Alert archive / Alabama / Tornado Warnings in 2020
Tornado Warning 22, NWS Birmingham, AL
NWS Birmingham, AL issued this tornado warning at Apr 12, 2020, 3:26 PM CDT for Pickens County, Alabama. It was in force for 64 min. 8 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 12, 2020, 3:26 PM CDT (20:26 UTC)
- Expired
- Apr 12, 2020, 4:30 PM CDT
- In force
- 64 min
- Issued by
- NWS Birmingham, AL
- Area
- Storm-based polygon
- Tornado
- Radar indicated
- Hail
- 0.75 in
County Pickens County, AL
The radar
The Columbus AFB radar (KGWX), 62 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 20:26 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 12, 3:48 PM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | 1 Nnw Bevill Lock And D, AL | A FEW TREES WERE BLOWN DOWN NEAR PICKENSVILLE LAKE. |
| Apr 12, 3:48 PM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | 1 Nnw Bevill Lock And D, AL | CORRECTS PREVIOUS TSTM WND DMG REPORT FROM 1 NNW BEVILL LOCK AND DAM. A FEW TREES WERE BLOWN DOWN NEAR PICKENSVILLE LAKE. POSSIBLE TORNADO. |
| Apr 12, 4:01 PM CDT | TORNADO | 3 Ne Pine Grove, AL | SEVERAL LARGE TREE LIMBS AND TREES WERE DOWNED ALONG THE PATH. THE TORNADO DAMAGE PATH WAS 1.51 MILES LONG AND WAS 200 YARDS WIDE AT ITS WIDEST POINT. THE MAXIMUM WINDS WERE ESTIMATED AROUND 75 MPH (F0). THE TORNADO AFFECTED MOSTLY RURAL LOCATIONS. |
| Apr 12, 4:10 PM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | 3 W Carrollton, AL | SEVERAL TREES AND POWER LINES WERE BLOWN DOWN WEST OF CARROLLTON. |
| Apr 12, 4:11 PM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | 6 Sw Ashcraft Corner, AL | A FEW TREES WERE BLOWN DOWN IN THE ZION AREA NORTH OF REFORM. |
| Apr 12, 4:18 PM CDT | TORNADO | 2 Nnw Lubbub, AL | SEVERAL TREES WERE SNAPPED AND UPROOTED ALONG THE PATH. THE TORNADO DAMAGE PATH WAS 5.48 MILES LONG AND WAS 300 YARDS WIDE AT ITS WIDEST POINT. THE MAXIMUM WINDS WERE ESTIMATED AROUND 75 MPH (F0). THE TORNADO AFFECTED MOSTLY RURAL LOCATIONS. |
| Apr 12, 4:20 PM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | 1 Se Gordo, AL | TREES UPROOTED OR SNAPPED; ROOF BLOWN OFF. |
| Apr 12, 4:23 PM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | 1 Se Gordo, AL | TREES WERE BLOWN DOWN ALONG HIGHWAY 82 EAST OF GORDO. |
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 12, 3:20 PM CDT | Tornado Watch | SPC | 8 hr |
The nearest sounding before it
Birmingham, AL (KBMX), launched 12:00Z, 8.4 hours before the alert went out and 125 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
- 0 J/kg
- Mixed-layer CIN
- No buoyant parcel
- Mixed-layer LCL
- 1885 m above ground
- 0-6 km bulk shear
- 61 kt
- 0-1 km storm-relative helicity
- 336 m²/s²
- 0-3 km storm-relative helicity
- 578 m²/s²
- Significant tornado parameter
- 0.0
- Supercell composite
- 0.0
The text
As transmitted.
447
WFUS54 KBMX 122026
TORBMX
ALC107-122130-
/O.NEW.KBMX.TO.W.0022.200412T2026Z-200412T2130Z/
BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Tornado Warning
National Weather Service Birmingham AL
326 PM CDT Sun Apr 12 2020
The National Weather Service in Birmingham has issued a
* Tornado Warning for...
Pickens County in west central Alabama...
* Until 430 PM CDT.
* At 326 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
was located near Macon, or 21 miles northeast of Preston, moving
northeast at 65 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...
Aliceville, Gordo, Reform, Carrollton, Pickensville, Ethelsville,
McMullen, Garden, Ashcraft Corner, Bevill Lock And Dam, Dillburg,
North Pickens Airport, McShan, Shaw, George Downer Airport, Owens,
Kirk, Lubbub and Gainesville Lake Campground.
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 3345 8829 3353 8807 3353 8784 3322 8784
3306 8833
TIME...MOT...LOC 2026Z 246DEG 56KT 3314 8863
TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
HAIL...<.75IN
$$
87/GRANTHAM5 follow-up statements
598
WWUS54 KBMX 122035
SVSBMX
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Birmingham AL
335 PM CDT Sun Apr 12 2020
ALC107-122130-
/O.CON.KBMX.TO.W.0022.000000T0000Z-200412T2130Z/
Pickens AL-
335 PM CDT Sun Apr 12 2020
...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 430 PM CDT FOR PICKENS
COUNTY...
At 335 PM CDT, a confirmed tornado was located near Deerbrook, or 15
miles west of Pickensville, moving east at 50 mph.
HAZARD...Damaging tornado.
SOURCE...Radar confirmed tornado.
IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without
shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage
to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is
likely.
Locations impacted include...
Aliceville, Gordo, Reform, Carrollton, Pickensville, Ethelsville,
McMullen, Garden, Ashcraft Corner, Bevill Lock And Dam, Dillburg,
North Pickens Airport, McShan, Shaw, George Downer Airport, Owens,
Kirk, Lubbub and Gainesville Lake Campground.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
To repeat, a tornado is on the ground. TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a
basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy
building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in
a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect
yourself from flying debris.
&&
LAT...LON 3345 8829 3353 8807 3353 8784 3322 8784
3306 8833
TIME...MOT...LOC 2035Z 251DEG 42KT 3319 8853
TORNADO...OBSERVED
HAIL...<.75IN
$$
87/GRANTHAM427
WWUS54 KBMX 122042
SVSBMX
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Birmingham AL
342 PM CDT Sun Apr 12 2020
ALC107-122130-
/O.CON.KBMX.TO.W.0022.000000T0000Z-200412T2130Z/
Pickens AL-
342 PM CDT Sun Apr 12 2020
...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 430 PM CDT FOR PICKENS
COUNTY...
At 342 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
was located near Bigbee Valley, or 7 miles west of Pickensville,
moving northeast at 55 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...
Aliceville, Gordo, Reform, Carrollton, Pickensville, Ethelsville,
McMullen, Garden, Ashcraft Corner, Bevill Lock And Dam, Dillburg,
North Pickens Airport, McShan, Shaw, George Downer Airport, Owens,
Kirk, Lubbub and Gainesville Lake Campground.
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 3345 8829 3353 8807 3353 8784 3322 8784
3306 8833
TIME...MOT...LOC 2042Z 247DEG 48KT 3323 8840
TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
HAIL...<.75IN
$$
87/GRANTHAM733
WWUS54 KBMX 122054
SVSBMX
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Birmingham AL
354 PM CDT Sun Apr 12 2020
ALC107-122130-
/O.CON.KBMX.TO.W.0022.000000T0000Z-200412T2130Z/
Pickens AL-
354 PM CDT Sun Apr 12 2020
...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 430 PM CDT FOR NORTHERN
PICKENS COUNTY...
At 354 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
was located near Pickensville, moving northeast at 55 mph.
HAZARD...Tornado.
SOURCE...Radar indicated rotation.
IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without
shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage
to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is
likely.
Locations impacted include...
Gordo, Reform, Carrollton, Pickensville, Ethelsville, Ashcraft
Corner, Bevill Lock And Dam, Owens, North Pickens Airport, McShan,
Lubbub and Shaw.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest
floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a
mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter
and protect yourself from flying debris.
&&
LAT...LON 3316 8830 3315 8832 3344 8829 3353 8805
3353 8784 3328 8784
TIME...MOT...LOC 2054Z 243DEG 49KT 3330 8826
TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
HAIL...<.75IN
$$
87/GRANTHAM740
WWUS54 KBMX 122104
SVSBMX
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Birmingham AL
404 PM CDT Sun Apr 12 2020
ALC107-122130-
/O.CON.KBMX.TO.W.0022.000000T0000Z-200412T2130Z/
Pickens AL-
404 PM CDT Sun Apr 12 2020
...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 430 PM CDT FOR NORTHERN
PICKENS COUNTY...
At 404 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
was located near Reform, moving northeast at 55 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...
Gordo, Reform, Carrollton, Ethelsville, Ashcraft Corner, Owens, North
Pickens Airport, McShan, Lubbub and Shaw.
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 3325 8815 3345 8826 3353 8805 3353 8784
3332 8784
TIME...MOT...LOC 2104Z 246DEG 46KT 3336 8813
TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
HAIL...<.75IN
$$
87/GRANTHAM625
WWUS54 KBMX 122122 RRA
SVSBMX
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Birmingham AL
422 PM CDT Sun Apr 12 2020
ALC107-122130-
/O.CON.KBMX.TO.W.0022.000000T0000Z-200412T2130Z/
Pickens AL-
422 PM CDT Sun Apr 12 2020
...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 430 PM CDT FOR
NORTHEASTERN PICKENS COUNTY...
At 422 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
was located near Ashcraft Corner, or 12 miles northeast of Gordo,
moving northeast at 65 mph.
HAZARD...Tornado.
SOURCE...Radar indicated rotation.
IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without
shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage
to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is
likely.
Locations impacted include...
Ashcraft Corner and Lubbub.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest
floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a
mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter
and protect yourself from flying debris.
&&
LAT...LON 3336 8784 3353 8793 3353 8784
TIME...MOT...LOC 2122Z 246DEG 56KT 3348 8781
TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
HAIL...<.75IN
$$
87/GRANTHAMThe office that day
Everything else NWS Birmingham, AL issued on the same UTC day.
| Issued | Product | Office | Counties | Lasted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 12, 3:07 AM CDT | Flash Flood Watch | BMX | Blount, Cherokee, Etowah, Fayette, Lamar, Marion and 2 more | 21 hr |
| Apr 12, 8:12 AM CDT | River Flood Warning | BMX | Greene, Hale, Marengo, Sumter | 16 days |
| Apr 12, 12:23 PM CDT | Special Weather Statement | BMX | Marion | 37 min |
| Apr 12, 3:33 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | BMX | Lamar, Marion | 40 min |
| Apr 12, 4:10 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | BMX | Fayette, Tuscaloosa | 50 min |
| Apr 12, 4:40 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | BMX | Walker | 49 min |
| Apr 12, 4:50 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | BMX | Jefferson | 55 min |
| Apr 12, 5:07 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | BMX | Jefferson | 53 min |
| Apr 12, 5:28 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | BMX | Blount, St. Clair | 46 min |
| Apr 12, 5:31 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | BMX | Blount | 44 min |
| Apr 12, 5:50 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | BMX | Etowah | 55 min |
| Apr 12, 5:59 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | BMX | Etowah | 35 min |
| Apr 12, 6:13 PM CDT | Areal Flood Advisory | BMX | Blount, Jefferson, Walker | 6 hr |
| Apr 12, 6:19 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | BMX | Cherokee | 56 min |
| Apr 12, 6:20 PM CDT | Areal Flood Advisory | BMX | Fayette, Lamar, Pickens, Tuscaloosa | 6 hr |
| Apr 12, 6:41 PM CDT | Flash Flood Warning | BMX | Blount | 6 hr |
Nearby
Tornado Warnings in Alabama, 2020Every tornado warning in 2020Tornadoes in 2020
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.