Alert archive / Alabama / Tornado Warnings in 2021
Tornado Warning 31, NWS Birmingham, AL
NWS Birmingham, AL issued this tornado warning at Mar 17, 2021, 5:00 PM CDT for Chilton County, Alabama. It was in force for 60 min. 2 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
- Mar 17, 2021, 5:00 PM CDT (22:00 UTC)
- Expired
- Mar 17, 2021, 6:00 PM CDT
- In force
- 60 min
- Issued by
- NWS Birmingham, AL
- Area
- Storm-based polygon
- Tornado
- Radar indicated
- Hail
- 0.75 in
County Chilton County, AL
The radar
The Birmingham radar (KBMX), 45 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 22:01 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 17, 5:12 PM CDT | TORNADO | 2 Wnw Billingsley, AL | THE TORNADO PRODUCED DAMAGE FOR 5.84 MILES AND WAS 400 YARDS WIDE AT ITS WIDEST POINT. THE TORNADO STARTED NEAR THE SWAMPY AREA ALONG LITTLE MULBERRY CREEK NORTHWEST OF BILLINGSLEY. THE TORNADO LIFTED JUST EAST OF CR 16, EAST OF POOLS CROSSROADS. SEVERAL STRUC |
| Mar 17, 5:18 PM CDT | TORNADO | 2 S Pooles Crossroads, AL | HOMES DAMAGED IN THE POOLS CROSSROADS AREA. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 17, 11:36 AM CDT | Tornado Watch | SPC | 7 hr |
The nearest sounding before it
Birmingham, AL (KBMX), launched 12:00Z, 10.0 hours before the alert went out and 46 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
- 658 J/kg
- Mixed-layer CIN
- -112 J/kg
- Mixed-layer LCL
- 759 m above ground
- 0-6 km bulk shear
- 59 kt
- 0-1 km storm-relative helicity
- 169 m²/s²
- 0-3 km storm-relative helicity
- 301 m²/s²
- Significant tornado parameter
- 0.0
- Supercell composite
- 2.1
The text
As transmitted.
569
WFUS54 KBMX 172200
TORBMX
ALC021-172300-
/O.NEW.KBMX.TO.W.0031.210317T2200Z-210317T2300Z/
BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Tornado Warning
National Weather Service Birmingham AL
500 PM CDT Wed Mar 17 2021
The National Weather Service in Birmingham has issued a
* Tornado Warning for...
Eastern Chilton County in central Alabama...
* Until 600 PM CDT.
* At 500 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
was located near Billingsley, or 13 miles northeast of Valley
Grande, 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...
Clanton, Billingsley, Plecher, Mitchell Lake, Higgins Ferry Park,
Verbena, Lay Lake Dam, Pooles Crossroads, Lay Lake, Mitchell Dam
and Cooper.
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 3299 8652 3293 8651 3291 8649 3287 8648
3286 8645 3282 8646 3279 8641 3277 8641
3271 8650 3271 8671 3266 8672 3266 8684
3267 8684
TIME...MOT...LOC 2200Z 223DEG 34KT 3261 8678
TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
HAIL...<.75IN
$$
87/GRANTHAM5 follow-up statements
256
WWUS54 KBMX 172203
SVSBMX
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Birmingham AL
503 PM CDT Wed Mar 17 2021
ALC021-172300-
/O.CON.KBMX.TO.W.0031.000000T0000Z-210317T2300Z/
Chilton AL-
503 PM CDT Wed Mar 17 2021
...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 600 PM CDT FOR EASTERN
CHILTON COUNTY...
At 503 PM CDT, a confirmed tornado was located near Billingsley, or
15 miles northeast of Valley Grande, moving northeast at 40 mph.
HAZARD...Damaging tornado.
SOURCE...Weather spotters confirmed tornado.
IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without
shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage
to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is
likely.
Locations impacted include...
Clanton, Billingsley, Plecher, Mitchell Lake, Higgins Ferry Park,
Verbena, Lay Lake Dam, Pooles Crossroads, Lay Lake, Mitchell Dam and
Cooper.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
To repeat, a tornado is on the ground. TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a
basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy
building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in
a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect
yourself from flying debris.
&&
LAT...LON 3299 8652 3293 8651 3291 8649 3287 8648
3286 8645 3282 8646 3279 8641 3277 8641
3271 8650 3271 8671 3266 8672 3266 8684
3267 8684
TIME...MOT...LOC 2203Z 223DEG 34KT 3263 8676
TORNADO...OBSERVED
HAIL...<.75IN
$$
87/GRANTHAM080
WWUS54 KBMX 172216
SVSBMX
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Birmingham AL
516 PM CDT Wed Mar 17 2021
ALC021-172300-
/O.CON.KBMX.TO.W.0031.000000T0000Z-210317T2300Z/
Chilton AL-
516 PM CDT Wed Mar 17 2021
...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 600 PM CDT FOR EASTERN
CHILTON COUNTY...
At 516 PM CDT, a confirmed tornado was located over Pooles
Crossroads, or 9 miles southwest of Clanton, moving northeast at 35
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...
Clanton, Billingsley, Plecher, Mitchell Lake, Higgins Ferry Park, Lay
Lake Dam, Pooles Crossroads, Lay Lake, Cooper and Mitchell Dam.
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 3266 8674 3269 8682 3299 8652 3293 8651
3291 8649 3287 8648 3286 8645 3282 8646
3281 8644 3271 8659 3271 8671 3266 8672
TIME...MOT...LOC 2216Z 222DEG 31KT 3271 8671
TORNADO...OBSERVED
HAIL...<.75IN
$$
87/GRANTHAM693
WWUS54 KBMX 172221
SVSBMX
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Birmingham AL
521 PM CDT Wed Mar 17 2021
ALC021-172300-
/O.CON.KBMX.TO.W.0031.000000T0000Z-210317T2300Z/
Chilton AL-
521 PM CDT Wed Mar 17 2021
...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 600 PM CDT FOR EASTERN
CHILTON COUNTY...
At 521 PM CDT, a confirmed large and extremely dangerous tornado was
located over Pooles Crossroads, or 7 miles southwest of Clanton,
moving northeast at 35 mph.
This is a PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS SITUATION. TAKE COVER NOW!
HAZARD...Damaging tornado.
SOURCE...Radar confirmed tornado.
IMPACT...You are in a life-threatening situation. Flying debris may
be deadly to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes
will be destroyed. Considerable damage to homes,
businesses, and vehicles is likely and complete destruction
is possible.
Locations impacted include...
Clanton, Mitchell Lake, Lay Lake Dam, Pooles Crossroads and Lay Lake.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
To repeat, a large, extremely dangerous and potentially deadly
tornado is on the ground. To protect your life, TAKE COVER NOW! Move
to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy
building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in
a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect
yourself from flying debris.
&&
LAT...LON 3269 8671 3271 8680 3299 8652 3293 8651
3291 8649 3287 8648 3286 8646 3271 8662
3271 8671
TIME...MOT...LOC 2221Z 206DEG 29KT 3275 8671
TORNADO...OBSERVED
TORNADO DAMAGE THREAT...CONSIDERABLE
HAIL...<.75IN
$$
87/GRANTHAM307
WWUS54 KBMX 172228
SVSBMX
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Birmingham AL
528 PM CDT Wed Mar 17 2021
ALC021-172300-
/O.CON.KBMX.TO.W.0031.000000T0000Z-210317T2300Z/
Chilton AL-
528 PM CDT Wed Mar 17 2021
...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 600 PM CDT FOR EASTERN
CHILTON COUNTY...
At 528 PM CDT, a confirmed tornado was located over Clanton, moving
northeast at 40 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...
Clanton, Mitchell Lake, Lay Lake Dam and Lay 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 3273 8665 3278 8673 3299 8652 3293 8651
3291 8649 3287 8648 3286 8647
TIME...MOT...LOC 2228Z 223DEG 34KT 3280 8665
TORNADO...OBSERVED
HAIL...<.75IN
$$
87/GRANTHAM933
WWUS54 KBMX 172238
SVSBMX
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Birmingham AL
538 PM CDT Wed Mar 17 2021
ALC021-172300-
/O.CON.KBMX.TO.W.0031.000000T0000Z-210317T2300Z/
Chilton AL-
538 PM CDT Wed Mar 17 2021
...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 600 PM CDT FOR
NORTHEASTERN CHILTON COUNTY...
At 538 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
was located over Gap Of The Mountain, or over Clanton, moving
northeast at 35 mph.
HAZARD...Tornado.
SOURCE...Radar indicated rotation.
IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without
shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage
to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is
likely.
Locations impacted include...
Clanton, Mitchell Lake, Lay Lake Dam and Lay Lake.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest
floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a
mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter
and protect yourself from flying debris.
&&
LAT...LON 3279 8656 3284 8667 3299 8652 3293 8651
3291 8649 3287 8648 3286 8647
TIME...MOT...LOC 2238Z 219DEG 32KT 3287 8660
TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
HAIL...<.75IN
$$
87/GRANTHAMThe office that day
Everything else NWS Birmingham, AL issued on the same UTC day.
| Issued | Product | Office | Counties | Lasted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 16, 9:59 PM CDT | Special Weather Statement | BMX | Sumter | 46 min |
| Mar 16, 10:11 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | BMX | Sumter | 24 min |
| Mar 16, 10:38 PM CDT | Special Weather Statement | BMX | Hale | 37 min |
| Mar 17, 1:27 AM CDT | Dense Fog Advisory | BMX | Autauga, Barbour, Blount, Bullock, Calhoun, Chambers and 22 more | 6 hr |
| Mar 17, 11:18 AM CDT | Special Weather Statement | BMX | Jefferson | 27 min |
| Mar 17, 12:13 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | BMX | Dallas | 47 min |
| Mar 17, 12:19 PM CDT | Areal Flood Advisory | BMX | Jefferson, Tuscaloosa | 2 hr |
| Mar 17, 12:21 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | BMX | Fayette, Lamar, Marion | 25 min |
| Mar 17, 12:41 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | BMX | Autauga | 64 min |
| Mar 17, 12:59 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | BMX | Greene, Sumter | 61 min |
| Mar 17, 1:18 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | BMX | Autauga, Chilton, Elmore | 57 min |
| Mar 17, 1:40 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | BMX | Pickens, Tuscaloosa | 28 min |
| Mar 17, 1:52 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | BMX | Greene, Hale, Marengo, Sumter | 41 min |
| Mar 17, 1:58 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | BMX | Marengo | 62 min |
| Mar 17, 1:59 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | BMX | Greene, Hale | 46 min |
| Mar 17, 2:02 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | BMX | Chilton, Coosa | 58 min |
| Mar 17, 2:09 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | BMX | Marengo | 66 min |
| Mar 17, 2:14 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | BMX | Jefferson, Walker | 61 min |
| Mar 17, 2:20 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | BMX | Tuscaloosa | 40 min |
| Mar 17, 2:33 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | BMX | Clay, Coosa, Talladega | 42 min |
| Mar 17, 2:44 PM CDT | Flash Flood Warning | BMX | Hale, Marengo, Perry | 2 hr |
| Mar 17, 2:47 PM CDT | Areal Flood Advisory | BMX | Greene, Pickens, Sumter, Tuscaloosa | 2 hr |
| Mar 17, 2:48 PM CDT | Areal Flood Advisory | BMX | Blount, Jefferson, Walker | 2 hr |
| Mar 17, 2:48 PM CDT | Areal Flood Advisory | BMX | Fayette, Lamar, Marion, Walker, Winston | 2 hr |
| Mar 17, 2:51 PM CDT | Flash Flood Warning | BMX | Jefferson | 2 hr |
| Mar 17, 2:53 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | BMX | Tuscaloosa | 52 min |
| Mar 17, 2:54 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | BMX | Dallas, Marengo, Perry | 66 min |
| Mar 17, 2:58 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | BMX | Blount, Jefferson | 34 min |
| Mar 17, 3:21 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | BMX | Tuscaloosa | 54 min |
| Mar 17, 3:25 PM CDT | Flash Flood Warning | BMX | Tuscaloosa | 2 hr |
| Mar 17, 3:28 PM CDT | Areal Flood Advisory | BMX | Dallas, Perry | 2 hr |
| Mar 17, 3:34 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | BMX | Jefferson, Walker | 56 min |
| Mar 17, 3:37 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | BMX | Marengo | 38 min |
| Mar 17, 3:58 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | BMX | Jefferson | 47 min |
| Mar 17, 3:58 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | BMX | Dallas, Perry | 47 min |
| Mar 17, 4:12 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | BMX | Dallas | 48 min |
| Mar 17, 4:28 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | BMX | Marengo | 62 min |
| Mar 17, 4:36 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | BMX | Jefferson | 54 min |
| Mar 17, 4:40 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | BMX | Autauga | 50 min |
| Mar 17, 4:43 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | BMX | Dallas, Perry | 47 min |
| Mar 17, 5:09 PM CDT | Areal Flood Advisory | BMX | Jefferson | 111 min |
| Mar 17, 5:15 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | BMX | Chilton | 60 min |
| Mar 17, 5:16 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | BMX | Blount | 44 min |
| Mar 17, 5:23 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | BMX | Dallas, Marengo, Perry | 67 min |
| Mar 17, 5:26 PM CDT | Areal Flood Advisory | BMX | Autauga, Chilton, Dallas, Hale, Marengo, Perry and 1 more | 3 hr |
| Mar 17, 5:41 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | BMX | Marengo | 23 min |
| Mar 17, 5:42 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | BMX | Chilton, Coosa, Shelby, Talladega | 48 min |
| Mar 17, 5:48 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | BMX | Blount | 42 min |
| Mar 17, 5:56 PM CDT | Areal Flood Advisory | BMX | Walker, Winston | 44 min |
| Mar 17, 6:09 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | BMX | Chilton, Coosa, Shelby, Talladega | 13 min |
| Mar 17, 6:40 PM CDT | Flash Flood Warning | BMX | Walker, Winston | 3 hr |
| Mar 17, 6:48 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | BMX | Dallas | 42 min |
Nearby
Tornado Warnings in Alabama, 2021Every tornado warning in 2021Tornadoes in 2021
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.