Alert archive / Alabama / Tornado Warnings in 2025

Tornado Warning 44, NWS Birmingham, AL

May 20, 2025Cherokee County, Etowah County, Alabama

NWS Birmingham, AL issued this tornado warning at May 20, 2025, 9:43 PM CDT for Cherokee County, Etowah County, Alabama. It was in force for 50 min. 6 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
May 20, 2025, 9:43 PM CDT (02:43 UTC)
Expired
May 20, 2025, 10:33 PM CDT
In force
50 min
Issued by
NWS Birmingham, AL
Area
Storm-based polygon
Tornado
Radar indicated
Hail
1.25 in

Counties Cherokee County, AL, Etowah County, AL

What was reported inside it

TimeReportWhereRemark
May 20, 9:54 PM CDTTSTM WND DMG4 Ssw Blanche, AL2 trees down blocking the roadway near the intersection of CR 75 and CR 58.
May 20, 9:56 PM CDTTSTM WND DMG5 Ne Yellow Creek Falls, ALLarge tree down near intersection of AL Highway 273 near CR 275.
May 20, 10:00 PM CDTTSTM WND DMG3 Ne Sand Rock, ALTrees and power lines downed along CR 43, CR 53, and CR 361.
May 20, 10:04 PM CDTTSTM WND DMG4 Wnw Cornwall Furnace, ALTrees and power lines down on CR 137 and CR 75.
May 20, 10:06 PM CDTTSTM WND DMG3 Nw Cornwall Furnace P, ALTrees down across County Road 41 blocking both lanes.
May 20, 10:10 PM CDTTSTM WND DMG3 Nw Gaylesville, ALTrees and power lines down along CR 114 and CR 41.

Local storm reports filed while the alert was in force, from inside its polygon or its counties.

Did it verify

Not verified. The Iowa Environmental Mesonet's Cow found no qualifying storm report inside this tornado warning while it was in force. That is not proof nothing happened: reports are thin where few people live.

Cow counts a report within 15 km of the polygon while the warning was in force: a tornado for a tornado warning; hail of 1 inch or more, a gust of 58 mph or more or wind damage for a severe thunderstorm warning; a flash flood report for a flash flood warning.

The watch it was issued in

The SPC watch in force over the same counties when this warning went out.

IssuedProductOfficeLasted
May 20, 6:46 PM CDTTornado WatchSPC7 hr

The nearest sounding before it

Peachtre/Fal Fld, GA (KFFC), launched 00:00Z, 2.7 hours before the alert went out and 149 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-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Peachtre/Fal Fld, GA at 00:00Z on 2025-05-21Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 735 joules per kilogram.LCLEL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km15 km-30°-20°-10°0°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Peachtre/Fal Fld, GA at 00:00Z on 2025-05-21The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 82 square meters per square second.19395878Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
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
735 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
-2 J/kg
Mixed-layer LCL
1407 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
42 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
82 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
124 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.3
Supercell composite
5.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

326 
WFUS54 KBMX 210243
TORBMX
ALC019-055-210345-
/O.NEW.KBMX.TO.W.0044.250521T0243Z-250521T0345Z/

BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Tornado Warning
National Weather Service Birmingham AL
Issued by National Weather Service Peachtree City GA
943 PM CDT Tue May 20 2025

The National Weather Service in Birmingham has issued a

* Tornado Warning for...
  North central Etowah County in northeastern Alabama...
  Central Cherokee County in northeastern Alabama...

* Until 1045 PM CDT.

* At 943 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
  was located near Tabor Road, or 13 miles east of Boaz, moving east
  at 30 mph.

  HAZARD...Tornado and half dollar size hail.

  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...
  Centre, Cedar Bluff, Centre Municipal Airport, Leesburg, Sand Rock,
  Gaylesville, Tabor Road, Cherokee Rock Village, Cornwall Furnace
  Park, Western Weiss Lake, Eastern Weiss Lake, Weiss Dam, Fullerton,
  Yellow Creek Falls, Keener, Chesnut Bay Resort, Broomtown, Black
  Creek, Howells Crossroads, and Waterhouse.

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 3416 8544 3415 8597 3420 8597 3420 8584
      3424 8584 3424 8581 3426 8581 3426 8577
      3433 8569 3437 8548
TIME...MOT...LOC 0243Z 270DEG 28KT 3423 8593 

TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...1.25 IN

$$
4 follow-up statements
386 
WWUS54 KBMX 210300
SVSBMX

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Birmingham AL
Issued by National Weather Service Peachtree City GA
1000 PM CDT Tue May 20 2025

ALC055-210309-
/O.CAN.KBMX.TO.W.0044.000000T0000Z-250521T0345Z/
Etowah AL-
1000 PM CDT Tue May 20 2025

...THE TORNADO WARNING FOR NORTH CENTRAL ETOWAH 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 100 AM CDT for northeastern
Alabama.

&&

LAT...LON 3415 8580 3424 8581 3426 8581 3426 8577
      3433 8569 3437 8548 3416 8544
TIME...MOT...LOC 0259Z 273DEG 37KT 3422 8568 

$$

ALC019-210345-
/O.CON.KBMX.TO.W.0044.000000T0000Z-250521T0345Z/
Cherokee AL-
1000 PM CDT Tue May 20 2025

...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1045 PM CDT FOR CENTRAL
CHEROKEE COUNTY...

At 959 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
was located over Western Weiss Lake, or near Centre, moving east at
45 mph.

HAZARD...Tornado and golf ball size hail.

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...
Centre, Cedar Bluff, Centre Municipal Airport, Leesburg, Sand Rock,
Gaylesville, Cornwall Furnace Park, Western Weiss Lake, Eastern Weiss
Lake, Weiss Dam, Fullerton, Yellow Creek Falls, Chesnut Bay Resort,
Broomtown, Howells Crossroads, and Waterhouse.

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 3415 8580 3424 8581 3426 8581 3426 8577
      3433 8569 3437 8548 3416 8544
TIME...MOT...LOC 0259Z 273DEG 37KT 3422 8568 

TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...1.75 IN

$$
829 
WWUS54 KBMX 210309
SVSBMX

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Birmingham AL
Issued by National Weather Service Peachtree City GA
1009 PM CDT Tue May 20 2025

ALC019-210345-
/O.CON.KBMX.TO.W.0044.000000T0000Z-250521T0345Z/
Cherokee AL-
1009 PM CDT Tue May 20 2025

...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1045 PM CDT FOR CENTRAL
CHEROKEE COUNTY...

At 1009 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
was located over Cedar Bluff, moving east at 30 mph.

HAZARD...Tornado and golf ball size hail.

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...
Centre, Cedar Bluff, Centre Municipal Airport, Gaylesville, Cornwall
Furnace Park, Eastern Weiss Lake, Western Weiss Lake, Fullerton,
Howells Crossroads, and Waterhouse.

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 3416 8568 3423 8569 3429 8570 3431 8570
      3437 8548 3416 8544
TIME...MOT...LOC 0309Z 270DEG 28KT 3422 8561 

TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...1.75 IN

$$
009 
WWUS54 KBMX 210326
SVSBMX

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Birmingham AL
Issued by National Weather Service Peachtree City GA
1026 PM CDT Tue May 20 2025

ALC019-210345-
/O.CON.KBMX.TO.W.0044.000000T0000Z-250521T0345Z/
Cherokee AL-
1026 PM CDT Tue May 20 2025

...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1045 PM CDT FOR EAST
CENTRAL CHEROKEE COUNTY...

At 1025 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
was located near Eastern Weiss Lake, or 7 miles east of Cedar Bluff,
moving east at 30 mph.

HAZARD...Tornado and quarter size hail.

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...
Cedar Bluff, Gaylesville, Eastern Weiss Lake, Waterhouse, Fullerton,
and Howells Crossroads.

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 3416 8557 3424 8557 3428 8556 3431 8547
      3416 8544
TIME...MOT...LOC 0325Z 270DEG 28KT 3422 8545 

TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...1.00 IN

$$
769 
WWUS54 KBMX 210333
SVSBMX

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Birmingham AL
Issued by National Weather Service Peachtree City GA
1033 PM CDT Tue May 20 2025

ALC019-210343-
/O.CAN.KBMX.TO.W.0044.000000T0000Z-250521T0345Z/
Cherokee AL-
1033 PM CDT Tue May 20 2025

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

The storm which prompted the warning has weakened below severe
limits, and has exited the warned area. Therefore, the warning has
been cancelled.

A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 100 AM CDT for northeastern
Alabama.

&&

LAT...LON 3416 8557 3424 8557 3428 8556 3431 8547
      3416 8544
TIME...MOT...LOC 0330Z 270DEG 28KT 3422 8539 

$$

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before this tornado warning went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Birmingham, AL wrote its last area forecast discussion before this tornado warning went out at May 20, 6:31 PM CDT, 3 hours 12 minutes earlier. Its key messages:

  • Updated at 630 PM CDT TUE MAY 20 2025
  • There is a risk (Level 3 out of 5) of severe storms this evening for the northern half of Central Alabama. There is a risk (Level 1 to 2 out of 5) of severe storms this evening for most of the remainder of Central Alabama except for the far southeastern counties. Damaging winds, large hail, and tornadoes, some strong, are all possible.
Area forecast discussion, May 20, 6:31 PM CDT, 3 hours 12 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Birmingham AL
Issued by National Weather Service Peachtree City GA
631 PM CDT Tue May 20 2025

...New AVIATION...

.KEY MESSAGES...
Updated at 630 PM CDT TUE MAY 20 2025

 - There is a risk (Level 3 out of 5) of severe storms this
   evening for the northern half of Central Alabama. There is a
   risk (Level 1 to 2 out of 5) of severe storms this evening for
   most of the remainder of Central Alabama except for the far
   southeastern counties. Damaging winds, large hail, and
   tornadoes, some strong, are all possible.

&&

.SHORT TERM...
(This evening through Wednesday)
Issued at 1106 AM CDT TUE MAY 20 2025

Warm and moist southwest flow continues across Central Alabama
today as it has for a few days now. Temperatures have risen into
the 80s and this warm, moisture advection will continue to be
amplified as deep troughing over the Central Plains begins to take
a negative orientation with the axis extending southeast into the
Tennessee Valley. A large zone of severe weather potential is
expected today across the Ohio and Tennessee Valley and into the
Midsouth region where there will be more than ample overlap of
large instability and strong dynamics. The severe risk will extend
into Central Alabama late this afternoon into the overnight hours
as a cold front advances across the Lower MS River Valley.

Thunderstorms may initially develop into discrete or multi-
cellular clusters over northern MS, moving into northwestern parts
of the forecast area as early as 5 PM and reaching the Birmingham
metro around 7 PM, then potentially evolving into a more linear
orientation to the south of the I-20 corridor. As such, discrete
cells would initially favor a higher risk of tornadoes, with
strong tornadoes possible early in the event generally along and
north of I-20 where curved forecast hodographs and MLCAPE ~2500
J/kg indicate conditions more than ideal for supercellular
development. With the activity expected to become linear with time
and southern extent amidst 50-60 kts of eff. bulk shear, damaging
straight-line winds could become the primary threat overnight.
Embedded tornadoes will still be possible, but less of a threat
as the line moves towards the southern portions of the area. The
stronger, more robust updrafts will also be capable of producing
large hail up to golf ball size, especially if we see any left-
movers. Most of the latest model solutions depict the storms
either weakening and dissipating or moving east of the area
shortly before sunrise tomorrow morning as the cold front passes
through. Northwest flow will develop behind the front tomorrow
which will finally bring a drier, and a touch cooler, airmass
back to the region.

86/Martin

&&

.LONG TERM...
(Wednesday night through next Monday)
Issued at 1245 PM CDT TUE MAY 20 2025

Very little change with this long term forecast update. We remain
dry and slightly cooler in the wake of a cold front. Our "coolest"
day looks to be Friday with highs in the 70s and lows in the 50s for
those across our northern counties. Our unsettled pattern returns
over the weekend as a series of upper level waves move through the
region. This will bring low to moderate chances for showers and
storms through the holiday weekend and into next week.

95/Castillo

&&

.AVIATION...
(00Z TAFS)
Issued at 630 PM CDT TUE MAY 20 2025

VFR right now across the area. A front will be approaching the
area, with isolated cells ahead of the line of showers and storms.
For this set of TAFs went with the best timing for the line of
showers and storms at each location with tempo wording. Once the
front clears then conditions improve 2 to 4 hours later. Winds
will increase after sunrise with gusty conditions Wednesday
afternoon.

16

&&

.FIRE WEATHER...

Moisture will continue to increase across the region this
afternoon. This will keep Min RH values near or above 50 percent
today. 20 ft winds will be from the south or southwest around 10 mph
during the afternoon. Increasing thunderstorms chances begin this
afternoon/evening across the area as a cold front moves through.
Dry conditions return Wednesday through Friday with min RH values
dropping to the 30 to 45 percent range each afternoon. Rain
chances return as we head through the weekend.

&&

.PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS...
Gadsden     65  82  57  82 /  80   0   0  10
Anniston    66  83  59  84 /  80   0   0   0
Birmingham  67  83  61  84 /  80   0   0   0
Tuscaloosa  66  86  60  87 /  80   0   0   0
Calera      67  84  61  86 /  80   0   0   0
Auburn      70  85  62  87 /  60   0   0   0
Montgomery  70  87  61  89 /  60   0   0   0
Troy        70  87  61  89 /  50  10   0   0

&&

.BMX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
None.
&&

SHORT TERM...86
LONG TERM....95
AVIATION...16
Hazardous weather outlook, May 20, 1:04 PM CDT, 8 hours 39 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Birmingham AL
Issued by National Weather Service Peachtree City GA
104 PM CDT Tue May 20 2025

ALZ011>015-017>050-212115-
Marion-Lamar-Fayette-Winston-Walker-Blount-Etowah-Calhoun-Cherokee-
Cleburne-Pickens-Tuscaloosa-Jefferson-Shelby-St. Clair-Talladega-
Clay-Randolph-Sumter-Greene-Hale-Perry-Bibb-Chilton-Coosa-Tallapoosa-
Chambers-Marengo-Dallas-Autauga-Lowndes-Elmore-Montgomery-Macon-
Bullock-Lee-Russell-Pike-Barbour-
104 PM CDT Tue May 20 2025

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for the counties served by the
National Weather Service office in Birmingham.

.DAY ONE...Outlook through Tonight.

There is a risk (Level 3 out of 5) of severe storms this evening for
the northern half of Central Alabama. There is a risk (Level 1 to 2
out of 5) of severe storms Tuesday evening for most of the remainder
of Central Alabama except for the far southeastern counties. Damaging
winds, large hail, and tornadoes, some strong, are all possible.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday.

No hazardous weather is expected at this time.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Activation of storm spotters and emergency management may be needed
from early this evening through early Wednesday morning.

In the hours before

Special weather statement, May 20, 7:37 PM CDT, 2 hours 6 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Birmingham AL
Issued by National Weather Service Peachtree City GA
737 PM CDT Tue May 20 2025

ALZ014-210115-
Winston AL-
737 PM CDT Tue May 20 2025

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of northwestern Winston
County through 815 PM CDT
...

At 737 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Needmore, or over Haleyville, moving east at 45 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and half inch hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
         possible.

Locations impacted include...
Haleyville, Brushy Lake, Needmore, Moreland, Ashridge, Posey Field
Airport, Sipsey River Rec Area, Grayson, and Pebble.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 100 AM CDT for northwestern
Alabama.

&&

LAT...LON 3430 8724 3426 8722 3419 8763 3431 8763
TIME...MOT...LOC 0037Z 257DEG 41KT 3427 8763

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.50 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH

32/JDavis
Special weather statement, May 20, 7:39 PM CDT, 2 hours 4 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Birmingham AL
Issued by National Weather Service Peachtree City GA
739 PM CDT Tue May 20 2025

ALZ011-210115-
Marion AL-
739 PM CDT Tue May 20 2025

...Strong thunderstorms will impact portions of northwestern Marion
County through 815 PM CDT
...

At 739 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from 6 miles south of Red Bay to near Tremont.
Movement was east at 40 mph.

HAZARD...Winds in excess of 40 mph.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects.

Locations impacted include...
Hamilton, Weston, Pigeye, Shottsville, and Bexar.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 100 AM CDT for northwestern
Alabama.

&&

LAT...LON 3431 8785 3412 8795 3413 8820 3432 8817
TIME...MOT...LOC 0039Z 266DEG 34KT 3435 8815 3419 8826

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

32/JDavis
Special weather statement, May 20, 8:17 PM CDT, 1 hour 26 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Birmingham AL
Issued by National Weather Service Peachtree City GA
817 PM CDT Tue May 20 2025

ALZ012-210145-
Lamar AL-
817 PM CDT Tue May 20 2025

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of central Lamar County
through 845 PM CDT
...

At 817 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Vernon, moving east at 45 mph.

HAZARD...Winds in excess of 40 mph and half inch hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
         possible.

Locations impacted include...
Vernon, Blooming Grove, Crossville, Cody, Hightogy, and Star.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 100 AM CDT for west central
Alabama.

&&

LAT...LON 3382 8819 3386 8795 3365 8795 3363 8821
TIME...MOT...LOC 0117Z 252DEG 40KT 3378 8808

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.50 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

32/JDavis
Special weather statement, May 20, 8:49 PM CDT, 54 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Birmingham AL
Issued by National Weather Service Peachtree City GA
849 PM CDT Tue May 20 2025

ALZ014-210230-
Winston AL-
849 PM CDT Tue May 20 2025

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of central Winston
County through 930 PM CDT
...

At 849 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Winston Free State Barn, or 7 miles north of Lynn, moving east at 40
mph.

HAZARD...Winds in excess of 40 mph and half inch hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
         possible.

Locations impacted include...
Haleyville, Arley, Double Springs, Addison, Houston Recreational
Area, Nesmith, Helicon, Inmanfield, Ashridge, Sardis, Corinth Rec
Area, Moreland, Winston Free State Barn, Smith Lake, Houston, Natural
Bridge, Mill Branch, Hullett Branch, Clear Creek, and Winston County
Airport.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to
localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.

Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.

A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 100 AM CDT for northwestern
Alabama.

&&

LAT...LON 3408 8711 3408 8760 3424 8760 3430 8711
TIME...MOT...LOC 0149Z 274DEG 33KT 3415 8751

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.50 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
Special weather statement, May 20, 8:57 PM CDT, 46 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Birmingham AL
Issued by National Weather Service Peachtree City GA
857 PM CDT Tue May 20 2025

ALZ013-015-210230-
Walker AL-Fayette AL-
857 PM CDT Tue May 20 2025

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of northwestern Walker
and northeastern Fayette Counties through 930 PM CDT
...

At 857 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Carbon Hill, moving east at 40 mph.

HAZARD...Winds in excess of 40 mph and pea size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
         possible.

Locations impacted include...
Jasper, Carbon Hill, Parrish, Cedrum Area, Holly Grove, Manchester,
Gamble, Townley, and Walker County Airport.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 100 AM CDT for central and
west central Alabama.

&&

LAT...LON 3374 8765 3389 8765 3391 8722 3374 8723
TIME...MOT...LOC 0157Z 267DEG 36KT 3381 8757

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

32/JDavis
Special weather statement, May 20, 9:43 PM CDT, 0 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Birmingham AL
Issued by National Weather Service Peachtree City GA
943 PM CDT Tue May 20 2025

ALZ017-024-210330-
Jefferson AL-Blount AL-
943 PM CDT Tue May 20 2025

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of southwestern Blount
and northeastern Jefferson Counties through 1030 PM CDT
...

At 942 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Sumiton, moving east at 40 mph.

HAZARD...Winds in excess of 40 mph and half inch hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
         possible.

Locations impacted include...
Trussville, Gardendale, Sumiton, Dallas, Center Point, Clay, Pinson,
Warrior, Kimberly, Morris, Trafford, County Line, Chalkville,
Arkadelphia, Grayson Valley, Sayre, Palmerdale, Village Springs,
Remlap, and Partridge Crossroads.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 100 AM CDT for central
Alabama.

&&

LAT...LON 3385 8657 3365 8659 3370 8704 3373 8704
      3373 8703 3377 8702 3377 8701 3379 8700
      3379 8697 3380 8697 3380 8695 3384 8695
      3385 8696 3387 8696 3386 8695 3387 8695
TIME...MOT...LOC 0242Z 274DEG 34KT 3377 8704

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.50 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

32/JDavis

The office that day

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

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
May 20, 7:11 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementBMXMarion34 min
May 20, 7:37 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementBMXWinston38 min
May 20, 7:39 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementBMXMarion36 min
May 20, 8:11 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningBMXLamar, Marion34 min
May 20, 8:17 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementBMXLamar28 min
May 20, 8:49 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementBMXWinston41 min
May 20, 8:57 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementBMXWalker33 min
May 20, 9:00 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningBMXCherokee45 min
May 20, 9:14 PM CDTTornado Warning Tornado observedBMXCherokee37 min
May 20, 9:17 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningBMXWalker43 min
May 20, 9:39 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm Warning Considerable damage threatBMXCherokee66 min
May 20, 9:43 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementBMXJefferson47 min
May 20, 9:44 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementBMXBlount31 min
May 20, 9:54 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementBMXSt. Clair36 min
May 20, 10:23 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementBMXCalhoun52 min
May 20, 10:35 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementBMXCherokee55 min
May 20, 10:55 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementBMXTuscaloosa50 min
May 20, 10:56 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementBMXSt. Clair34 min
May 20, 11:01 PM CDTTornado WarningBMXSt. Clair24 min
May 20, 11:21 PM CDTTornado WarningBMXCalhoun54 min
May 20, 11:28 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementBMXCleburne32 min
May 20, 11:46 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementBMXBibb29 min
May 20, 11:53 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningBMXCleburne52 min
May 20, 11:58 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementBMXBibb, Shelby32 min
May 21, 12:24 AM CDTSpecial Weather StatementBMXClay51 min
May 21, 12:30 AM CDTSpecial Weather StatementBMXShelby, Talladega60 min
May 21, 12:48 AM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningBMXCalhoun, Cleburne, Talladega29 min
May 21, 12:51 AM CDTSpecial Weather StatementBMXClay24 min
May 21, 1:05 AM CDTSpecial Weather StatementBMXCoosa25 min
May 21, 1:16 AM CDTSpecial Weather StatementBMXRandolph44 min
May 21, 1:19 AM CDTSpecial Weather StatementBMXCleburne41 min
May 21, 2:20 AM CDTSpecial Weather StatementBMXCoosa, Tallapoosa40 min
May 21, 3:57 AM CDTTornado WarningBMXBullock, Macon33 min

Nearby

Tornado Warnings in Alabama, 2025Every tornado warning in 2025Tornadoes in 2025

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.