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Shelby County Natural Disasters and Weather Extremes

 
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The chance of earthquake damage in Shelby County is about the same as Alabama average and is much lower than the national average. The risk of tornado damage in Shelby County is higher than Alabama average and is much higher than the national average.

Topics:Earthquake IndexVolcano IndexTornado IndexOther Weather Extremes EventsVolcanos NearbyHistorical Earthquake EventsHistorical Tornado Events

Earthquake Index, #28

Shelby County
0.05
Alabama
0.08
U.S.
1.81

The earthquake index value is calculated based on historical earthquake events data using USA.com algorithms. It is an indicator of the earthquake level in a region. A higher earthquake index value means a higher chance of an earthquake.

Volcano Index, #1

Shelby County
0.0000
Alabama
0.0000
U.S.
0.0023

The volcano index value is calculated based on the currently known volcanoes using USA.com algorithms. It is an indicator of the possibility of a region being affected by a possible volcano eruption. A higher volcano index value means a higher chance of being affected.

Tornado Index, #18

Shelby County
280.65
Alabama
255.80
U.S.
136.45

The tornado index value is calculated based on historical tornado events data using USA.com algorithms. It is an indicator of the tornado level in a region. A higher tornado index value means a higher chance of tornado events.

Other Weather Extremes Events

A total of 11,605 other weather extremes events within 50 miles of Shelby County were recorded from 1950 to 2010. The following is a break down of these events:

TypeCountTypeCountTypeCountTypeCountTypeCount
Avalanche:0Blizzard:0Cold:76Dense Fog:1Drought:104
Dust Storm:0Flood:767Hail:3,851Heat:118Heavy Snow:39
High Surf:0Hurricane:2Ice Storm:13Landslide:1Strong Wind:87
Thunderstorm Winds:5,860Tropical Storm:17Wildfire:1Winter Storm:18Winter Weather:36
Other:614 

Volcanos Nearby

No volcano is found in or near Shelby County.

Historical Earthquake Events

No historical earthquake events that had recorded magnitudes of 3.5 or above found in or near Shelby County.

No historical earthquake events found in or near Shelby County.

Historical Tornado Events

A total of 113 historical tornado events that had recorded magnitude of 2 or above found in or near Shelby County.

Distance (miles)DateMagnitudeStart Lat/LogEnd Lat/LogLengthWidthFatalitiesInjuriesProperty DamageCrop DamageAffected County
6.41973-03-16233°17'N / 86°49'W33°18'N / 86°45'W4.30 Miles33 Yards05250K0Shelby
6.61994-03-27233°18'N / 86°51'W33°23'N / 86°38'W12.00 Miles300 Yards0535.0M0Shelby
 Brief Description: A tornado began on the north side of Helena on the Bearden Farm moving northeastward crossing Alabama 261 near Pelham High School. The school suffered some damage. Continuing northeast, the tornado caused damage in a residential section before doing extensive damage to two mobile home parks on the west side of U.S. Highway 31 on the north side of Pelham. The tornado did extensive to businesses in the stretch from the U.S. 31/Alabama 119 intersection to the Alabama 119/Interstate 65 intersection. The tornado continued on its track going through primarily residential areas of Pelham and Indian Springs. The tornado dissipated just before reaching the Meadow Brook area about two miles west of U.S. Highway 280. Areas in the path of the tornado included sections of Chandalar, Green Park South mobile home park, South Gate Mobile Home Park, Indian Springs Village, Broken Bow, Broken Bow South, and Riverchase.
6.71973-05-27433°05'N / 86°56'W33°15'N / 86°27'W30.20 Miles800 Yards16325.0M0Shelby
9.11963-04-29233°17'N / 86°50'W0025K0Shelby
12.61968-12-27233°06'N / 86°51'W33°08'N / 86°46'W5.60 Miles33 Yards02250K0Shelby
14.81959-05-12333°22'N / 86°57'W33°25'N / 86°49'W8.60 Miles440 Yards05250K0Jefferson
15.21967-05-06333°27'N / 86°50'W33°28'N / 86°46'W4.30 Miles200 Yards1252.5M0Jefferson
15.31963-03-05433°22'N / 86°58'W33°29'N / 86°45'W14.90 Miles667 Yards035250K0Jefferson
16.11964-01-24433°19'N / 86°26'W33°20'N / 86°23'W3.30 Miles100 Yards106250K0Shelby
16.41953-05-01233°02'N / 86°45'W1.50 Miles100 Yards0225K0Chilton
16.61980-04-25233°20'N / 86°57'W33°25'N / 86°55'W6.20 Miles100 Yards00250K0Jefferson
16.71963-05-27233°28'N / 86°50'W0025K0Jefferson
16.81959-05-12233°12'N / 87°00'W33°12'N / 86°55'W4.90 Miles100 Yards000K0Bibb
17.51984-05-03233°15'N / 86°23'W33°16'N / 86°22'W1.00 Mile200 Yards00250K0Shelby
18.91953-04-06333°19'N / 87°00'W0.50 Mile37 Yards0123K0Jefferson
19.31976-01-13233°31'N / 86°49'W0.30 Mile50 Yards01250K0Jefferson
21.82008-02-06233°00'N / 86°30'W33°06'N / 86°18'W14.00 Miles2000 Yards00115K0KCoosa
 Brief Description: EVENT NARRATIVE: The tornado touched down in the Hidden Valley community along Lay Lake, about 2 miles northeast of Lay Dam. It then tracked northeastward, before producing its most significant damage just east of Marble Valley along County Road 56. Four large wooden power poles were snapped off. Two mobile homes were knocked off their foundations and rolled over. Hundreds of hardwood and softwood trees were either snapped off or uprooted along the path. The tornado then continued northeastward, eventually crossing into Talladega County. EPISODE NARRATIVE: A strong cold front and very intense upper level storm system moving across the Gulf Coast States brought numerous severe thunderstorms and several tornadoes to Central Alabama.
21.91977-04-04533°31'N / 86°56'W33°36'N / 86°42'W14.70 Miles550 Yards2213025.0M0Jefferson
22.11956-04-15433°30'N / 86°58'W33°38'N / 86°38'W21.30 Miles200 Yards252002.5M0Jefferson
22.52001-11-24233°10'N / 86°19'W33°12'N / 86°17'W3.10 Miles400 Yards015800K0KTalladega
 Brief Description: The F2 tornado began at 3:42 pm near the intersection of Forest Glen Rd. and Odens Mill Rd., in the Oak Grove Community. It traveled northeast crossing US 280 and ended at 3:45 pm near Shirtee Creek in the Odena Community. The Red Cross and the local Emergency Management Agency estimate that 15 people were injured, two critically. Forty to 50 homes were damaged with 7 of the homes sustaining significant damage. Ten mobile homes were totally destroyed. Several outbuildings and sheds were destroyed and numerous trees were blown down or uprooted along the entire path. The tornado path was 3.1 miles long and 400 yards wide at its widest point. Beg: 33 10.930/86 18.818 End: 33 12.502/86 16.176
23.41984-05-03233°16'N / 86°22'W33°19'N / 86°11'W11.00 Miles200 Yards00250K0Talladega
24.02002-11-10233°20'N / 87°11'W33°24'N / 86°58'W12.30 Miles450 Yards00500K0KJefferson
 Brief Description: The Abernant Tornado first touched down in Tuscaloosa County in a wooded area west of County Road 99 around 10:22 pm. The tornado traveled east-northeast, damaging structures on Ridge Road before crossing into Jefferson County. The tornado entered Jefferson County at 10:29 pm, and damaged structures in the North Johns and Sumter areas before damaging a manufacturing facility just southwest of VisionLand Theme Park. The tornado crossed Interstate 59 and US Highway 11 where additional houses and businesses sustained minor damage. The tornado ended at this point at 10:43 pm. This F2 tornado had a path length of 15.2 miles, 2.9 miles in Tuscaloosa County and 12.3 miles in Jefferson County. The path width was about 450 yards. Three injuries were reported in Tuscaloosa County. Beg: 33 19.740/87 13.724 End: 33 22.873/86 58.362
24.31967-12-19233°36'N / 86°48'W2.00 Miles33 Yards0025K0Jefferson
24.41960-09-16233°11'N / 86°16'W0.30 Mile33 Yards02250K0Talladega
24.61957-11-18233°36'N / 86°48'W33°38'N / 86°40'W8.20 Miles100 Yards1352.5M0Jefferson
25.01962-03-21233°09'N / 86°16'W0.50 Mile33 Yards0025K0Talladega
25.01974-04-03233°27'N / 87°03'W1.00 Mile800 Yards0025K0Jefferson
25.21973-05-27233°24'N / 87°05'W1.00 Mile500 Yards03250K0Jefferson
26.31998-04-08533°23'N / 87°14'W33°35'N / 86°52'W24.30 Miles1320 Yards32258200.0M2.2MJefferson
 Brief Description: F76PH, M49PH, M78PH, F89PH, M89PH, F54PH, M37PH, F27PH, M48PH, M4PH, M7PH, F33PH, F72PH, F66PH, M72PH, F72PH, F83PH, M44MH, F16MH, F37MH, F63PH, M61PH, F76PH, M78PH, F77PH, M8PH, M50PH, F46PH, F47PH, F49PH, F81PH, F50PH A tornado, the second spawned from the same supercell, began in rural sections of eastern Tuscaloosa County 1.5 miles east of the Warrior River. The tornado moved through primarily rural and unpopulated areas of eastern Tuscaloosa County before crossing into extreme southwestern Jefferson County. The tornado remained in primarily unpopulated area until just before reaching Oak Grove community where three deaths occurred in a mobile home. The tornado destroyed the Oak Grove School and a number of other buildings including a fire department as it cross CR 23/54. The tornado moved into unpopulated area for a short while before crossing CR 54 (Lock 17 Road/Warrior River Road) where numerous houses and other structures were damaged and destroyed including another volunteer fire department building. Eleven deaths were reported in this area. The tornado crossed Rock Creek just west of Rock Creek Road, a steep, hilly unpopulated area. The tornado path then moved into a fairly densely populated area all the way until it dissipated in Pratt City. Areas affected included Pinedale Estates, McGregor Estates, Rockwood, Sylvan Springs, Wylam Heights, Edgewater, McDonald Chapel, Minor, West Ensley, and Pratt City. Pratt City is also within the city limits of Birmingham. Four deaths occurred in Sylvan Springs, two in Wylam Heights, nine in Edgewater, two in McDonald Chapel, and one in West Ensley. According to American Red Cross surveys, 608 homes were destroyed, 556 sustained major damage, and another 810 had minor damage. There were 1,164 families with homes that were unlivable. Forest service officials estimated 4,000 acres of timber was destoyed in Jefferson County and 1,000 acres in Tuscaloosa County.
26.31973-05-27333°34'N / 86°42'W33°43'N / 86°33'W13.50 Miles800 Yards14425.0M0Jefferson
26.41989-03-05233°16'N / 86°22'W33°26'N / 86°06'W20.00 Miles100 Yards022.5M0Talladega
26.71980-03-20233°10'N / 86°15'W33°12'N / 86°12'W3.80 Miles50 Yards06250K0Talladega
26.81958-04-29233°38'N / 86°49'W0.50 Mile100 Yards0025K0Jefferson
26.91978-04-18233°01'N / 86°19'W0.10 Mile80 Yards0025K0Coosa
27.51952-02-13333°36'N / 86°56'W126250K0Jefferson
27.81972-10-27233°31'N / 86°55'W33°45'N / 86°49'W17.10 Miles50 Yards00250K0Jefferson
28.31968-11-17332°54'N / 86°45'W32°49'N / 86°27'W18.30 Miles400 Yards1242.5M0Chilton
28.82001-11-24233°39'N / 86°34'W33°41'N / 86°32'W5.90 Miles125 Yards01200K0KJefferson
 Brief Description: A tornado began weakly on the east side of the Cahaba River in Trussville and damaged a dugout and fencing at the Trussville Sports Complex. The tornado downed trees as it moved northeastward crossing Deerfoot Parkway near the intersection of Interstate 59 in Trussville at 1:31 pm. The tornado followed along Interstate 59 for a short distance downing trees and causing damage to houses especially on the east side of the Interstate. The tornado crossed into St. Clair County at Argo at approximately 1:36 pm. The tornado continued on a northeast track moving primarily through rural settings with property damage along the way including a number of houses and mobile homes. The tornado ended about 5.5 miles east of Springville around 1:52 pm. The tornado was rated an F2 and was on the ground for 16 miles with a width of about 125 yards. Only one injury was reported at Argo with this tornado. Beg: 33 37.990/86 35.939 End: 33 46.089/86 22.720
29.11965-11-27233°36'N / 86°30'W33°36'N / 86°15'W14.50 Miles33 Yards0025K0St. Clair
29.22004-11-24232°53'N / 86°31'W33°00'N / 86°11'W18.70 Miles1400 Yards00100K0Coosa
 Brief Description: National Weather Service Meteorologist made a few trips to the damage areas across Autauga, Chilton and Coosa Counties. The damage was consistent with a very large tornado with a long damage path. The tornado damage was rated an F2, but the strength of the tornado may have been stronger but the tornado affected mostly rural areas. The F2 tornado first touched down between Jones and Bethel Grove generally producing only tree damage until it reached the county line. The tornado then traveled on a northeast heading into southern Chilton County between Pletcher and Billingsley. The tornado was fairly weak at this time, blowing down and snapping off several large trees in rural areas. As the tornado approached the west side of Interstate 65, the tornado increased to F2 intensity and caused considerable damage to several structures. Continuing northeast, the tornado weakened a bit as it crossed Interstate 65 in the vicinity of mile marker 202, approximately 3 miles south of the Clanton Exit. The tornado was still strong enough at this time to down several large trees and block the northbound lanes of traffic. After crossing the interstate, the tornado regained F2 intensity moving through the Cooper Community. The tornado produced extensive structural damage in Cooper. Several homes, businesses, mobile homes and out-buildings were damaged or destroyed. Hundreds of trees were blown down or snapped off in this area. The tornado moved across eastern Chilton County and went across Lake Mitchell. At Lake Mitchell, on the Chilton/Coosa County Line, numerous homes and mobile homes were destroyed generally between Blue Creek and Cargle Creek. The tornado crossed Lake Mitchell and moved into the Coosa Wildlife Management Area along Hatchet Creek. Hundreds of trees were splintered in this area. The tornado then moved through rural Coosa County crossing US 231 just south of the Hanover Community. The tornado dissipated shortly after US 231. The tornado damage path was 49.1 miles long and an astounding 1400 yards wide at its widest point. No injuries or fatalities were reported with this strong tornado. Begin: 32 35.77/86 53.11 End: 32 59.99/86 11.45
29.61973-05-27433°15'N / 86°27'W33°27'N / 85°54'W34.60 Miles33 Yards01725.0M0Talladega
30.01985-08-16233°29'N / 87°06'W33°32'N / 87°07'W3.00 Miles600 Yards00250K0Jefferson
30.81998-04-08233°37'N / 86°29'W33°38'N / 86°15'W14.40 Miles200 Yards2122.0M5KSt. Clair
 Brief Description: The tornado began 2.3 miles north-northeast of Moody and just west of US 411. The tornado crossed US 411 where a large church and associated buildings, some recently constructed were destroyed. The tornado traveled on an east-northeast track moving through relatively rural areas. It affected a portion of CR 174 and then crossed US 231 just south of Wattsville. The tornado damaged a number of buildings in the Coal City area including a mobile home where two people were killed and three children were injured. The tornado ended in an open area just east of Coal City. Emergency Management for St. Clair County reported that 26 homes were destroyed, 30 homes suffered major damage, and 59 sustained minor damage. This included 42 mobile homes. M29MH, F33MH
30.91971-03-06233°41'N / 86°36'W33°43'N / 86°32'W4.90 Miles300 Yards0225K0Jefferson
30.92002-11-10233°19'N / 87°14'W33°20'N / 87°11'W2.90 Miles450 Yards03300K0KTuscaloosa
 Brief Description: The Abernant Tornado first touched down in Tuscaloosa County in a wooded area west of County Road 99 around 10:22 pm. The tornado traveled east-northeast, damaging structures on Ridge Road before crossing into Jefferson County. The tornado entered Jefferson County at 10:29 pm, and damaged structures in the North Johns and Sumter areas before damaging a manufacturing facility just southwest of VisionLand Theme Park. The tornado crossed Interstate 59 and US Highway 11 where additional houses and businesses sustained minor damage. The tornado ended at this point at 10:43 pm. This F2 tornado had a path length of 15.2 miles, 2.9 miles in Tuscaloosa County and 12.3 miles in Jefferson County. The path width was about 450 yards. Three injuries were reported in Tuscaloosa County. Beg: 33 19.740/87 13.724 End: 33 22.873/86 58.362
31.62000-04-03233°23'N / 87°14'W33°25'N / 87°10'W4.70 Miles300 Yards0075K0KJefferson
 Brief Description: The tornado began at the intersection of CR 59 and CR 54 near the town of Kellerman. The tornado traveled in a northeast direction for approximately 11.1 miles. The tornado crossed the Tuscaloosa and Jefferson county line about 2 miles southeast of County Road 59, near Bull City, and dissipated about 2 miles southwest of Oak Grove. The damage path was about 300 yards wide at its widest point. One frame house and a church received mainly roof damage in the town of Kellerman. The path was very rural, and most of the damage was from downed and snapped trees. The terrain was hilly, with most of the downed trees located in the valleys. About one mile inside the Jefferson County line, a brick house sustained major damage, and two mobile homes were overturned. Segment 1: Beginning: 33 19.860/87 19.276 Ending: 33 23.086/87 13.918 Segment 2: Beginning: 33 23.086/87 13.918 Ending: 33 25.513/87 09.892
32.61973-05-27432°50'N / 87°17'W33°05'N / 86°56'W26.70 Miles800 Yards54725.0M0Bibb
33.41975-01-10233°38'N / 87°03'W2.00 Miles100 Yards04250K0Jefferson
33.62001-11-24233°35'N / 86°17'W33°37'N / 86°14'W4.50 Miles100 Yards02500K0KSt. Clair
 Brief Description: A tornado rated an F2 began weakly on the west-southwest side of Pell City just behind the school at 3:10 pm. The tornado traveled on an east-northeast path downing a communication tower at the EMA/911 office and doing minor roof damage. The storm then crossed over downtown Pell City where a number of buildings sustained light to moderate roof damage along with awnings damaged and some windows broken. The tornado crossed US 231 and became very weak, possibly lifting for a little more than a mile, before slamming into a number of buildings in an industrial park. Some of the greatest destruction was done here. The tornado crossed Interstate 20 and ended after damaging a couple of houses on Sprayberry Road at approximately 3:17 pm. The tornado path was 4.5 miles long and approximately 100 yards wide at the widest. No deaths occurred in this tornado but there were two injuries, both classified as minor. Beginning: 33 34.926/86 17.647 Ending: 33 37.039/86 14.029
34.41963-03-17332°56'N / 87°09'W32°57'N / 87°07'W2.70 Miles100 Yards040K0Bibb
34.52001-11-24233°16'N / 86°09'W33°22'N / 86°01'W9.10 Miles200 Yards00230K0KTalladega
 Brief Description: The same thunderstorm that spawned the Sylacauga tornado produced another tornado in eastern Talladega County. This tornado was also rated an F2 on the Fujita scale and began at 3:59 pm 4 miles southeast of Winterboro in the Talladega National Forest. The tornado tracked northeast across Germany Mountain and ended at 4:09 pm, 1 mile southeast of Waldo. Several homes were damaged on Germany Mountain with one receiving significant damage. At least 6 mobile homes were totally destroyed and several outbuildings and barns were destroyed. Several trees were blown down or snapped off along the path. No injuries were reported. Beg: 33 17.453/86 08.146 End: 33 22.351/86 00.750
34.61976-08-15233°45'N / 86°49'W0.50 Mile30 Yards003K0Jefferson
34.72001-11-24233°41'N / 86°30'W33°46'N / 86°23'W10.10 Miles125 Yards00300K0KSt. Clair
 Brief Description: A tornado began weakly on the east side of the Cahaba River in Trussville and damaged a dugout and fencing at the Trussville Sports Complex. The tornado downed trees as it moved northeastward crossing Deerfoot Parkway near the intersection of Interstate 59 in Trussville at 1:31 pm. The tornado followed along Interstate 59 for a short distance downing trees and causing damage to houses especially on the east side of the Interstate. The tornado crossed into St. Clair County at Argo at approximately 1:36 pm. The tornado continued on a northeast track moving primarily through rural settings with property damage along the way including a number of houses and mobile homes. The tornado ended about 5.5 miles east of Springville around 1:52 pm. The tornado was rated an F2 and was on the ground for 16 miles with a width of about 125 yards. Only one injury was reported at Argo with this tornado. Beg: 33 37.990/86 35.939 End: 33 46.089/86 22.720
35.31968-11-17332°49'N / 86°27'W32°52'N / 86°13'W14.00 Miles400 Yards002.5M0Coosa
35.41953-01-08233°25'N / 86°07'W33°27'N / 86°05'W3.00 Miles867 Yards003K0Talladega
35.71982-01-03232°47'N / 86°25'W32°50'N / 86°21'W00250K0Coosa
35.92000-04-03233°19'N / 87°20'W33°23'N / 87°15'W6.40 Miles300 Yards0015K0KTuscaloosa
 Brief Description: The tornado began at the intersection of CR 59 and CR 54 near the town of Kellerman. The tornado traveled in a northeast direction for approximately 11.1 miles. The tornado crossed the Tuscaloosa and Jefferson county line about 2 miles southeast of County Road 59, near Bull City, and dissipated about 2 miles southwest of Oak Grove. The damage path was about 300 yards wide at its widest point. One frame house and a church received mainly roof damage in the town of Kellerman. The path was very rural, and most of the damage was from downed and snapped trees. The terrain was hilly, with most of the downed trees located in the valleys. About one mile inside the Jefferson County line, a brick house sustained major damage, and two mobile homes were overturned. Segment 1: Beginning: 33 19.860/87 19.276 Ending: 33 23.086/87 13.918 Segment 2: Beginning: 33 23.086/87 13.918 Ending: 33 25.513/87 09.892
36.01993-05-03233°17'N / 87°17'W33°20'N / 87°19'W6.00 Miles50 Yards0300Tuscaloosa
 Brief Description: A tornado touched down in the Brookwood community and moved north to the town of Kellerman. In Brookwood, twenty-five houses, and ten to twelve mobile homes were damaged. Several homes were destroyed. The most serious injury was to a woman who tried to run from her airborne mobile home. Two other people received minor injuries.
36.11982-01-03232°44'N / 86°33'W32°47'N / 86°29'W06250K0Chilton
36.21998-04-08533°25'N / 87°21'W33°26'N / 87°12'W6.30 Miles1320 Yards0130K600KTuscaloosa
 Brief Description: A tornado, the second spawned from the same supercell, began in rural sections of eastern Tuscaloosa County 1.5 miles east of the Warrior River. The tornado moved through primarily rural and unpopulated areas of eastern Tuscaloosa County before crossing into extreme southwestern Jefferson County. The tornado remained in primarily unpopulated area until just before reaching Oak Grove community where three deaths occurred in a mobile home. The tornado destroyed the Oak Grove School and a number of other buildings including a fire department as it cross CR 23/54. The tornado moved into unpopulated area for a short while before crossing CR 54 (Lock 17 Road/Warrior River Road) where numerous houses and other structures were damaged and destroyed including another volunteer fire department building. Eleven deaths were reported in this area. The tornado crossed Rock Creek just west of Rock Creek Road, a steep, hilly unpopulated area. The tornado path then moved into a fairly densely populated area all the way until it dissipated in Pratt City. Areas affected included Pinedale Estates, McGregor Estates, Rockwood, Sylvan Springs, Wylam Heights, Edgewater, McDonald Chapel, Minor, West Ensley, and Pratt City. Pratt City is also within the city limits of Birmingham. Four deaths occurred in Sylvan Springs, two in Wylam Heights, nine in Edgewater, two in McDonald Chapel, and one in West Ensley. According to American Red Cross surveys, 608 homes were destroyed, 556 sustained major damage, and another 810 had minor damage. There were 1,164 families with homes that were unlivable. Forest service officials estimated 4,000 acres of timber was destoyed in Jefferson County and 1,000 acres in Tuscaloosa County.
36.31984-04-22232°56'N / 87°10'W1.00 Mile80 Yards00250K0Bibb
36.41982-01-03232°45'N / 86°31'W32°47'N / 86°25'W15.00 Miles140 Yards00250K0Chilton
36.72004-11-24232°39'N / 86°48'W32°49'N / 86°26'W22.30 Miles1400 Yards00500K0Chilton
 Brief Description: National Weather Service Meteorologist made a few trips to the damage areas across Autauga, Chilton and Coosa Counties. The damage was consistent with a very large tornado with a long damage path. The tornado damage was rated an F2, but the strength of the tornado may have been stronger but the tornado affected mostly rural areas. The F2 tornado first touched down between Jones and Bethel Grove generally producing only tree damage until it reached the county line. The tornado then traveled on a northeast heading into southern Chilton County between Pletcher and Billingsley. The tornado was fairly weak at this time, blowing down and snapping off several large trees in rural areas. As the tornado approached the west side of Interstate 65, the tornado increased to F2 intensity and caused considerable damage to several structures. Continuing northeast, the tornado weakened a bit as it crossed Interstate 65 in the vicinity of mile marker 202, approximately 3 miles south of the Clanton Exit. The tornado was still strong enough at this time to down several large trees and block the northbound lanes of traffic. After crossing the interstate, the tornado regained F2 intensity moving through the Cooper Community. The tornado produced extensive structural damage in Cooper. Several homes, businesses, mobile homes and out-buildings were damaged or destroyed. Hundreds of trees were blown down or snapped off in this area. The tornado moved across eastern Chilton County and went across Lake Mitchell. At Lake Mitchell, on the Chilton/Coosa County Line, numerous homes and mobile homes were destroyed generally between Blue Creek and Cargle Creek. The tornado crossed Lake Mitchell and moved into the Coosa Wildlife Management Area along Hatchet Creek. Hundreds of trees were splintered in this area. The tornado then moved through rural Coosa County crossing US 231 just south of the Hanover Community. The tornado dissipated shortly after US 231. The tornado damage path was 49.1 miles long and an astounding 1400 yards wide at its widest point. No injuries or fatalities were reported with this strong tornado. Begin: 32 35.77/86 53.11 End: 32 59.99/86 11.45
37.31967-05-07233°24'N / 86°06'W33°26'N / 86°01'W5.20 Miles33 Yards0025K0Talladega
37.51983-11-15233°22'N / 87°19'W0.20 Mile40 Yards0025K0Tuscaloosa
37.61973-05-27233°42'N / 86°24'W33°45'N / 86°16'W8.40 Miles500 Yards00250K0St. Clair
37.71967-03-06433°42'N / 87°10'W33°47'N / 86°49'W20.90 Miles440 Yards225250K0Walker
37.81976-05-06233°46'N / 86°56'W0.20 Mile50 Yards0025K0Jefferson
37.91961-12-11233°02'N / 86°05'W0025K0Coosa
37.91973-12-26233°02'N / 86°05'W0.10 Mile27 Yards0125K0Talladega
37.91977-04-04233°46'N / 86°28'W33°47'N / 86°25'W3.30 Miles80 Yards00250K0St. Clair
38.01973-03-16232°42'N / 86°30'W32°48'N / 86°23'W9.70 Miles77 Yards00250K0Chilton
38.01963-04-29233°30'N / 86°05'W0425K0Talladega
38.11975-01-10333°33'N / 86°19'W33°46'N / 86°07'W18.80 Miles150 Yards1602.5M0St. Clair
38.51986-03-19233°49'N / 86°36'W0.20 Mile73 Yards0025K0Blount
38.61976-03-12232°44'N / 86°28'W0.10 Mile50 Yards0025K0Chilton
38.61983-11-15233°49'N / 86°35'W0.50 Mile33 Yards0025K0Blount
38.91982-01-03232°41'N / 86°34'W32°44'N / 86°33'W8.00 Miles80 Yards06250K0Autauga
39.11977-07-08233°49'N / 86°49'W0.50 Mile100 Yards00250K0Jefferson
39.91964-04-28333°36'N / 86°07'W0125K0Talladega
39.91964-07-09233°36'N / 86°07'W0025K0Talladega
40.02006-09-22233°50'N / 86°41'W33°51'N / 86°40'W1.30 Miles100 Yards0075K0Blount
 Brief Description: The tornado touched down briefly between the Lehigh Community and AL-79. One mobile home and one barn were completely destroyed. Two automobiles and one motorcycle were lifted from inside a barn and thrown at least 50 yards. Numerous trees and power lines were blown down along its damage path.
41.61970-04-02232°40'N / 86°55'W32°42'N / 86°50'W5.60 Miles300 Yards00250K0Dallas
42.52010-04-24333°43'N / 87°17'W33°48'N / 86°57'W20.00 Miles400 Yards00598K0KWalker
 Brief Description: EVENT NARRATIVE: This long tracked, strong, tornado first touched down in the Walker County city of Parrish. It then remained on the ground for 54 minutes, traversing nearly 30 miles in three counties. The vast majority of the damage was done in Walker County. In addition to Parrish, heavy damaged occurred in the cities of Cordova, Sumiton, and Empire. Between 70 and 80 homes and other buildings along the path received varying degrees of damage, and at least one home in Parrish was completely destroyed. Somewhere between 800 and 1000 trees were snapped, with a similar number uprooted. While there were no known deaths or injuries directly caused by the tornado, one 50 year old woman died (indirect) after she slipped and fell while going to a storm shelter. The tornado moved into Jefferson County near the intersection of Bankston Road and County Line Road. EPISODE NARRATIVE: A deepening storm system and associated cold front brought widespread severe thunderstorms, including at least 8 tornadoes, to central Alabama.
43.02006-09-22233°53'N / 86°37'W33°53'N / 86°37'W0.30 Mile200 Yards0050K0Blount
 Brief Description: The tornado briefly touched down just south of Locust Fork, along Spunky Hollow Road near Azzilee Circle. A substantial workshop structure collapsed due to wall failure, as the entire roof was removed and pushed off. A home under construction was completely destroyed, and several other homes suffered roof and shingle damage. Several trees were knocked down along the path.
43.71973-05-27333°43'N / 86°33'W33°57'N / 86°09'W28.10 Miles800 Yards0025.0M0St. Clair
43.82004-11-24233°35'N / 86°04'W33°37'N / 86°00'W4.50 Miles500 Yards00125K0Talladega
 Brief Description: The tornado touched down in the vicinity of the Talladega Superspeedway. Two concession stands within the infield area of the race track had their roofs blown off. The Bush Garage area received building damage and the garage doors were bowed out. Debris was scattered between the garage area and Victory Lane. One digital leader board was completely destroyed and another one sustained major damage. The tornado continued on a northeast path across northern Talladega County. Numerous trees were blown down or snapped off along the path. Several out-building were destroyed and sheet metal was lofted into trees. The tornado moved into the Eastaboga area where it caused severe damage. Two homes suffered major roof damage, two porches were destroyed and many trees were blown down. The tornado continued northeastward into southwest Calhoun County. In Bynum, two mobile homes were heavily damaged by fallen trees. One of the trees smashed a mobile home killing a 75 year old woman around 712 am. In the Coldwater area, one home was significantly damaged and a shed was destroyed. Numerous trees were still being knocked down along the path. The tornado then moved into the southwestern part of Anniston. A cinder block building sustained major structural damage and an animal shelter received major roof damage. Several other businesses sustained damage near Anniston. The total tornado damage path length was 15.2 miles and was 500 yards wide at its widest point. Begin: 33 34.19/86 04.42 End: 33 38.94/85 49.68
44.51977-04-04233°44'N / 86°09'W0.50 Mile20 Yards00250K0St. Clair
44.72000-12-16233°47'N / 86°19'W33°50'N / 86°12'W8.50 Miles200 Yards02175K0KSt. Clair
 Brief Description: In St. Clair County, an F2 tornado track extended from near Cool Springs to south of Ashville to near Gum Springs Church. The total track was 8.5 miles long and about 200 yards wide at its widest point. The tornado began at 220 PM on County Road 31, just west of Cool Springs. The tornado lifted around 231 PM about 3 miles east of Ashville. Four houses sustained significant damage and two mobile homes were annihilated. A baseball park was damaged at the Ashville High School. Two injuries occurred near the beginning of the tornado track near Cool Springs. Beginning: 33 47.292/86 19.737 Ending: 33 50.819/86 12.055
45.12004-11-24232°36'N / 86°54'W32°39'N / 86°47'W8.00 Miles100 Yards0030K0Autauga
 Brief Description: National Weather Service Meteorologist made a few trips to the damage areas across Autauga, Chilton and Coosa Counties. The damage was consistent with a very large tornado with a long damage path. The tornado damage was rated an F2, but the strength of the tornado may have been stronger but the tornado affected mostly rural areas. The F2 tornado first touched down between Jones and Bethel Grove generally producing only tree damage until it reached the county line. The tornado then traveled on a northeast heading into southern Chilton County between Pletcher and Billingsley. The tornado was fairly weak at this time, blowing down and snapping off several large trees in rural areas. As the tornado approached the west side of Interstate 65, the tornado increased to F2 intensity and caused considerable damage to several structures. Continuing northeast, the tornado weakened a bit as it crossed Interstate 65 in the vicinity of mile marker 202, approximately 3 miles south of the Clanton Exit. The tornado was still strong enough at this time to down several large trees and block the northbound lanes of traffic. After crossing the interstate, the tornado regained F2 intensity moving through the Cooper Community. The tornado produced extensive structural damage in Cooper. Several homes, businesses, mobile homes and out-buildings were damaged or destroyed. Hundreds of trees were blown down or snapped off in this area. The tornado moved across eastern Chilton County and went across Lake Mitchell. At Lake Mitchell, on the Chilton/Coosa County Line, numerous homes and mobile homes were destroyed generally between Blue Creek and Cargle Creek. The tornado crossed Lake Mitchell and moved into the Coosa Wildlife Management Area along Hatchet Creek. Hundreds of trees were splintered in this area. The tornado then moved through rural Coosa County crossing US 231 just south of the Hanover Community. The tornado dissipated shortly after US 231. The tornado damage path was 49.1 miles long and an astounding 1400 yards wide at its widest point. No injuries or fatalities were reported with this strong tornado. Begin: 32 35.77/86 53.11 End: 32 59.99/86 11.45
45.21974-04-01233°53'N / 86°46'W33°57'N / 86°29'W16.90 Miles800 Yards011250K0Blount
45.52009-04-19233°51'N / 86°26'W33°54'N / 86°20'W6.00 Miles300 Yards00400K0KBlount
 Brief Description: EVENT NARRATIVE: The tornado touched down at the intersection of CR-27 and Jones Chapel Road. It then traveled northeastward and crossed Lake Rd, CR-29, Putman Road, and Hicks Road, before moving into Saint Clair County. Six chicken houses were completely destroyed, killing nearly 100,000 chickens. One home had its second story destroyed, and another home suffered a complete roof collapse. One large industrial barn was destroyed. Two additional homes, several more chicken sheds, and about 9 outbuilding also received varying degrees of damage. About 200 trees were snapped and uprooted. EPISODE NARRATIVE: A powerful spring storm system and associated cold front brought numerous thunderstorms to central Alabama. Many of the storms produced large hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes.
45.72008-03-15233°52'N / 86°27'W33°54'N / 86°21'W6.00 Miles675 Yards00960K0KBlount
 Brief Description: EVENT NARRATIVE: The tornado touched down just east of CR-27, about 5 miles south-southeast of Oneonta. It then moved north of River Road, through the Highland Lake community, and across CR-29 near the Appalachian Community. The Appalachian School property sustained damage, but the school was spared any significant damage. The tornado continued northeastward and strengthened as it nearly paralleled CR-12, before lifting just north of the intersection of CR-12 and US-231. Along the entire path, several hundred trees were either snapped off or were uprooted. A few dozen chicken houses were damaged and many were destroyed. Many outbuildings, garages, and sheds were destroyed. At least 25 homes sustained major damage, and another few dozen received minor damage. At least one mobile home was destroyed and a few more were damaged. At least 6 cows and hundreds of chickens were killed by flying debris. In some instances, the roof debris from damaged structures was blown over one half mile downstream. A few feed silos were tipped over and one rolled at least one half mile. EPISODE NARRATIVE: An upper level disturbance, and a developing surface low and associated cold front, caused several rounds of strong to severe thunderstorms across central Alabama.
46.31999-02-27233°56'N / 86°39'W33°56'N / 86°39'W0.40 Mile50 Yards0185K2KBlount
 Brief Description: A brief tornado occurred about 3.5 miles northwest of Locust Fork around 7:15 pm. The tornado crossed County Road 13 moving in a northerly direction. Two large metal barns were demolished, a sturdy brick home lost a portion of its roof, and a small wood frame house was completely deroofed. One minor injury occurred in the wood frame house. Several large hay bales were strewn across CR 13 and two vehicles were nearly blown off the road. Numerous trees in the area were uprooted or snapped off.
46.82008-12-10233°49'N / 87°08'W33°52'N / 87°04'W5.00 Miles400 Yards00100K0KWalker
 Brief Description: EVENT NARRATIVE: The tornado touched down near the intersection of Snow Drive and Old Pineywoods Road, just north of US-78. It then traveled northeastward and crossed CR-77 and lifted shortly thereafter. One mobile home was totally destroyed and rolled approximately 50 feet. At least two additional mobile homes suffered significant damage. Two chicken houses were damaged. A few hundred trees were either snapped off or were uprooted along the path. EPISODE NARRATIVE: A developing strong storm system across the Southeastern United States caused several severe thunderstorms and locally heavy rainfall. Cold air surging in on the back side of the storm system caused the rain to turn over to snow, some of which became heavy.
47.52008-05-10233°53'N / 87°01'W33°57'N / 86°51'W11.00 Miles330 Yards00150K0KCullman
 Brief Description: EVENT NARRATIVE: A tornado moved across far southern Cullman County. Several debris paths were found during this storm survey. The most significant damage with peak wind speeds of 120 mph occurred along Highway 91 in the vicinity of the town of Colony. Four chicken houses were either severely damaged or destroyed and numerous large trees were snapped or uprooted. Significant tree damage was found in the vicinity of Arkadelphia along County Roads 8 and 35. Spotty lighter damage was found near the end of the tornado's path just east of Interstate 65 near Black Bottom. EPISODE NARRATIVE: A complex of severe thunderstorms produced wind damage and isolated tornadoes in a moist unstable environment near the junction of a warm front and approaching cold front. The tornadic circulations were embedded within the linear segments of the line of thunderstorms that moved through the area. Swaths of wind damage were reported, particularly along interstate 65 between mile markers 295 and 299 near Dodge City.
47.52006-09-22233°55'N / 86°31'W33°57'N / 86°28'W4.40 Miles200 Yards031.5M0Blount
 Brief Description: The tornado touched down just southwest of the Allgood community, north of Highway 75. The tornado then tracked northeastward, remaining north of Highway 75 the entire time. It dissipated in the city of Oneonta, just north of the Blount County Courthouse near 7th Street. Numerous trees and power lines were blown down along the tornado path. Oneonta High School suffered significant damage to its football field press box, and two concession stands were destroyed. The high school structure also sustained roof damage. The Blount County Courthouse sustained roof damage and many flagpoles were broken down. Several homes and out-buildings received major damage and a local gas station had its canopy blown off. Three people were injured as the tornado moved through, one seriously.
47.61985-08-16233°44'N / 87°17'W1.30 Miles120 Yards112.5M0Walker
47.71961-02-22233°12'N / 87°30'W1.00 Mile33 Yards00250K0Tuscaloosa
47.71976-03-29233°37'N / 85°58'W1.00 Mile40 Yards0025K0Calhoun
47.71997-01-24233°08'N / 87°34'W33°15'N / 87°26'W10.00 Miles200 Yards1105.0M5KTuscaloosa
 Brief Description: At approximately 5:00 pm CST, a tornado began on the east side of the Warrior River, south of Interstate 59 and west of County Road 95. Besides trees, the initial damage was to shingles of an apartment complex in the Crabtree area. The tornado moved on a northeasterly track crossing U.S. 82 and Interstate 59. Two large businesses in a shopping center on the south side of I-59 sustained roof damage. The tornado became stronger after crossing I-59 with significantly greater damage from this point to the end of the path. Numerous trees were downed, some house roofs were damage, and several outbuildings were destroyed in the Woodland Hills residential area. Several buildings were damaged at Five Points East, the intersection of State Roads 215 and 216, including a Food World and a Big-B Drug Store, among others. Cars were tossed about like toys. One was tossed from the parking lot through the roof of the Food World. Another car was carried from the Food World parking lot into the backyard of a house immediately northeast of the Food World, a distance of between 300 and 400 feet. The tornado continued northeast through the Lynn Haven residential area causing significant damage to numerous homes, much of it strong F2 damage. Many houses in this section sustained damage that ranged from minor roof damage to total roof loss. The tornado continued across Tuscaloosa Memorial Gardens Cemetary, paralleling and crossing State Road 216. Six to eight homes in the Summerfield sub-division sustained light to moderate damage. A couple of mobile homes and several other buildings including a small corner grocery business were destroyed. The tornado dissipated in a wooded area just north of State Road 216 shortly after that around 5:15 pm CST. Tuscaloosa EMA estimated that there were 150 structures with some damage. Total tornado path length was 10 miles with a path width of 200 yards. There was one fatality, an elderly man in a vehicle in the Woodland Hills area, and ten injuries. Eight of the injuries were treated and released while 2 others were hospitalized. M71VE
47.81957-11-18233°16'N / 85°51'W0025K0Clay
47.81976-03-12332°35'N / 86°55'W32°34'N / 86°38'W16.50 Miles100 Yards042.5M0Autauga
47.81977-03-29232°37'N / 86°21'W32°42'N / 86°12'W10.50 Miles33 Yards02250K0Elmore
47.91977-03-29232°35'N / 86°31'W32°37'N / 86°21'W10.00 Miles50 Yards00250K0Autauga
48.31953-05-01433°13'N / 85°56'W33°18'N / 85°45'W12.10 Miles440 Yards712250K0Clay
48.32008-01-10333°28'N / 87°30'W33°32'N / 87°26'W6.00 Miles350 Yards00435K0KTuscaloosa
 Brief Description: EVENT NARRATIVE: The tornado touched down around just southwest of the intersection of AL-69 and CR-38, near Windham Springs. From there, it traveled northeast across the intersection, and then roughly parallel to CR-38 for about 5 miles, before lifting northeast of the Wiley Community. At least 5 structures were heavily damaged, including a church in Windham Springs and a general store in Wiley. At least 300 trees were either snapped or uprooted along the damage path. EPISODE NARRATIVE: A strong low pressure system and associated cold front caused numerous severe thunderstorms and isolated tornadoes across central Alabama.
48.41977-09-06233°20'N / 87°34'W33°15'N / 87°28'W8.30 Miles100 Yards0025K0Tuscaloosa
49.01953-01-20333°48'N / 87°14'W1.50 Miles50 Yards003K0Walker
49.11996-03-18333°15'N / 85°55'W32°54'N / 85°48'W14.00 Miles440 Yards0000Tallapoosa
 Brief Description: A tornado began on the northeast side of Eclectic and extended for 10 miles in Elmore County crossing the Elmore-Tallapoosa county line just east of Highway 63. The tornado continued for another 14 miles in Tallapoosa County crossing Lake Martin and ending on the north side of Jacksons Gap not far from where a tornado had occurred earlier in the evening. This was classified as an F3 tornado with a total damage path of 24 miles with a width of a quarter of a mile at the widest. Numerous buildings of all types were damaged along the track. Some of the most intense damage occurred as the tornado emerged from crossing Lake Martin in the Peckerwood area just southwest of Jacksons Gap. Numerous permanent homes and mobile homes were seriously damaged or destroyed.
49.41975-02-23433°05'N / 87°36'W33°15'N / 87°27'W14.40 Miles500 Yards14925.0M0Tuscaloosa
49.81963-04-29232°29'N / 86°46'W32°36'N / 86°39'W10.60 Miles600 Yards00250K0Autauga
49.91977-04-04333°50'N / 86°15'W33°54'N / 86°09'W7.30 Miles150 Yards10250K0St. Clair


* The information on this page is based on the global volcano database, the U.S. earthquake database of 1638-1985, and the U.S. Tornado and Weather Extremes database of 1950-2010.


 
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