Several students at Alabama school injured when tornado-warned storm rips across Dothan

Superintendent of Dothan City Schools Dennis Coe joins FOX Weather to discuss the latest updates on student safety and the school's damages.

Structural engineers are on site to assess the building and determine the next steps to repair structural damage to the school. If all goes according to plan, the superintendent anticipates the school will reoccupy the building by midweek next week.

DOTHAN, Ala. – An EF-1 tornado endangered students at a school in Dothan, Alabama, on Monday as storms tore across the Southeast.

The National Weather Service in Tallahassee, Florida, issued a Tornado Warning for the afternoon storm, referencing that 23 schools could be in its path.

"Students are safe at Dothan Prep," a statement from the Dothan Police Department on Facebook read. "Injuries are being addressed by Dothan Fire. Please wait to get children due to debris in the roads."

There have been five reported minor injuries among the students, according to the City of Dothan Government. Two of these students were transferred to a local hospital for further evaluation.

SEVERE STORMS CHARGE TOWARD EAST COAST AFTER CUTTING DEADLY DAMAGE TRAIL ACROSS CENTRAL US

In addition to the injuries, the school sustained structural damage. A drone video showed serious damage to the roof, exposing classrooms to the elements. Several sections of the roof were removed along with broken windows. Some parts of the roof were found blocks away from the school.

The tornado's maximum winds were estimated to be as strong as 105 mph, according to a statement from the National Weather Service in Tallahassee. 

At least 3,000 customers were without power in the area as of 4 p.m.

"We are grateful there have not been any serious injuries reported," said Dothan Mayor Mark Saliba, who traveled to the school to assess the damage himself. "We are proud of our first responders and utility crews who are working tirelessly to ensure the safety of our residents."

A news release from the school board indicated that students will learn remotely until structural engineers deem the building safe.

The National Weather Service in Tallahassee will survey the damage Tuesday morning to determine whether the storm that damaged the school was in fact a tornado.