Alert archive / Alabama / Tornado Warnings in 2011

Tornado Warning 173, NWS Birmingham, AL

December 22, 2011St. Clair County, Shelby County, Talladega County, Alabama

NWS Birmingham, AL issued this tornado warning at Dec 22, 2011, 1:54 PM CST for St. Clair County, Shelby County, Talladega County, Alabama. It was in force for 39 min. 1 report 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: Dec 22, 2011, 1:54 PM CST (19:54 UTC)
Expired: Dec 22, 2011, 2:33 PM CST
In force: 39 min
Issued by: NWS Birmingham, AL
Area: Storm-based polygon

Counties Shelby County, AL, St. Clair County, AL, Talladega County, AL

The radar

The Birmingham radar (KBMX), 76 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 19:55 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
Dec 22, 2:39 PM CST	TSTM WND GST 58	Talladega, 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
Dec 22, 10:00 AM CST	Tornado Watch	SPC	7 hr

The nearest sounding before it

Birmingham, AL (KBMX), launched 12:00Z, 7.9 hours before the alert went out and 76 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.

Skew-T log-p

Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.

Hodograph

The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.

Mixed-layer CAPE: 1 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN: No buoyant parcel
Mixed-layer LCL: 699 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear: 60 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity: 102 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity: 129 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter: 0.0
Supercell composite: 0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted, in the capitals the NWS used until 2016.

305 
WFUS54 KBMX 221954
TORBMX
ALC115-117-121-222045-
/O.NEW.KBMX.TO.W.0173.111222T1954Z-111222T2045Z/

BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
TORNADO WARNING
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BIRMINGHAM AL
154 PM CST THU DEC 22 2011

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN BIRMINGHAM HAS ISSUED A

* TORNADO WARNING FOR...
  SOUTH CENTRAL ST. CLAIR COUNTY IN ALABAMA...
  EAST CENTRAL SHELBY COUNTY IN ALABAMA...
  NORTHERN TALLADEGA COUNTY IN EAST CENTRAL ALABAMA...

* UNTIL 245 PM CST

* AT 154 PM CST...THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE INDICATED A SEVERE
  THUNDERSTORM CAPABLE OF PRODUCING A TORNADO. THIS DANGEROUS STORM
  WAS LOCATED NEAR WILSONVILLE...AND MOVING NORTHEAST AT 45 MPH.

* LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...
  CHILDERSBURG...TALLADEGA...WESTOVER...HARPERSVILLE...VINCENT...
  LOGAN MARTIN DAM...WINTERBORO...ALPINE BAY RESORT...COOSA ISLAND
  AND ALPINE.

THIS INCLUDES...
INTERSTATE 20 EXIT NUMBERS 165 THROUGH 179...

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

THIS TORNADO WARNING REPLACES THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING THAT
WAS IN EFFECT FOR THE SAME AREA.

&&

TO REPORT SEVERE WEATHER...
CALL 1-800-856-0758.

LAT...LON 3350 8585 3350 8590 3346 8591 3314 8651
      3328 8664 3350 8634 3368 8609 3367 8605
      3365 8603 3360 8602 3359 8599 3359 8589
      3351 8583
TIME...MOT...LOC 1954Z 231DEG 38KT 3326 8649

$$

27

4 follow-up statements

682 
WWUS54 KBMX 222003
SVSBMX

SEVERE WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BIRMINGHAM AL
203 PM CST THU DEC 22 2011

ALC115-117-121-222045-
/O.CON.KBMX.TO.W.0173.000000T0000Z-111222T2045Z/
ST. CLAIR AL-SHELBY AL-TALLADEGA AL-
203 PM CST THU DEC 22 2011

...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR NORTHERN TALLADEGA...EAST
CENTRAL SHELBY AND SOUTH CENTRAL ST. CLAIR COUNTIES UNTIL 245 PM
CST...

AT 203 PM CST...NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED A
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM CAPABLE OF PRODUCING A TORNADO.  THIS DANGEROUS
STORM WAS LOCATED NEAR HARPERSVILLE...OR NEAR CHILDERSBURG...MOVING
NORTHEAST AT 45 MPH.

LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...
  TALLADEGA...VINCENT...LOGAN MARTIN DAM...WINTERBORO...ALPINE BAY
  RESORT...ALPINE...COOSA ISLAND...LINCOLN...TALLADEGA SUPERSPEEDWAY
  AND TALLADEGA MUNICIPAL AIRPORT.

THIS INCLUDES...
INTERSTATE 20 EXIT NUMBERS 165 THROUGH 179...

TO REPORT SEVERE WEATHER...CALL 1-800-856-0758.

LAT...LON 3351 8583 3350 8585 3350 8590 3346 8591
      3318 8645 3332 8657 3368 8609 3367 8605
      3365 8603 3360 8602 3359 8599 3359 8589
TIME...MOT...LOC 2003Z 231DEG 38KT 3332 8640

$$

27

677 
WWUS54 KBMX 222014
SVSBMX

SEVERE WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BIRMINGHAM AL
214 PM CST THU DEC 22 2011

ALC117-222024-
/O.CAN.KBMX.TO.W.0173.000000T0000Z-111222T2045Z/
SHELBY AL-
214 PM CST THU DEC 22 2011

...THE TORNADO WARNING FOR EAST CENTRAL SHELBY COUNTY IS CANCELLED...

THE STORM WHICH PROMPTED THE WARNING HAS MOVED OUT OF THE WARNED 
AREA.

TO REPORT SEVERE WEATHER...CALL 1-800-856-0758.

LAT...LON 3351 8583 3350 8590 3346 8591 3328 8628
      3340 8638 3368 8609 3367 8605 3365 8603
      3360 8602 3359 8599 3359 8589
TIME...MOT...LOC 2014Z 231DEG 38KT 3339 8629

$$

ALC115-121-222045-
/O.CON.KBMX.TO.W.0173.000000T0000Z-111222T2045Z/
ST. CLAIR AL-TALLADEGA AL-
214 PM CST THU DEC 22 2011

...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR NORTHERN TALLADEGA AND
SOUTH CENTRAL ST. CLAIR COUNTIES UNTIL 245 PM CST...

AT 214 PM CST...NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED A
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM CAPABLE OF PRODUCING A TORNADO.  THIS DANGEROUS
STORM WAS LOCATED NEAR LOGAN MARTIN DAM...OR 7 MILES NORTH OF
CHILDERSBURG...MOVING NORTHEAST AT 45 MPH.

LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...
  TALLADEGA...WINTERBORO...ALPINE BAY RESORT...ALPINE...LINCOLN...
  TALLADEGA SUPERSPEEDWAY...TALLADEGA MUNICIPAL AIRPORT...GRANT
  TOWN...COUNTRY CLUB ESTATES AND HOWELLS COVE.

THIS INCLUDES...
INTERSTATE 20 EXIT NUMBERS 165 THROUGH 179...

TO REPORT SEVERE WEATHER...CALL 1-800-856-0758.

LAT...LON 3351 8583 3350 8590 3346 8591 3328 8628
      3340 8638 3368 8609 3367 8605 3365 8603
      3360 8602 3359 8599 3359 8589
TIME...MOT...LOC 2014Z 231DEG 38KT 3339 8629

$$

27

214 
WWUS54 KBMX 222028
SVSBMX

SEVERE WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BIRMINGHAM AL
228 PM CST THU DEC 22 2011

ALC115-222038-
/O.CAN.KBMX.TO.W.0173.000000T0000Z-111222T2045Z/
ST. CLAIR AL-
228 PM CST THU DEC 22 2011

...THE TORNADO WARNING FOR SOUTH CENTRAL ST. CLAIR COUNTY IS
CANCELLED...

THE STORM WHICH PROMPTED THE WARNING HAS MOVED OUT OF THE WARNED 
AREA.

TO REPORT SEVERE WEATHER...CALL 1-800-856-0758.

LAT...LON 3351 8583 3350 8590 3346 8591 3335 8613
      3348 8627 3350 8623 3352 8623 3354 8619
      3356 8620 3368 8609 3367 8605 3365 8603
      3360 8602 3359 8589
TIME...MOT...LOC 2028Z 231DEG 38KT 3348 8615

$$

ALC121-222045-
/O.CON.KBMX.TO.W.0173.000000T0000Z-111222T2045Z/
TALLADEGA AL-
228 PM CST THU DEC 22 2011

...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR NORTHEASTERN TALLADEGA
COUNTY UNTIL 245 PM CST...

AT 228 PM CST...NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED A
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM CAPABLE OF PRODUCING A TORNADO.  THIS DANGEROUS
STORM WAS LOCATED NEAR TALLADEGA...MOVING NORTHEAST AT 45 MPH.

LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...
  LINCOLN...TALLADEGA SUPERSPEEDWAY...TALLADEGA MUNICIPAL AIRPORT...
  GRANT TOWN...JACKSON SHOALS AND JENIFER.

THIS INCLUDES...
INTERSTATE 20 EXIT NUMBERS 165 THROUGH 179...

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

HEAVY RAINFALL MAY OBSCURE THIS TORNADO. DO NOT WAIT TO SEE OR HEAR
THE TORNADO. TAKE COVER NOW.

&&

TO REPORT SEVERE WEATHER...CALL 1-800-856-0758.

LAT...LON 3351 8583 3350 8590 3346 8591 3335 8613
      3348 8627 3350 8623 3352 8623 3354 8619
      3356 8620 3368 8609 3367 8605 3365 8603
      3360 8602 3359 8589
TIME...MOT...LOC 2028Z 231DEG 38KT 3348 8615

$$

27

240 
WWUS54 KBMX 222033
SVSBMX

SEVERE WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BIRMINGHAM AL
233 PM CST THU DEC 22 2011

ALC121-222043-
/O.CAN.KBMX.TO.W.0173.000000T0000Z-111222T2045Z/
TALLADEGA AL-
233 PM CST THU DEC 22 2011

...THE TORNADO WARNING FOR NORTHEASTERN TALLADEGA COUNTY IS
CANCELLED...

THE STORM WHICH PROMPTED THE WARNING HAS WEAKENED BELOW SEVERE
LIMITS...AND NO LONGER POSES AN IMMEDIATE THREAT TO LIFE OR PROPERTY.


TO REPORT SEVERE WEATHER...CALL 1-800-856-0758.

LAT...LON 3351 8583 3350 8590 3346 8591 3335 8613
      3348 8627 3350 8623 3352 8623 3354 8619
      3356 8620 3368 8609 3367 8605 3365 8603
      3360 8602 3359 8589
TIME...MOT...LOC 2033Z 231DEG 38KT 3351 8610

$$

17

The office that day

Everything else NWS Birmingham, AL issued on the same UTC day.

Issued	Product	Office	Counties	Lasted
Dec 22, 8:49 AM CST	Flash Flood Watch	BMX	Fayette, Lamar, Marion, Pickens, Walker, Winston	7 hr
Dec 22, 9:52 AM CST	Special Weather Statement	BMX	Fayette	23 min
Dec 22, 10:13 AM CST	Flash Flood Warning	BMX	Lamar	3 hr
Dec 22, 11:47 AM CST	Tornado Warning	BMX	Greene, Hale, Tuscaloosa	25 min
Dec 22, 11:51 AM CST	Tornado Warning	BMX	Greene, Hale, Marengo, Perry	15 min
Dec 22, 12:53 PM CST	Tornado Warning	BMX	Bibb, Chilton, Shelby	52 min
Dec 22, 12:59 PM CST	Tornado Warning	BMX	Bibb, Chilton, Perry, Shelby	31 min
Dec 22, 1:08 PM CST	River Flood Warning	BMX	Greene, Hale, Marengo, Pickens, Sumter	19 hr
Dec 22, 1:42 PM CST	Severe Thunderstorm Warning	BMX	Shelby, Talladega	33 min
Dec 22, 1:59 PM CST	Tornado Warning	BMX	Autauga, Coosa, Elmore, Tallapoosa	46 min
Dec 22, 2:39 PM CST	Tornado Warning	BMX	Clay, Coosa, Tallapoosa	15 min
Dec 22, 3:09 PM CST	Areal Flood Advisory	BMX	Etowah	111 min
Dec 22, 3:34 PM CST	Special Weather Statement	BMX	Pike	41 min

Nearby

Tornado Warnings in Alabama, 2011 Every tornado warning in 2011 Tornadoes in 2011

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.