By Staff Reporter (staff@latinospost.com) | First Posted: Dec 25, 2012 08:49 PM EST

A tornado hit downtown Mobile, Alabama at about 5 p.m. on Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service.

NWS observing program leader Gene Jacobi of the service's Mobile office said it had confirmed reports of a tornado, but did not yet know its size.

Local media reports are describing property damage, downed trees and power lines, and widespread power outages.