1 dead, thousands without power in Ala.

Officials say one person has been killed after a tree downed by strong wind crushed a mobile home in central Alabama. About 40,000 homes and businesses are without power after the storm.

Police in Leeds, outside Birmingham, reported the death early Tuesday morning. No further details were available.

Officials say several school systems in the region canceled classes or delayed openings Tuesday morning because of the blackouts.

Debris on roads is slowing travel and several traffic accidents have brought morning rush hour traffic to a standstill in Birmingham.

Forecasters say the storms broke out ahead of a cold front that could bring snow flurries to parts of Alabama by early Wednesday.