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This incredible footage captures a "scary" tornado rattle through a remote rural community.

Families across Valley City, North Dakota have today been ordered to stay inside and close windows and doors amid the tornado alert. Hail the size of golf balls is also expected, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in the US.

The service says more than 8,000 people will be affected by the tornado, across Valley City and nearby Oriska and Tower City, rural settlements along the Interstate 94 corridor in North Dakota. Nine schools, which often host sporting events on Saturday mornings, and one hospital are within the region impacted by the freak phenomenon.

The astonishing footage was recorded at around 10pm on Friday night (4am in the UK) in Valley City. It shows the tornado spiral swftly above a community and lightning flash repeatedly in the background.

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One X user replied: "Nature do be scary but awe inspiring." Another said: "Wicked!!" However, plenty of other users warned people across Valley City and the neighbouring area to stay safe. This is echoed by the NWS, which has tweeted: "Tornado Warning including Valley City ND, Tower City ND and Buffalo ND." It warned people to stay inside and close windows and doors for the time being.

It mirrors similar scenes across Alabama last month, which also saw communities "take cover". Forecasters identified a twister on the radar across western Madison County and eastern Limestone County - near the major city of Huntsville - at 6:24pm local time on Tuesday (12.24am Wednesday in UK). It was, at the time, recorded at a speed of 35mph.

Officials at the National Weather Service in Huntsville shared an alert to residents' phones, which had read: "You are in a PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS SITUATION. TAKE COVER NOW!" and reporting a "deadly tornado" currently on the ground. You are in a life-threatening situation. Flying debris may be deadly to those caught without shelter.

"Mobile homes will be destroyed. Considerable damage to homes, businesses, and vehicles is likely and complete destruction is possible."

In addition to Huntsville, home to more than 240,000 people, other areas in the path of this potentially catastrophic storm include Belle Mina, French Mill, Mooresville, Capshaw, Ryland, Hampton Cove, Ripley, Brownsboro, and Farley.

Valley City, where the latest video was captured, sits in a valley on the Sheyenne River. It was founded in 1874 and grew as a rural community, popular with young families. Around 6,500 live in the settlement, which despite its small size, is now a city.