Hurricane Ivan Blasts Alabama and Florida, Spinning Off Killer Tornadoes

Summary

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GULF SHORES, Ala. -- Hurricane Ivan slammed into the Gulf Coast early Thursday with 130 mph wind, launching tornadoes, washing out a major bridge and hurling metal signs through the night. At least 12 U.S. deaths were blamed on the storm, but officials said the toll and the damage could have been even worse.

Up to 15 inches of rain were expected as the storm moved inland. It weakened by late morning, but remained a Category 1 hurricane with wind of 75 mph eight hours after its 3 a.m. landfall.

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Hurricane Ivan Blasts Alabama and Florida, Spinning Off Killer Tornadoes

Ivan had already killed 68 as it passed through the Caribbean, weeks after Hurricanes Charley and Frances tore through on their treks to Florida, causing dozens of deaths and billions of dollars in damage.

When Ivan hit the Gulf Coast, it knocked out power to hundreds of thousands of people, toppled trees and ripped off roofs....

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