additionally, Selma is also known for its numerous antebellum homes and buildings, as well as its vibrant arts and culture scene.