Alert archive / Alabama / Tornado Warnings in 2008
Tornado Warning 87, NWS Birmingham, AL
NWS Birmingham, AL issued this tornado warning at Apr 11, 2008, 3:50 PM CDT for Jefferson County, Tuscaloosa County, Walker County, Alabama. It was in force for 40 min. 4 reports came from inside the area while it was in force.
The area
The outline as issued, with what was reported inside it.
The facts
- Issued
- Apr 11, 2008, 3:50 PM CDT (20:50 UTC)
- Expired
- Apr 11, 2008, 4:30 PM CDT
- In force
- 40 min
- Issued by
- NWS Birmingham, AL
- Area
- Storm-based polygon
Counties Jefferson County, AL, Tuscaloosa County, AL, Walker County, AL
The radar
The Birmingham radar (KBMX), 57 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 20:54 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.
Open the radar archive at this moment
The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.
What was reported inside it
| Time | Report | Where | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 11, 4:08 PM CDT | TORNADO 0 | 5 Wsw Sylvan Springs, AL | A TORNADO BRIEFLY TOUCHED DOWN IN THE ROCK CREEK AREA NEAR GLAZE ROAD AND THE ROCK CREEK BAPTIST CHURCH. DAMAGE WAS LIMITED TO A SMALL GROVE OF SNAPPED AND UPROOTED PINE TREES. THE PATH LENGTH WAS 200 YARDS WITH A WIDTH OF 30 YARDS. THE TORNADO HAS BEEN RATED |
| Apr 11, 4:30 PM CDT | HAIL 1 | Birmingham, AL | HWY 150 AND LORNA ROAD |
| Apr 11, 4:31 PM CDT | HAIL 1.75 | Birmingham, AL | GOLFBALL SIZE HAIL FELL IN AND AROUND BIRMINGHAM. |
| Apr 11, 4:31 PM CDT | HAIL 1.75 | Birmingham, AL |
Local storm reports filed while the alert was in force, from inside its polygon or its counties.
The watch it was issued in
The SPC watch in force over the same counties when this warning went out.
| Issued | Product | Office | Lasted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 11, 3:00 PM CDT | Tornado Watch | SPC | 5 hr |
The nearest sounding before it
Birmingham, AL (KBMX), launched 12:00Z, 8.8 hours before the alert went out and 56 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.
- Mixed-layer CAPE
- 33 J/kg
- Mixed-layer CIN
- -160 J/kg
- Mixed-layer LCL
- 566 m above ground
- 0-6 km bulk shear
- 47 kt
- 0-1 km storm-relative helicity
- 217 m²/s²
- 0-3 km storm-relative helicity
- 271 m²/s²
- Significant tornado parameter
- 0.0
- Supercell composite
- 0.3
The text
As transmitted, in the capitals the NWS used until 2016.
000 WFUS54 KBMX 112050 TORBMX ALC073-125-127-112130- /O.NEW.KBMX.TO.W.0087.080411T2050Z-080411T2130Z/ BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED TORNADO WARNING NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BIRMINGHAM AL 350 PM CDT FRI APR 11 2008 THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN BIRMINGHAM HAS ISSUED A * TORNADO WARNING FOR... NORTHERN JEFFERSON COUNTY IN CENTRAL ALABAMA... THIS INCLUDES THE CITIES OF...BIRMINGHAM AIRPORT...GARDENDALE... FULTONDALE...FORESTDALE...BIRMINGHAM... SOUTHEASTERN WALKER COUNTY IN CENTRAL ALABAMA... NORTH CENTRAL TUSCALOOSA COUNTY IN WEST CENTRAL ALABAMA... * UNTIL 430 PM CDT * AT 350 PM CDT...THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE INDICATED A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM CAPABLE OF PRODUCING A TORNADO NEAR WINDHAM SPRINGS... OR 15 MILES NORTH OF HOLT...MOVING EAST AT 40 MPH. * THE TORNADO WILL BE NEAR... BANKHEAD LOCK AND DAM BY 355 PM CDT... BIRMINGHAMPORT BY 415 PM CDT... SYLVAN SPRINGS BY 420 PM CDT... MAYTOWN...MULGA AND MINOR BY 425 PM CDT... ADAMSVILLE...GRAYSVILLE...BROOKSIDE AND FORESTDALE BY 430 PM CDT... IN ADDITION TO THE TORNADO...THIS STORM IS CAPABLE OF PRODUCING LARGE HAIL AND DESTRUCTIVE STRAIGHT LINE WINDS. THE SAFEST PLACE TO BE DURING A TORNADO IS IN A BASEMENT. GET UNDER A WORKBENCH OR OTHER PIECE OF STURDY FURNITURE. IF NO BASEMENT IS AVAILABLE...SEEK SHELTER ON THE LOWEST FLOOR OF THE BUILDING IN AN INTERIOR HALLWAY OR ROOM SUCH AS A CLOSET. USE BLANKETS OR PILLOWS TO COVER YOUR BODY AND ALWAYS STAY AWAY FROM WINDOWS. IF IN MOBILE HOMES OR VEHICLES...EVACUATE THEM AND GET INSIDE A SUBSTANTIAL SHELTER. IF NO SHELTER IS AVAILABLE...LIE FLAT IN THE NEAREST DITCH OR OTHER LOW SPOT AND COVER YOUR HEAD WITH YOUR HANDS. A TORNADO WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 900 PM CDT FRIDAY EVENING FOR NORTHERN ALABAMA. A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH ALSO REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 900 PM CDT FRIDAY EVENING FOR SOUTHERN ALABAMA. TO REPORT SEVERE WEATHER... CALL 1-800-856-0758. LAT...LON 3383 8683 3352 8671 3336 8748 3353 8755 TIME...MOT...LOC 2050Z 251DEG 36KT 3348 8740 $$ JONES/90
3 follow-up statements
000
WWUS54 KBMX 112059
SVSBMX
SEVERE WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BIRMINGHAM AL
359 PM CDT FRI APR 11 2008
ALC073-125-127-112130-
/O.CON.KBMX.TO.W.0087.000000T0000Z-080411T2130Z/
TUSCALOOSA AL-JEFFERSON AL-WALKER AL-
359 PM CDT FRI APR 11 2008
...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 430 PM CDT FOR
SOUTHEASTERN WALKER...NORTHERN JEFFERSON AND NORTH CENTRAL TUSCALOOSA
COUNTIES...
AT 358 PM CDT...THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE CONTINUED TO INDICATE A
TORNADO. THIS TORNADO WAS LOCATED NEAR BANKHEAD LOCK AND DAM...OR
ABOUT 19 MILES NORTHEAST OF HOLT...MOVING EAST AT 35 MPH. IN
ADDITION...THIS STORM WILL PRODUCE HAIL TO THE SIZE OF QUARTERS.
THE TORNADO WILL BE NEAR...
LITTLE SHOAL BY 405 PM CDT...
BIRMINGHAMPORT BY 420 PM CDT...
SYLVAN SPRINGS BY 425 PM CDT...
MAYTOWN...MULGA...ADAMSVILLE AND MINOR BY 430 PM CDT...
THE SAFEST PLACE TO BE DURING A TORNADO IS IN A BASEMENT. GET UNDER A
WORKBENCH OR OTHER PIECE OF STURDY FURNITURE. IF NO BASEMENT IS
AVAILABLE...SEEK SHELTER ON THE LOWEST FLOOR OF THE BUILDING IN AN
INTERIOR HALLWAY OR ROOM SUCH AS A CLOSET. USE BLANKETS OR PILLOWS TO
COVER YOUR BODY AND ALWAYS STAY AWAY FROM WINDOWS.
IF IN MOBILE HOMES OR VEHICLES...EVACUATE THEM AND GET INSIDE A
SUBSTANTIAL SHELTER. IF NO SHELTER IS AVAILABLE...LIE FLAT IN THE
NEAREST DITCH OR OTHER LOW SPOT AND COVER YOUR HEAD WITH YOUR HANDS.
LAT...LON 3354 8749 3383 8683 3369 8677 3368 8678
3367 8677 3352 8671 3338 8747
TIME...MOT...LOC 2059Z 255DEG 32KT 3349 8732
$$
STEFKOVICH000
WWUS54 KBMX 112105
SVSBMX
SEVERE WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BIRMINGHAM AL
405 PM CDT FRI APR 11 2008
ALC073-125-127-112130-
/O.CON.KBMX.TO.W.0087.000000T0000Z-080411T2130Z/
TUSCALOOSA AL-JEFFERSON AL-WALKER AL-
405 PM CDT FRI APR 11 2008
...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 430 PM CDT FOR
SOUTHEASTERN WALKER...NORTHERN JEFFERSON AND NORTHEASTERN TUSCALOOSA
COUNTIES...
AT 403 PM CDT...THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE CONTINUED TO INDICATE A
TORNADO. THIS TORNADO WAS LOCATED NEAR LITTLE SHOAL...OR ABOUT 17
MILES WEST OF HUEYTOWN...MOVING EAST AT 35 MPH.
THE TORNADO WILL BE NEAR...
9 MILES SOUTH OF GORGAS STEAM PLANT AND 9 MILES SOUTH OF GORGAS BY
415 PM CDT...
BIRMINGHAMPORT BY 420 PM CDT...
SYLVAN SPRINGS...7 MILES SOUTH OF WEST JEFFERSON AND 8 MILES SOUTH
OF QUINTON BY 425 PM CDT...
MAYTOWN...MULGA...ADAMSVILLE AND MINOR BY 430 PM CDT...
THE SAFEST PLACE TO BE DURING A TORNADO IS IN A BASEMENT. GET UNDER A
WORKBENCH OR OTHER PIECE OF STURDY FURNITURE. IF NO BASEMENT IS
AVAILABLE...SEEK SHELTER ON THE LOWEST FLOOR OF THE BUILDING IN AN
INTERIOR HALLWAY OR ROOM SUCH AS A CLOSET. USE BLANKETS OR PILLOWS TO
COVER YOUR BODY AND ALWAYS STAY AWAY FROM WINDOWS.
IF IN MOBILE HOMES OR VEHICLES...EVACUATE THEM AND GET INSIDE A
SUBSTANTIAL SHELTER. IF NO SHELTER IS AVAILABLE...LIE FLAT IN THE
NEAREST DITCH OR OTHER LOW SPOT AND COVER YOUR HEAD WITH YOUR HANDS.
LAT...LON 3383 8683 3369 8677 3368 8678 3367 8677
3352 8671 3341 8734 3357 8739
TIME...MOT...LOC 2105Z 255DEG 32KT 3350 8726
$$
STEFKOVICH000
WWUS54 KBMX 112121
SVSBMX
SEVERE WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BIRMINGHAM AL
421 PM CDT FRI APR 11 2008
ALC073-125-127-112130-
/O.CON.KBMX.TO.W.0087.000000T0000Z-080411T2130Z/
TUSCALOOSA AL-JEFFERSON AL-WALKER AL-
421 PM CDT FRI APR 11 2008
...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 430 PM CDT FOR
SOUTHEASTERN WALKER...NORTHERN JEFFERSON AND NORTHEASTERN TUSCALOOSA
COUNTIES...
AT 417 PM CDT...THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE CONTINUED TO INDICATE A
TORNADO. THIS TORNADO WAS LOCATED NEAR BIRMINGHAMPORT...OR ABOUT 8
MILES NORTHWEST OF HUEYTOWN...MOVING EAST AT 40 MPH.
THE TORNADO WILL BE NEAR...
FORESTDALE...VILLAGE CREEK PRATT CITY...VILLAGE CREEK AVENUE W AND
FIVE MILE CREEK REPUBLIC BY 430 PM CDT...
THE SAFEST PLACE TO BE DURING A TORNADO IS IN A BASEMENT. GET UNDER A
WORKBENCH OR OTHER PIECE OF STURDY FURNITURE. IF NO BASEMENT IS
AVAILABLE...SEEK SHELTER ON THE LOWEST FLOOR OF THE BUILDING IN AN
INTERIOR HALLWAY OR ROOM SUCH AS A CLOSET. USE BLANKETS OR PILLOWS TO
COVER YOUR BODY AND ALWAYS STAY AWAY FROM WINDOWS.
IF IN MOBILE HOMES OR VEHICLES...EVACUATE THEM AND GET INSIDE A
SUBSTANTIAL SHELTER. IF NO SHELTER IS AVAILABLE...LIE FLAT IN THE
NEAREST DITCH OR OTHER LOW SPOT AND COVER YOUR HEAD WITH YOUR HANDS.
LAT...LON 3361 8727 3383 8683 3370 8677 3368 8678
3352 8671 3341 8734
TIME...MOT...LOC 2121Z 256DEG 37KT 3355 8703
$$
STEFKOVICHThe office that day
Everything else NWS Birmingham, AL issued on the same UTC day.
| Issued | Product | Office | Counties | Lasted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 11, 9:54 AM CDT | Lake Wind Advisory | BMX | Autauga, Barbour, Bibb, Blount, Bullock, Calhoun and 33 more | 8 hr |
| Apr 11, 12:10 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | BMX | Fayette, Marion, Walker, Winston | 35 min |
| Apr 11, 12:52 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | BMX | Walker, Winston | 38 min |
| Apr 11, 1:25 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | BMX | Lamar, Marion | 50 min |
| Apr 11, 1:53 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | BMX | Fayette, Lamar, Marion, Walker, Winston | 52 min |
| Apr 11, 1:56 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | BMX | Fayette, Lamar, Pickens | 49 min |
| Apr 11, 2:14 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | BMX | Fayette, Marion, Walker, Winston | 46 min |
| Apr 11, 2:23 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | BMX | Jefferson, Tuscaloosa, Walker | 52 min |
| Apr 11, 2:28 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | BMX | Marengo | 47 min |
| Apr 11, 2:38 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | BMX | Winston | 22 min |
| Apr 11, 2:39 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | BMX | Fayette, Lamar, Pickens | 51 min |
| Apr 11, 2:50 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | BMX | Fayette, Pickens, Tuscaloosa, Walker, Winston | 40 min |
| Apr 11, 2:56 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | BMX | Bibb, Dallas, Hale, Marengo, Perry | 49 min |
| Apr 11, 3:05 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | BMX | Fayette, Pickens, Tuscaloosa | 25 min |
| Apr 11, 3:24 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | BMX | Greene, Pickens, Sumter, Tuscaloosa | 51 min |
| Apr 11, 3:30 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | BMX | Fayette, Jefferson, Tuscaloosa, Walker | 45 min |
| Apr 11, 3:41 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | BMX | Blount, Walker | 19 min |
| Apr 11, 3:44 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | BMX | Bibb, Chilton, Jefferson, Perry, Shelby | 61 min |
| Apr 11, 3:52 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | BMX | Calhoun, Cherokee, Etowah, St. Clair | 38 min |
| Apr 11, 4:01 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | BMX | Calhoun, Cherokee, Etowah, St. Clair | 44 min |
| Apr 11, 4:07 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | BMX | Blount, Etowah | 38 min |
| Apr 11, 4:18 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | BMX | Blount, Jefferson, St. Clair | 42 min |
| Apr 11, 4:22 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | BMX | Bibb, Greene, Hale, Perry, Sumter, Tuscaloosa | 53 min |
| Apr 11, 4:34 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | BMX | Jefferson, St. Clair, Shelby, Talladega | 41 min |
| Apr 11, 4:37 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | BMX | Jefferson, Tuscaloosa, Walker | 23 min |
| Apr 11, 4:42 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | BMX | Bibb, Chilton, Hale, Jefferson, Perry, Shelby and 1 more | 48 min |
| Apr 11, 4:42 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | BMX | Calhoun, Cherokee, Etowah | 33 min |
| Apr 11, 4:56 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | BMX | Blount, Calhoun, Etowah, St. Clair | 24 min |
| Apr 11, 5:27 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | BMX | Bibb, Hale, Perry, Tuscaloosa | 48 min |
| Apr 11, 5:41 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | BMX | Bibb, Chilton, Perry | 49 min |
| Apr 11, 6:24 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | BMX | Bibb, Chilton, Perry | 51 min |
| Apr 11, 6:46 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | BMX | Clay, Talladega | 29 min |
Nearby
Tornado Warnings in Alabama, 2008Every tornado warning in 2008Tornadoes in 2008
Sources
The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; local storm reports from the same archive; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.