Alert archive / Alabama / Tornado Warnings in 2026

Tornado Warning 9, NWS Birmingham, AL

May 22, 2026Tuscaloosa County, Alabama

NWS Birmingham, AL issued this tornado warning at May 22, 2026, 12:17 PM CDT for Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. It was in force for 10 min. No storm report in the archive falls inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The outline as issued.

The facts

Issued: May 22, 2026, 12:17 PM CDT (17:17 UTC)
Expired: May 22, 2026, 12:27 PM CDT
In force: 10 min
Issued by: NWS Birmingham, AL
Area: Storm-based polygon
Tornado: Radar indicated
Hail: 0.75 in

County Tuscaloosa County, AL

The radar

The Birmingham radar (KBMX), 39 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 17:16 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.

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 nearest sounding before it

Birmingham, AL (KBMX), launched 12:00Z, 5.3 hours before the alert went out and 38 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: 647 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN: -3 J/kg
Mixed-layer LCL: 566 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear: 28 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity: 123 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity: 146 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter: 0.3
Supercell composite: 2.1

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

402 
WFUS54 KBMX 221717
TORBMX
ALC125-221800-
/O.NEW.KBMX.TO.W.0009.260522T1717Z-260522T1800Z/

BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Tornado Warning
National Weather Service Birmingham AL
1217 PM CDT Fri May 22 2026

The National Weather Service in Birmingham has issued a

* Tornado Warning for...
  East central Tuscaloosa County in west central Alabama...

* Until 100 PM CDT.

* At 1216 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a
  tornado was located near Woodstock, or 15 miles east of Holt,
  moving northeast at 25 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...
  Lake View, Vance, Mercedes Benz Of Alabama, Abernant, North Bibb,
  Caffee Junction, and Bucksville.

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 8721 3334 8720 3334 8718 3332 8718
      3332 8716 3331 8716 3331 8713 3329 8712
      3329 8709 3328 8707 3323 8712 3324 8712
      3324 8714 3319 8720 3317 8720 3315 8722
      3320 8730
TIME...MOT...LOC 1716Z 221DEG 21KT 3323 8721 

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

$$

86/Martin

2 follow-up statements

134 
WWUS54 KBMX 221719
SVSBMX

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Birmingham AL
1219 PM CDT Fri May 22 2026

ALC125-221800-
/O.CON.KBMX.TO.W.0009.000000T0000Z-260522T1800Z/
Tuscaloosa AL-
1219 PM CDT Fri May 22 2026

...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 100 PM CDT FOR EAST
CENTRAL TUSCALOOSA COUNTY...

At 1219 PM CDT, a confirmed tornado was located near Abernant, or 16
miles southwest of Bessemer, moving northeast at 25 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...
Lake View, Abernant, North Bibb, Bucksville, and Caffee Junction.

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 3336 8721 3334 8720 3334 8718 3332 8718
      3332 8716 3331 8716 3331 8713 3329 8712
      3329 8709 3328 8707 3323 8712 3324 8712
      3324 8714 3320 8719 3324 8727
TIME...MOT...LOC 1719Z 221DEG 21KT 3324 8720 

TORNADO...OBSERVED
MAX HAIL SIZE...<.75 IN

$$

86/Martin

905 
WWUS54 KBMX 221727
SVSBMX

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Birmingham AL
1227 PM CDT Fri May 22 2026

ALC125-221736-
/O.CAN.KBMX.TO.W.0009.000000T0000Z-260522T1800Z/
Tuscaloosa AL-
1227 PM CDT Fri May 22 2026

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

The storm which prompted the warning has weakened below severe
limits, and no longer appears capable of producing a tornado.
Therefore, the warning has been cancelled.

&&

LAT...LON 3336 8721 3334 8720 3334 8718 3332 8718
      3332 8716 3331 8716 3331 8713 3329 8712
      3329 8709 3328 8707 3323 8712 3324 8712
      3324 8714 3320 8719 3324 8727
TIME...MOT...LOC 1723Z 221DEG 21KT 3327 8716 

$$

86/Martin

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 22, 6:53 AM CDT, 5 hours 24 minutes earlier. Its key messages:

Issued at 653 AM CDT FRI MAY 22 2026
Scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected each day through next week.
There is a level 1 out of 5 risk for severe weather on Friday, May 22nd from late morning to early evening. Threats include a brief tornado and damaging wind gusts.

Area forecast discussion, May 22, 6:53 AM CDT, 5 hours 24 minutes before

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Birmingham AL
653 AM CDT Fri May 22 2026

...New AVIATION...

.KEY MESSAGES...
Issued at 653 AM CDT FRI MAY 22 2026

- Scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected each day
  through next week.

- There is a level 1 out of 5 risk for severe weather on Friday,
  May 22nd from late morning to early evening. Threats include a
  brief tornado and damaging wind gusts.

&&

.DISCUSSION...
(Friday through next Thursday)
Issued at 1152 PM CDT THU MAY 21 2026

A pattern of unsettled weather will continue over the next
several days, with chances for showers and thunderstorms each day
into next week. Deep-layer southerly to southwesterly flow will
remain in place adjacent to a stalled front, pumping Gulf
moisture across Alabama to keep conditions warm and humid.

For today, a Level 1 of 5 Marginal risk is in place for the
potential of damaging winds or a brief, low-end tornado. Bulk
shear of 25-35 kts will promote organized storms capable of
briefly sustaining weak updrafts, along with 1200-2000 J/kg
surface-based CAPE and 0-3 km SRH in the 100-200 m2/s2 range.
These numbers support the notion that cells may become strong and
briefly rotate. While tornadoes are not necessarily expected,
potential for a brief tornado or two exists and should be watched
closely. Meager mid-level lapse rates of 5.5-6.0 C/km should make
updrafts hard to maintain over time and limit any hail threat.
The main corridor of concern looks to be from late morning to
early evening for most areas of Central Alabama northwest of I-
85. Latest CAMs indicate activity waning after 7 or 8 pm this
evening before more showers and storms return Saturday morning
into the evening.

An upper low looks to build in briefly early next week over East
Texas, reinforcing southerly flow and keeping elevated rain and
storm chances going into mid next week. Beneficial rainfall will
begin to add up over the next 5-7 days as showers and storms
continue to work through the region.

12

&&

.AVIATION...
(12Z TAFS)
Issued at 653 AM CDT FRI MAY 22 2026

Scattered convection will move through the state this morning
ahead of a line of storms moving west to east. Behind this line,
more scattered convection will continue through the afternoon and
evening. Have gone with MVFR conditions prevailing by mid morning
in each TAF, due to the persistent coverage expected. The
moisture content in the air is so high, any thunderstorm over a
TAF site will cause visibilities to drop to IFR or LIFR due to
heavy rain. Later this evening, low level moisture should remain
high with another night of showers sporadically over central AL.
Ceilings should likely drop, though confidence is low on how
much. Left MVFR ceilings in for now through the early morning on
Friday.

24

&&

.FIRE WEATHER...

A persistent weather pattern will produce a daily scattering of
showers and thunderstorms through next week. Bouts of
precipitation and lack of low RH will keep fire weather
conditions at bay.

&&

.PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS...
Gadsden     78  65  82  64 /  90  70  90  60
Anniston    78  66  81  65 /  80  60  90  60
Birmingham  77  67  82  67 /  90  70  90  60
Tuscaloosa  78  69  83  68 /  90  60  80  50
Calera      78  67  82  67 /  90  60  90  60
Auburn      82  69  82  68 /  60  50 100  50
Montgomery  80  69  82  68 /  90  50 100  40
Troy        82  69  83  68 /  60  50  90  40

&&

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

DISCUSSION...12
AVIATION...24

In the hours before

Special weather statement, May 22, 9:31 AM CDT, 2 hours 46 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Birmingham AL
931 AM CDT Fri May 22 2026

ALZ023-221500-
Tuscaloosa AL-
931 AM CDT Fri May 22 2026

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT CENTRAL TUSCALOOSA COUNTY
THROUGH 1000 AM CDT...

At 931 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Northport, moving northeast at 30 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

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

Locations impacted include...
Tuscaloosa, Northport, Holt, University Mall, Deerlick Creek
Campgrounds, Tuscaloosa Amphitheater, Bryant Denny Stadium,
Tuscaloosa Regional Airport, Lake Tuscaloosa, Lake Tuscaloosa Dam,
Flatwoods, Sexton Bend, University Of Alabama Quad, Lake Harris,
Stillman College, Lake Nicol, Highway 69 Bridge, Lake Nicol Park,
Holt Lock And Dam, and Oliver Lock And Dam.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

&&

LAT...LON 3316 8756 3322 8767 3348 8753 3336 8728
TIME...MOT...LOC 1431Z 215DEG 25KT 3325 8756

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

86/Martin

Special weather statement, May 22, 10:14 AM CDT, 2 hours 3 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Birmingham AL
1014 AM CDT Fri May 22 2026

ALZ039-221545-
Marengo AL-
1014 AM CDT Fri May 22 2026

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT SOUTH CENTRAL MARENGO COUNTY
THROUGH 1045 AM CDT...

At 1014 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Putnam, or 15 miles northwest of Thomasville, moving northeast at 25
mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

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

Locations impacted include...
Sweet Water, Putnam, Wayne, Miller, Dixons Mill, Clayhill, and
Nicholsville.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

&&

LAT...LON 3225 8786 3208 8770 3199 8783 3199 8807
TIME...MOT...LOC 1514Z 225DEG 21KT 3200 8797

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

86/Martin

Special weather statement, May 22, 10:53 AM CDT, 1 hour 24 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Birmingham AL
1053 AM CDT Fri May 22 2026

ALZ039-221645-
Marengo AL-
1053 AM CDT Fri May 22 2026

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT SOUTHERN MARENGO COUNTY THROUGH
1145 AM CDT...

At 1052 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Putnam, or 14 miles southeast of Butler, moving northeast at 20 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph and pea size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

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

Locations impacted include...
Sweet Water, Putnam, Wayne, Surginer, Miller, Nanafalia, Dixons Mill,
Magnolia, Half Acre, Clayhill, and Nicholsville.

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.

&&

LAT...LON 3225 8787 3213 8761 3213 8762 3211 8762
      3199 8778 3199 8807 3201 8809 3199 8809
      3201 8811
TIME...MOT...LOC 1552Z 223DEG 15KT 3195 8804

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

86/Martin

Special weather statement, May 22, 11:05 AM CDT, 1 hour 12 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Birmingham AL
1105 AM CDT Fri May 22 2026

ALZ023-032>034-221645-
Hale AL-Bibb AL-Perry AL-Tuscaloosa AL-
1105 AM CDT Fri May 22 2026

...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT SOUTH CENTRAL TUSCALOOSA...
NORTHWESTERN PERRY...EASTERN HALE AND SOUTHWESTERN BIBB COUNTIES
THROUGH 1145 AM CDT...

At 1105 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a cluster of strong
thunderstorms along a line extending from near Moundville to 8 miles
northeast of Greensboro Municipal Airport to near Greensboro.
Movement was northeast at 30 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

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

Locations impacted include...
Marion, Greensboro, Moundville, Newbern, Low Gap, Mertz, Morgan
Springs, Folsom, Phipps, Hagler, Duncanville, Pearson, Elliots Creek,
Wateroak, Laneville, and Harper Hill.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

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

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

&&

LAT...LON 3311 8743 3298 8724 3268 8731 3250 8763
      3274 8760 3302 8763
TIME...MOT...LOC 1605Z 222DEG 27KT 3299 8759 3276 8755 3264 8759

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

86/Martin

The office that day

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

Issued	Product	Office	Counties	Lasted
May 21, 7:51 PM CDT	Special Weather Statement	BMX	Shelby	24 min
May 21, 11:02 PM CDT	Special Weather Statement	BMX	Clay	43 min
May 22, 9:31 AM CDT	Special Weather Statement	BMX	Tuscaloosa	29 min
May 22, 10:14 AM CDT	Special Weather Statement	BMX	Marengo	31 min
May 22, 10:53 AM CDT	Special Weather Statement	BMX	Marengo	52 min
May 22, 11:05 AM CDT	Special Weather Statement	BMX	Hale	40 min
May 22, 12:57 PM CDT	Special Weather Statement	BMX	Pickens	48 min
May 22, 2:10 PM CDT	Special Weather Statement	BMX	Bullock	35 min
May 22, 2:54 PM CDT	Special Weather Statement	BMX	Montgomery	36 min
May 22, 3:40 PM CDT	Special Weather Statement	BMX	Pike	50 min
May 22, 4:06 PM CDT	Special Weather Statement	BMX	Pike	24 min
May 22, 4:30 PM CDT	Special Weather Statement	BMX	Barbour, Bullock	45 min
May 22, 5:09 PM CDT	Special Weather Statement	BMX	Barbour, Russell	51 min

Nearby

Tornado Warnings in Alabama, 2026 Every tornado warning in 2026 Tornadoes in 2026

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.