Alert archive / Alabama / Tornado Warnings in 2017

Tornado Warning 44, NWS Birmingham, AL

August 31, 2017Fayette County, Lamar County, Pickens County, Alabama

NWS Birmingham, AL issued this tornado warning at Aug 31, 2017, 3:38 PM CDT for Fayette County, Lamar County, Pickens County, Alabama. It was in force for 52 min. 5 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: Aug 31, 2017, 3:38 PM CDT (20:38 UTC)
Expired: Aug 31, 2017, 4:30 PM CDT
In force: 52 min
Issued by: NWS Birmingham, AL
Area: Storm-based polygon
Tornado: Radar indicated
Hail: 0.75 in

Counties Fayette County, AL, Lamar County, AL, Pickens County, AL

The radar

The Columbus AFB radar (KGWX), 56 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 20:43 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
Aug 31, 3:40 PM CDT	TORNADO	1 W Reform, AL	* 6 INJ * NWS METEOROLOGISTS SURVEYED DAMAGE IN NORTHERN PICKENS COUNTY AND FOUND THAT THE DAMAGE WAS CONSISTENT WITH AN EF2 TORNADO, WITH MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS NEAR 115 MPH.
Aug 31, 3:42 PM CDT	TORNADO	1 Nw Reform, AL	TORNADO REPORTED NEAR DOLLAR GENERAL STORE IN REFORM RELAYED VIA 911 CALL CENTER. TDS ALSO VISIBLE ON KBMX RADAR AT 20:42Z.
Aug 31, 3:51 PM CDT	TORNADO	5 Wsw Ashcraft Corner, AL	MULTIPLE TREES BLOCKING THE ROAD AND POSSIBLE ENTRAPMENT. REPORT RELAYED VIA SOCIAL MEDIA. TIME APPROXIMATE.
Aug 31, 3:58 PM CDT	TORNADO	1 Ne Kennedy, AL	TREE AND ROOF DAMAGE ALONG COUNTY ROAD 2 AND TREES DOWN ALONG HIGHWAY 17. TIME APPROXIMATE.
Aug 31, 4:12 PM CDT	TORNADO	3 W Fayette, AL	POSSIBLE TORNADO REPORTED NEAR INTERSECTION OF ALABAMA HIGHWAY 96 AND COUNTY ROAD 21. AMATEUR RADIO OPERATOR REPORTS REPEATER OUTAGE DUE TO POSSIBLE TORNADO. TIME ESTIMATED.

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
Aug 31, 11:13 AM CDT	Tornado Watch	SPC	11 hr

The nearest sounding before it

Birmingham, AL (KBMX), launched 12:00Z, 8.6 hours before the alert went out and 111 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: 724 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN: -9 J/kg
Mixed-layer LCL: 569 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear: 33 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity: 198 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity: 229 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter: 0.5
Supercell composite: 4.5

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

218 
WFUS54 KBMX 312038
TORBMX
ALC057-075-107-312130-
/O.NEW.KBMX.TO.W.0044.170831T2038Z-170831T2130Z/

BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Tornado Warning
National Weather Service Birmingham AL
338 PM CDT THU AUG 31 2017

The National Weather Service in Birmingham has issued a

* Tornado Warning for...
  Northeastern Pickens County in west central Alabama...
  Southwestern Fayette County in west central Alabama...
  Southeastern Lamar County in west central Alabama...

* Until 430 PM CDT
    
* At 338 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
  was located over Reform, moving northeast at 40 mph.

  HAZARD...Tornado. 

  SOURCE...Radar indicated rotation. 

  IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without 
           shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. 
           Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur.  Tree 
           damage is likely. 

* Locations impacted include...
  Fayette, Reform, Millport, Kennedy, Belk, Ashcraft Corner, Cody,
  Stone Wall, Richard Arthur Field, North Pickens Airport, Fayette
  County Public Lake, Bevill State College Fayette, Owens and Lubbub.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest
floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a
mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter
and protect yourself from flying debris.

&&

LAT...LON 3380 8793 3370 8765 3352 8780 3352 8784
      3347 8784 3329 8799 3333 8816
TIME...MOT...LOC 2038Z 208DEG 37KT 3338 8805 

TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
HAIL...<.75IN

$$

32/Davis

4 follow-up statements

908 
WWUS54 KBMX 312045
SVSBMX

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Birmingham AL
345 PM CDT THU AUG 31 2017

ALC057-075-107-312130-
/O.CON.KBMX.TO.W.0044.000000T0000Z-170831T2130Z/
Pickens AL-Fayette AL-Lamar AL-
345 PM CDT THU AUG 31 2017

...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 430 PM CDT FOR
NORTHEASTERN PICKENS...SOUTHWESTERN FAYETTE AND SOUTHEASTERN LAMAR
COUNTIES...
        
At 345 PM CDT, a confirmed tornado was located near Reform, moving
northeast at 45 mph.

HAZARD...Damaging tornado. 

SOURCE...Radar confirmed tornado. 

IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without 
         shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage 
         to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur.  Tree damage is 
         likely. 

Locations impacted include...
Fayette, Reform, Millport, Kennedy, Belk, Ashcraft Corner, Cody,
Bevill State College Fayette, Stone Wall, Richard Arthur Field, North
Pickens Airport and Fayette County Public Lake.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

To repeat, a tornado is on the ground. TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a
basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy
building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in
a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect
yourself from flying debris.

&&

LAT...LON 3380 8793 3370 8765 3352 8780 3352 8784
      3347 8784 3336 8795 3339 8813
TIME...MOT...LOC 2045Z 208DEG 37KT 3345 8801 

TORNADO...OBSERVED
HAIL...<.75IN

$$

32/Davis

913 
WWUS54 KBMX 312048
SVSBMX

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Birmingham AL
348 PM CDT THU AUG 31 2017

ALC057-075-107-312130-
/O.CON.KBMX.TO.W.0044.000000T0000Z-170831T2130Z/
Pickens AL-Fayette AL-Lamar AL-
348 PM CDT THU AUG 31 2017

...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 430 PM CDT FOR
NORTHEASTERN PICKENS...SOUTHWESTERN FAYETTE AND SOUTHEASTERN LAMAR
COUNTIES...
        
At 348 PM CDT, a confirmed large and extremely dangerous tornado was
located near Ashcraft Corner, or 7 miles north of Reform, moving
northeast at 45 mph.

This is a PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS SITUATION. TAKE COVER NOW!

HAZARD...Damaging tornado. 

SOURCE...Radar confirmed tornado. 

IMPACT...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. 

Locations impacted include...
Fayette, Reform, Millport, Kennedy, Belk, Ashcraft Corner, Cody,
Bevill State College Fayette, Stone Wall, Richard Arthur Field and
Fayette County Public Lake.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

To repeat, a large, extremely dangerous and potentially deadly
tornado is on the ground. To protect your life, TAKE COVER NOW! Move
to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy
building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in
a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect
yourself from flying debris.

&&

LAT...LON 3380 8793 3370 8765 3352 8780 3352 8784
      3347 8784 3339 8793 3343 8811
TIME...MOT...LOC 2048Z 208DEG 37KT 3348 8799 

TORNADO...OBSERVED
TORNADO DAMAGE THREAT...CONSIDERABLE
HAIL...<.75IN

$$

32/Davis

787 
WWUS54 KBMX 312101
SVSBMX

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Birmingham AL
401 PM CDT THU AUG 31 2017

ALC107-312110-
/O.CAN.KBMX.TO.W.0044.000000T0000Z-170831T2130Z/
Pickens AL-
401 PM CDT THU AUG 31 2017

...THE TORNADO WARNING FOR NORTHEASTERN PICKENS COUNTY IS
CANCELLED...
    
The tornadic thunderstorm which prompted the warning has moved out 
of the warned area. Therefore, the warning has been cancelled.

A tornado watch remains in effect until 800 PM CDT for west central
Alabama.

LAT...LON 3380 8793 3372 8772 3353 8786 3352 8799
      3353 8806
TIME...MOT...LOC 2100Z 208DEG 37KT 3359 8792 

$$

ALC057-075-312130-
/O.CON.KBMX.TO.W.0044.000000T0000Z-170831T2130Z/
Fayette AL-Lamar AL-
401 PM CDT THU AUG 31 2017

...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 430 PM CDT FOR
SOUTHWESTERN FAYETTE AND SOUTHEASTERN LAMAR COUNTIES...
        
At 400 PM CDT, a confirmed large and extremely dangerous tornado was
located near Kennedy, or 8 miles southwest of Fayette, moving
northeast at 45 mph.

This is a PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS SITUATION. TAKE COVER NOW!

HAZARD...Damaging tornado. 

SOURCE...Radar confirmed tornado. 

IMPACT...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. 

Locations impacted include...
Fayette, Millport, Kennedy, Belk, Ashcraft Corner, Cody, Bevill State
College Fayette and Richard Arthur Field.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

To repeat, a large, extremely dangerous and potentially deadly
tornado is on the ground. To protect your life, TAKE COVER NOW! Move
to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy
building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in
a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect
yourself from flying debris.

&&

LAT...LON 3380 8793 3372 8772 3353 8786 3352 8799
      3353 8806
TIME...MOT...LOC 2100Z 208DEG 37KT 3359 8792 

TORNADO...OBSERVED
TORNADO DAMAGE THREAT...CONSIDERABLE
HAIL...<.75IN

$$

32/Davis

098 
WWUS54 KBMX 312114
SVSBMX

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Birmingham AL
414 PM CDT THU AUG 31 2017

ALC075-312123-
/O.CAN.KBMX.TO.W.0044.000000T0000Z-170831T2130Z/
Lamar AL-
414 PM CDT THU AUG 31 2017

...THE TORNADO WARNING FOR SOUTHEASTERN LAMAR COUNTY IS CANCELLED...
    
The tornadic thunderstorm which prompted the warning has moved out 
of the warned area. Therefore, the warning has been cancelled.

A tornado watch remains in effect until 800 PM CDT for west central
Alabama.

LAT...LON 3380 8793 3373 8774 3372 8776 3363 8783
      3362 8792 3365 8795 3374 8795
TIME...MOT...LOC 2113Z 208DEG 37KT 3372 8784 

$$

ALC057-312130-
/O.CON.KBMX.TO.W.0044.000000T0000Z-170831T2130Z/
Fayette AL-
414 PM CDT THU AUG 31 2017

...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 430 PM CDT FOR WEST
CENTRAL FAYETTE COUNTY...
        
At 413 PM CDT, a confirmed large and extremely dangerous tornado was
located over Fayette, moving northeast at 45 mph.

This is a PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS SITUATION. TAKE COVER NOW!

HAZARD...Damaging tornado. 

SOURCE...Radar confirmed tornado. 

IMPACT...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. 

Locations impacted include...
Fayette, Belk, Bevill State College Fayette and Richard Arthur Field.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

To repeat, a large, extremely dangerous and potentially deadly
tornado is on the ground. To protect your life, TAKE COVER NOW! Move
to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy
building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in
a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect
yourself from flying debris.

&&

LAT...LON 3380 8793 3373 8774 3372 8776 3363 8783
      3362 8792 3365 8795 3374 8795
TIME...MOT...LOC 2113Z 208DEG 37KT 3372 8784 

TORNADO...OBSERVED
TORNADO DAMAGE THREAT...CONSIDERABLE
HAIL...<.75IN

$$

32/Davis

The office that day

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

Issued	Product	Office	Counties	Lasted
Aug 30, 7:17 PM CDT	Special Weather Statement	BMX	Bullock	58 min
Aug 30, 7:19 PM CDT	Special Weather Statement	BMX	Pike	26 min
Aug 30, 7:50 PM CDT	Special Weather Statement	BMX	Barbour	70 min
Aug 31, 12:01 PM CDT	Special Weather Statement	BMX	Marengo	29 min
Aug 31, 2:49 PM CDT	Wind Advisory	BMX	Autauga, Bibb, Blount, Calhoun, Chambers, Cherokee and 29 more	27 hr
Aug 31, 3:12 PM CDT	Tornado Warning	BMX	Pickens	48 min
Aug 31, 3:42 PM CDT	Tornado Warning	BMX	Hale, Perry	10 min
Aug 31, 4:12 PM CDT	Tornado Warning Tornado observed	BMX	Fayette	30 min
Aug 31, 4:23 PM CDT	Tornado Warning	BMX	Fayette, Pickens, Tuscaloosa	52 min
Aug 31, 4:26 PM CDT	Tornado Warning Tornado observedConsiderable damage threat	BMX	Marion, Winston	35 min
Aug 31, 5:30 PM CDT	Tornado Warning	BMX	Winston	23 min
Aug 31, 5:41 PM CDT	Special Weather Statement	BMX	Marengo	34 min
Aug 31, 6:07 PM CDT	Tornado Warning	BMX	Hale	38 min
Aug 31, 6:55 PM CDT	Tornado Warning	BMX	Bibb	65 min

Nearby

Tornado Warnings in Alabama, 2017 Every tornado warning in 2017 Tornadoes in 2017

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.