High winds whipped through the area late Thursday afternoon, downing trees, damaging Cullman Middle School and leaving a few thousand residents without power.

A storm system had been moving toward the area during the afternoon but mainly pushed off to the northeast, where the risk of severe weather was in a higher category. But as the system approached, winds began to swirl and broke into a straight line in some areas causing the power outages.

Brian Lacy of Cullman Electric Cooperative said about 500 customers were without power from around 40 separate outages as evening drew near. Another 500 people had their power restored in the Addison area after a tree fell across a power line.

“We have multiple crews at work. It may take some time because the outages are scattered around so much,” Lacy said.

Mike Manning, director of Cullman Power board, said outages in Cullman were sporadic, from the northeast and southwest areas of the city as well as along some areas of Interstate 65.

“Wind is our big concern because it can bring large limbs or trees down across power lines,” Manning said.

Cullman Police Chief Kenny Culpepper said damage at Cullman Middle School. included a walkway awning and shingles.

David Palmer may be contacted at 256-734-2131, ext. 116.