Alert archive / Alabama / Tornado Warnings in 2017
Tornado Warning 8, NWS Birmingham, AL
NWS Birmingham, AL issued this tornado warning at Jan 21, 2017, 8:41 AM CST for Chambers County, Lee County, Macon County, Alabama. It was in force for 47 min. 9 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
- Jan 21, 2017, 8:41 AM CST (14:41 UTC)
- Expired
- Jan 21, 2017, 9:28 AM CST
- In force
- 47 min
- Issued by
- NWS Birmingham, AL
- Area
- Storm-based polygon
- Tornado
- Radar indicated
- Hail
- 0.75 in
Counties Chambers County, AL, Lee County, AL, Macon County, AL
The radar
The Maxwell AFB radar (KMXX), 48 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 14:45 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 21, 8:45 AM CST | TSTM WND DMG | Auburn, AL | WIDESPREAD REPORTS OF TREES AND POWERLINES DOWN ACROSS LEE COUNTY. . |
| Jan 21, 8:48 AM CST | TSTM WND DMG | 4 N Society Hill, AL | NUMEROUS TREES DOWN ON CR 43, JUST ON THE MACON SIDE OF THE LEE/MACON COUNTY LINE. POSSIBLE TORNADO. |
| Jan 21, 8:48 AM CST | TORNADO | 3 N Society Hill, AL | A TORNADO PRODUCED TREE AND MINOR ROOF DAMAGE NEAR THE LEE AND MACON COUNTY LINE. |
| Jan 21, 8:49 AM CST | TORNADO | 2 S Chewacla State Park, AL | EF0 TORNADO WITH 70 MPH WINDS DOWNED TREES NEAR SAND HILL ROAD. |
| Jan 21, 8:56 AM CST | TORNADO | 2 Nne Beauregard, AL | AN EF-0 TORNADO TOUCHED DOWN ALONG LEE ROAD 413, CAUSING SOME SHINGLE DAMAGE AND UPROOTING SEVERAL TREES ALONG ITS BRIEF PATH TOWARD THE NORTHEAST, ENDING ALONG CR-417. |
| Jan 21, 9:00 AM CST | TORNADO | 2 Sse Opelika, AL | EF0 TORNADO WITH 65 MPH WINDS DOWNED TREES AND CAUSED SHINGLE DAMAGE NEAR STATE HIGHWAY 169 IN SOUTHERN OPELIKA. |
| Jan 21, 9:08 AM CST | TORNADO | 2 Nw Crawford, AL | EF0 TORNADO WITH WINDS OF 80MPH BRIEFLY TOUCHED DOWN NORTH OF CRAWFORD IN THE HALEY WOODS SUBDIVISION CAUSING MINOR DAMAGE TO SEVERAL ROOFS AND WOODEN FENCES. PATH LENGTH 0.5 MI. PATH WIDTH 50 YDS. THE DURATION OF THE TORNADO EVENT WAS 1 MINUTE. |
| Jan 21, 9:18 AM CST | TSTM WND DMG | 1 Ne Monterey Heights, AL | DAMAGE TO ROOF AND ATHLETIC FIELD AT SMITHS STATION HIGH SCHOOL. POSSIBLE TORNADO. TIME ESTIMATED BY RADAR. |
| Jan 21, 9:20 AM CST | TORNADO | Smiths Station, AL | A TORNADO AFFECTED AREAS JUST SOUTHWEST OF SMITH STATION. THE TORNADO WAS RATED AN EF1 WITH WINDS ESTIMATED AROUND 90 MPH. THE MOST SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE OCCURRED AT THE HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC FIELDS. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 21, 3:56 AM CST | Tornado Watch | SPC | 8 hr |
The nearest sounding before it
Peachtre/Fal Fld, GA (KFFC), launched 12:00Z, 2.7 hours before the alert went out and 110 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
- 388 J/kg
- Mixed-layer CIN
- -26 J/kg
- Mixed-layer LCL
- 536 m above ground
- 0-6 km bulk shear
- 52 kt
- 0-1 km storm-relative helicity
- 61 m²/s²
- 0-3 km storm-relative helicity
- 85 m²/s²
- Significant tornado parameter
- 0.0
- Supercell composite
- 0.3
The text
As transmitted.
513
WFUS54 KBMX 211441
TORBMX
ALC017-081-087-211545-
/O.NEW.KBMX.TO.W.0008.170121T1441Z-170121T1545Z/
BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Tornado Warning
National Weather Service Birmingham AL
841 AM CST SAT JAN 21 2017
The National Weather Service in Birmingham has issued a
* Tornado Warning for...
Northeastern Macon County in southeastern Alabama...
Lee County in east central Alabama...
Chambers County in east central Alabama...
* Until 945 AM CST
* At 840 AM CST, severe thunderstorms capable of producing both
tornadoes and extensive straight line wind damage were located
along a line extending from near Jacksons' Gap to near Tuskegee
National Forest to 6 miles southwest of Society Hill, moving east
at 60 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...
Auburn, Opelika, Valley, Lanett, Notasulga, Lafayette, Smiths,
Smiths Station, La Fayette, Waverly, Lakeview, Cusseta, West
Chambers, Beans Mill, Fairfax, Bleecker, Post Oak Forks, Denson,
Beulah and Auburn University.
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 3251 8506 3247 8506 3247 8533 3241 8533
3241 8543 3238 8544 3235 8554 3263 8570
3270 8570 3273 8559 3298 8559 3307 8522
3286 8519 3285 8515 3281 8517 3278 8512
3266 8509 3265 8511 3251 8500
TIME...MOT...LOC 1440Z 258DEG 51KT 3291 8580 3248 8553 3234 8551
TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
HAIL...<.75IN
$$
87/GRANTHAM5 follow-up statements
640
WWUS54 KBMX 211453 RRA
SVSBMX
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Birmingham AL
853 AM CST SAT JAN 21 2017
ALC087-211503-
/O.CAN.KBMX.TO.W.0008.000000T0000Z-170121T1545Z/
Macon AL-
853 AM CST SAT JAN 21 2017
...THE TORNADO WARNING FOR NORTHEASTERN MACON COUNTY IS CANCELLED...
The storms which prompted the warning have moved out of the warned
area. Therefore, the warning has been cancelled.
A tornado watch remains in effect until 1100 AM CST for southeastern
and east central Alabama.
LAT...LON 3251 8506 3247 8506 3247 8533 3241 8533
3241 8543 3250 8544 3250 8549 3271 8566
3273 8559 3297 8559 3307 8522 3286 8519
3285 8516 3281 8517 3278 8512 3276 8514
3274 8511 3266 8509 3265 8511 3251 8500
TIME...MOT...LOC 1453Z 258DEG 51KT 3295 8560 3252 8533 3238 8531
$$
ALC017-081-211545-
/O.CON.KBMX.TO.W.0008.000000T0000Z-170121T1545Z/
Lee AL-Chambers AL-
853 AM CST SAT JAN 21 2017
...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 945 AM CST FOR LEE AND
CHAMBERS COUNTIES...
At 853 AM CST, a severe squall line capable of producing both
tornadoes and extensive straight line wind damage was located along a
line extending from near Trammel Crossroads to near Beauregard to
near Uchee, moving east at 60 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...
Auburn, Opelika, Valley, Lanett, Lafayette, Smiths, Smiths Station,
La Fayette, Waverly, Lakeview, Cusseta, West Chambers, Beans Mill,
Ridge Grove, Huguley, Trammel Crossroads, Fairfax, Chambers County
Lake, Bleecker and Griffen Mill.
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 3251 8506 3247 8506 3247 8533 3241 8533
3241 8543 3250 8544 3250 8549 3271 8566
3273 8559 3297 8559 3307 8522 3286 8519
3285 8516 3281 8517 3278 8512 3276 8514
3274 8511 3266 8509 3265 8511 3251 8500
TIME...MOT...LOC 1453Z 258DEG 51KT 3295 8560 3252 8533 3238 8531
TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
HAIL...<.75IN
$$
87/GRANTHAM547
WWUS54 KBMX 211454
SVSBMX
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Birmingham AL
854 AM CST SAT JAN 21 2017
ALC017-081-211545-
/O.CON.KBMX.TO.W.0008.000000T0000Z-170121T1545Z/
Lee AL-Chambers AL-
854 AM CST SAT JAN 21 2017
...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 945 AM CST FOR LEE AND
CHAMBERS COUNTIES...
At 854 AM CST, tornado producing storms were located along a line
extending from near Trammel Crossroads to near Beauregard to near
Uchee, moving east at 60 mph.
HAZARD...Damaging tornado.
SOURCE...Radar confirmed tornado.
IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without
shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage
to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is
likely.
Locations impacted include...
Auburn, Opelika, Valley, Lanett, Lafayette, Smiths, Smiths Station,
La Fayette, Waverly, Lakeview, Cusseta, West Chambers, Beans Mill,
Ridge Grove, Huguley, Trammel Crossroads, Fairfax, Chambers County
Lake, Bleecker and Griffen Mill.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
To repeat, a tornado is on the ground. TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a
basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy
building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in
a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect
yourself from flying debris.
&&
LAT...LON 3251 8506 3247 8506 3247 8533 3241 8533
3241 8543 3250 8544 3250 8549 3266 8561
3273 8559 3297 8559 3307 8522 3286 8519
3285 8516 3281 8517 3278 8512 3276 8514
3274 8511 3266 8509 3265 8511 3251 8500
TIME...MOT...LOC 1454Z 258DEG 51KT 3295 8560 3252 8533 3238 8531
TORNADO...OBSERVED
HAIL...<.75IN
$$
87/GRANTHAM999
WWUS54 KBMX 211508
SVSBMX
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Birmingham AL
908 AM CST SAT JAN 21 2017
ALC017-081-211545-
/O.CON.KBMX.TO.W.0008.000000T0000Z-170121T1545Z/
Lee AL-Chambers AL-
908 AM CST SAT JAN 21 2017
...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 945 AM CST FOR EASTERN
LEE AND CHAMBERS COUNTIES...
At 908 AM CST, tornado producing storms were located along a line
extending from near Ridge Grove to near Beans Mill to near Griffen
Mill, 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...
Opelika, Valley, Lanett, Lafayette, Smiths, Smiths Station, La
Fayette, Lakeview, Cusseta, West Chambers, Beans Mill, Ridge Grove,
Huguley, Trammel Crossroads, Fairfax, Chambers County Lake, Bleecker,
Griffen Mill, River View and Post Oak Forks.
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 3247 8532 3257 8537 3283 8559 3297 8559
3307 8522 3286 8519 3285 8516 3281 8517
3278 8512 3276 8514 3274 8511 3266 8509
3265 8511 3251 8500 3251 8506 3247 8506
TIME...MOT...LOC 1508Z 241DEG 41KT 3292 8557 3262 8525 3247 8523
TORNADO...OBSERVED
HAIL...<.75IN
$$
87/GRANTHAM466
WWUS54 KBMX 211517
SVSBMX
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Birmingham AL
917 AM CST SAT JAN 21 2017
ALC017-081-211545-
/O.CON.KBMX.TO.W.0008.000000T0000Z-170121T1545Z/
Lee AL-Chambers AL-
917 AM CST SAT JAN 21 2017
...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 945 AM CST FOR EASTERN
LEE AND SOUTHEASTERN CHAMBERS COUNTIES...
At 916 AM CST, tornado producing storms were located along a line
extending from near Cusseta to near Bleecker to near Ladonia, moving
east at 55 mph.
HAZARD...Damaging tornado.
SOURCE...Radar confirmed tornado.
IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without
shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage
to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is
likely.
Locations impacted include...
Valley, Lanett, Smiths, Smiths Station, Cusseta, Beans Mill, River
View, Beulah, Huguley, Fairfax, Bleecker, Ladonia, I 85 Welcome
Center At Lanett, Lanett Municipal Airport, Monterey Heights and Lake
Harding.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
To repeat, a tornado is on the ground. TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a
basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy
building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in
a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect
yourself from flying debris.
&&
LAT...LON 3247 8519 3258 8524 3277 8532 3289 8519
3286 8519 3285 8516 3281 8517 3278 8512
3276 8514 3274 8511 3266 8509 3265 8511
3251 8500 3251 8506 3247 8506
TIME...MOT...LOC 1516Z 257DEG 48KT 3279 8527 3264 8514 3249 8512
TORNADO...OBSERVED
HAIL...<.75IN
$$
87/GRANTHAM163
WWUS54 KBMX 211528
SVSBMX
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Birmingham AL
928 AM CST SAT JAN 21 2017
ALC017-081-211538-
/O.CAN.KBMX.TO.W.0008.000000T0000Z-170121T1545Z/
Lee AL-Chambers AL-
928 AM CST SAT JAN 21 2017
...THE TORNADO WARNING FOR EASTERN LEE AND SOUTHEASTERN CHAMBERS
COUNTIES IS CANCELLED...
The storms which prompted the warning have moved out of the area.
Therefore the warning has been cancelled.
A tornado watch remains in effect until 1100 AM CST for southeastern
and east central Alabama.
LAT...LON 3247 8519 3258 8524 3277 8532 3289 8519
3286 8519 3285 8516 3281 8517 3278 8512
3276 8514 3274 8511 3266 8509 3265 8511
3251 8500 3251 8506 3247 8506
TIME...MOT...LOC 1526Z 258DEG 51KT 3282 8510 3267 8497 3252 8495
$$
87/GRANTHAMThe office that day
Everything else NWS Birmingham, AL issued on the same UTC day.
| Issued | Product | Office | Counties | Lasted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 21, 3:52 AM CST | Special Weather Statement | BMX | Dallas, Lowndes | 38 min |
| Jan 21, 4:19 AM CST | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | BMX | Lowndes | 41 min |
| Jan 21, 5:21 AM CST | Tornado Warning | BMX | Marengo | 54 min |
| Jan 21, 7:02 AM CST | Tornado Warning | BMX | Autauga, Lowndes | 43 min |
| Jan 21, 7:24 AM CST | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | BMX | Lowndes, Montgomery | 51 min |
| Jan 21, 7:37 AM CST | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | BMX | Elmore | 38 min |
| Jan 21, 7:50 AM CST | Areal Flood Advisory | BMX | Autauga, Elmore, Lowndes, Montgomery | 3 hr |
| Jan 21, 7:52 AM CST | Tornado Warning | BMX | Elmore | 38 min |
| Jan 21, 7:58 AM CST | Tornado Warning | BMX | Elmore | 32 min |
| Jan 21, 8:07 AM CST | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | BMX | Coosa | 23 min |
| Jan 21, 8:22 AM CST | Tornado Warning | BMX | Coosa, Elmore, Lee, Macon, Tallapoosa | 53 min |
| Jan 21, 8:47 AM CST | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | BMX | Pike | 43 min |
| Jan 21, 8:58 AM CST | Tornado Warning | BMX | Pike | 47 min |
| Jan 21, 9:23 AM CST | Tornado Warning | BMX | Barbour | 52 min |
Nearby
Tornado Warnings in Alabama, 2017Every tornado warning in 2017Tornadoes 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.