Tornadoes and Hail in Alabama, May 1 to 3, 2009

Name: Tornadoes and Hail in Alabama, May 1 to 3, 2009
Start: 2009-05-01T18:35
End: 2009-05-03T15:30
Location: Alabama

May 1 to 3, 2009 · NWS BMX · 62 events in 28 counties and zones

A cold front dipping into the Tennessee Valley helped spark strong to severe thunderstorms for several days, with large hail, damaging winds, and several tornadoes.

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it. Tap one for its entry below.

Tornadoes
Tropical storms and surge
Floods
Wind
Hail
Winter weather
Heat and drought
Cold
Fire, smoke and dust
Marine and coastal
Other

Open the live radar over this ground

The toll

Deaths: 0
Injuries: 1
Property damage: $1.1 million
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 62

Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.

What happened

The episode as NWS BMX wrote it up.

A cold front dipping into the Tennessee Valley helped spark strong to severe thunderstorms for several days, with large hail, damaging winds, and several tornadoes.

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before the first event, 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 the first event at May 1, 5:45 PM CST, 50 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, May 1, 5:45 PM CST, 50 minutes before

AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BIRMINGHAM AL
645 PM CDT FRI MAY 1 2009

.UPDATE...AVIATION DISCUSSION.

&&

.DISCUSSION...

THE CONVECTIVE SYSTEM OVER NORTHEAST ALABAMA HAS FINALLY
DIMINISHED AND EXITED THE STATE THIS AFTERNOON. ANOTHER MESOSCALE
SYSTEM IS CURRENTLY ONGOING IN CENTRAL TENNESSEE AND HAS BEEN
SHOWING SOME PROPAGATION TOWARDS THE SOUTH AS NEW STORMS DEVELOP
ON THE OUTFLOW. TEMPERATURES THIS AFTERNOON ARE RANGING FROM THE
RAIN COOLED 60S IN THE NORTHEAST TO THE LOWER AND MID 80S IN THE
SOUTH. SCATTERED DIURNAL SHOWERS HAVE DEVELOPED IN THE WARMER
AREAS AND SHOULD BE ONGOING UNTIL SUNSET.

A FRONTAL BOUNDARY WILL REMAIN OFF TO THE NORTH AND WEST OF
ALABAMA THROUGH THE WEEKEND. UPPER FLOW WILL REMAIN ZONAL THROUGH
SATURDAY KEEPING THE MAIN FOCUS OF SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS NORTH
OF THE AREA. ONLY CONCERN WOULD BE DEVELOPING MESOSCALE CONVECTIVE
SYSTEMS PUSHING AN OUTFLOW INTO THE AREA...AFFECTING PRIMARILY THE
NORTHERN COUNTIES. SOME ADDITIONAL DIURNAL ACTIVITY WOULD ALSO BE
POSSIBLE IN THE SOUTH.

BIGGEST CHANGE TO THE FORECAST WILL BE SUNDAY NIGHT THROUGH THE
EARLY PART OF NEXT WEEK. THE 12Z MODELS HAVE BECOME MORE ROBUST
WITH THE APPROACHING SHORTWAVE SUNDAY EVENING. BY MONDAY MORNING
THE FRONTAL BOUNDARY THAT HAD BEEN STALLED TO OUR NORTH WILL BEGIN
PUSHING INTO WEST CENTRAL ALABAMA. SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS
SHOULD BE NUMEROUS ACROSS THE NORTHWESTERN HALF OF THE STATE BY
NOON MONDAY.

CONFIDENCE DROPS ON WHEN THE FRONT WILL PUSH THROUGH...IF IT
PUSHES THROUGH AT ALL. THERE IS A CHANCE THE FRONT COULD GET HUNG
UP OVER SOUTH-CENTRAL OR SOUTHEAST ALABAMA AND EVENTUALLY WASH OUT
BY MID WEEK. THIS DUE TO THE RIDGING OFF THE SOUTHEAST COAST
REMAINING STRONG ENOUGH TO DEFLECT THE SHORTWAVE NORTHEAST AND
PREVENT THE FRONT FROM PUSHING THROUGH. AS A RESULT SCATTERED SHOWERS
AND THUNDERSTORMS WOULD REMAIN IN THE FORECAST UNTIL ANOTHER
SHORTWAVE CLEARS THE AREA LATE IN THE WEEK.

TEMPERATURES THROUGH THE FORECAST WILL BE NEAR 80 IN THE
AFTERNOONS AND LOW TO MID 60S AT NIGHT. DEPENDING ON THE AMOUNT OF
CLOUD COVER AND SHOWER ACTIVITY MONDAY...MANY AREAS MAY REMAIN IN THE
70S FOR AFTERNOON HIGHS ON THAT DAY.

&&

.AVIATION...00Z TAF DISCUSSION.

QUITE A BIT OF THUNDERSTORM ACTIVITY OCCURRING ACROSS NORTHERN
ALABAMA THIS EVENING. HOWEVER...MOST OF THIS ACTIVITY WILL REMAIN
AWAY FROM OUR NORTHERN TAF SITES WITH THE EXCEPTION OF ANB WHERE
STORMS COULD APPROACH ITS VICINITY. THE ONLY PROBLEM EXPECTED
TONIGHT ACROSS ALL SITES WILL BE LOW CLOUDS. THEY ARE EXPECTED TO
DEVELOP AT AROUND 10Z AND REMAIN AS LATE AS 17Z. BY 18Z...MOST AREAS
SHOULD BE BACK TO VFR CONDITIONS.

10/ARM

&&

.BMX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...NONE.

&&

Hazardous weather outlook, May 1, 12:00 PM CST, 6 hours 35 minutes before

HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BIRMINGHAM AL
100 PM CDT FRI MAY 1 2009

ALZ011>015-017>050-021130-
AUTAUGA-BARBOUR-BIBB-BLOUNT-BULLOCK-CALHOUN-CHAMBERS-CHEROKEE-
CHILTON-CLAY-CLEBURNE-COOSA-DALLAS-ELMORE-ETOWAH-FAYETTE-GREENE-HALE-
JEFFERSON-LAMAR-LEE-LOWNDES-MACON-MARENGO-MARION-MONTGOMERY-PERRY-
PICKENS-PIKE-RANDOLPH-RUSSELL-SHELBY-ST CLAIR-SUMTER-TALLADEGA-
TALLAPOOSA-TUSCALOOSA-WALKER-WINSTON-
100 PM CDT FRI MAY 1 2009

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR THE COUNTIES SERVED BY THE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE OFFICE IN BIRMINGHAM.

.DAY ONE...THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT.

ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS...CAPABLE OF PRODUCING FREQUENT
LIGHTNING...SMALL HAIL...AND WIND GUSTS OVER 30 MPH...WILL BE
POSSIBLE OVER NORTHWEST AND NORTHEAST ALABAMA THROUGH 8 PM.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...SATURDAY THROUGH THURSDAY.

SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS WILL BE POSSIBLE ON MONDAY.  THE MAIN THREAT
SHOULD BE LARGE HAIL AND DAMAGING WINDS.

NO OTHER HAZARDOUS WEATHER IS EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

ACTIVATION OF STORM SPOTTERS AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT IS NOT
ANTICIPATED AT THIS TIME.

03

In the hours before

Special weather statement, May 1, 5:37 PM CST, 58 minutes before

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BIRMINGHAM AL
637 PM CDT FRI MAY 1 2009

ALZ017-018-020015-
BLOUNT-ETOWAH-
637 PM CDT FRI MAY 1 2009

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ALERT FOR BLOUNT AND ETOWAH COUNTIES UNTIL 715
PM CDT...

AT 635 PM CDT...THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IS TRACKING STRONG
THUNDERSTORMS ALONG A LINE EXTENDING FROM 5 MILES NORTHWEST OF TABOR
ROAD TO STRAWBERRY...OR ALONG A LINE EXTENDING FROM 15 MILES EAST OF
BOAZ TO 8 MILES SOUTH OF ARAB...MOVING EAST-SOUTHEAST AT 30 MPH.

PEA SIZE HAIL AND WINDS UP TO 40 MPH ARE EXPECTED WITH THESE STORMS.

* LOCATIONS IN OR NEAR THE PATH INCLUDE...
  STRAWBERRY.
  BROOKSVILLE.
  SARDIS CITY.
  SNEAD.
  WILSONIA.
  WALNUT GROVE.

STAY TUNED TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO...COMMERCIAL RADIO...OR YOUR LOCAL
TELEVISION STATIONS FOR LATER STATEMENTS AND POSSIBLE WARNINGS
CONCERNING THIS WEATHER SITUATION.

KSL

Special weather statement, May 1, 6:15 PM CST, 20 minutes before

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BIRMINGHAM AL
715 PM CDT FRI MAY 1 2009

ALZ017-020100-
BLOUNT-
715 PM CDT FRI MAY 1 2009

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ALERT FOR BLOUNT COUNTY UNTIL 800 PM CDT...

AT 714 PM CDT...THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IS TRACKING A STRONG
THUNDERSTORM NEAR STRAWBERRY...OR 6 MILES SOUTH OF ARAB...MOVING EAST
AT 25 MPH.

PEA SIZE HAIL AND WINDS UP TO 40 MPH ARE EXPECTED WITH THIS STORM.

* LOCATIONS IN OR NEAR THE PATH INCLUDE...
  STRAWBERRY.
  BROOKSVILLE.
  SUSAN MOORE.
  MCLARTY.

STAY TUNED TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO...COMMERCIAL RADIO...OR YOUR LOCAL
TELEVISION STATIONS FOR LATER STATEMENTS AND POSSIBLE WARNINGS
CONCERNING THIS WEATHER SITUATION.

KSL

The radar

The Northeast Alabama radar (KHTX), 104 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 00:35 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

39 thunderstorm wind, 16 hail, 7 tornado. Local standard time, as filed.

Hail, Etowah

When: May 1, 6:35 PM CST
Where: Etowah County, 3.18 mi ENE of Ord
Measured: 2 in hail
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 34.000, -85.930

Hail, Calhoun

When: May 1, 7:03 PM CST
Where: Calhoun County, 1.38 mi N of Maxwellborn
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 33.890, -85.720

Thunderstorm Wind, Marion

When: May 2, 1:50 PM CST
Where: Marion County, 1 mi NNW of Hamilton
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $500
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.143, -87.989

Two trees were blown down on the east side of Hamilton.

Hail, Marion

When: May 2, 2:42 PM CST
Where: Marion County, 1.55 mi NE of Pearces Mill
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 34.138, -87.813

Hail, Lamar

When: May 2, 4:02 PM CST
Where: Lamar County, 2.12 mi NE of Molloy
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 33.748, -88.170

Hail, Lamar

When: May 2, 4:08 PM CST
Where: Lamar County, 2.76 mi S of Molloy
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 33.690, -88.200

Tornado, Fayette

When: May 2, 4:20 PM CST
Where: Fayette County, 2.56 mi N of Covin
Rating: EF0
Path length: 0.05 mi
Path width: 30 yd
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 33.717, -87.879

A brief tornado touchdown was reported by two law enforcement officers in a wooded area near the intersection of AL-18 and AL-107, just northwest of the city of Fayette. A subsequent survey of the area by county officials revealed very little damage.

Tornado, Lamar

When: May 2, 4:27 PM CST to 4:31 PM CST
Where: Lamar County, 2.08 mi SSE of Hightogy to 0.23 mi SE of Kingville
Rating: EF0
Path length: 2.52 mi
Path width: 50 yd
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 33.671, -88.090

The tornado touched down along AL-17 just south of the Hightogy Community. It then traveled east-northeast, and lifted after it crossed CR-20 near Wright Road. The damage path was mainly confined to wooded areas. Several trees were snapped off along the path and a few roadways were temporarily impassable.

Hail, Lamar

When: May 2, 4:42 PM CST
Where: Lamar County, 3.73 mi SSE of Kingville
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 33.633, -88.017

Hail, Fayette

When: May 2, 5:41 PM CST
Where: Fayette County, 2.84 mi SSE of Bankston
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 33.633, -87.660

Hail, Fayette

When: May 2, 5:47 PM CST
Where: Fayette County, 0.79 mi NNW of Berry
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 33.660, -87.607

Thunderstorm Wind, Walker

When: May 2, 6:39 PM CST
Where: Walker County, 0.89 mi ENE of Bradleytown
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: County Official
Coordinates: 33.736, -87.266

Several trees were blown down on AL-269, near Parrish.

Thunderstorm Wind, Sumter

When: May 3, 11:51 AM CST
Where: Sumter County, 7.19 mi SSW of Siloam
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 32.333, -88.314

Several trees were blown down in the Kinterbish Community.

Thunderstorm Wind, Sumter

When: May 3, 11:55 AM CST
Where: Sumter County, 0.9 mi NE of Cuba
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $3,000
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates: 32.440, -88.370

Several trees were blown down in Cuba.

Hail, Bibb

When: May 3, 11:57 AM CST
Where: Bibb County, 0.46 mi NNW of Giles
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 33.206, -87.153

Thunderstorm Wind, Marengo

When: May 3, 12:11 PM CST
Where: Marengo County, 0.69 mi N of Linden
Measured: 60 kt (69 mph) estimated gust
Injuries: 1 direct, 0 indirect
Property damage: $50,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 32.310, -87.800

Hundreds of trees were blown down throughout Marengo County, including near Linden. One tractor trailer was blown over on US-80. The driver suffered minor injuries. At least 2 homes in Linden were damaged by fallen trees.

Thunderstorm Wind, Greene

When: May 3, 12:20 PM CST
Where: Greene County, 6.64 mi SSE of Forkland
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 32.560, -87.840

A few trees were blown down along the river, between Forkland and Demopolis.

Tornado, Hale

When: May 3, 12:32 PM CST
Where: Hale County, 1.77 mi SW of Newbern
Rating: EF1
Path length: 0.05 mi
Path width: 50 yd
Property damage: $75,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 32.561, -87.551

A brief tornado touched down along CR-10 west of AL-61, which is south southwest of Newbern in the Sunshine Community. The roof and metal siding was completely taken off one barn, and partially off another. Another cinder block building on the farm sustained roof damage. A few trees were blown down along the short path.

Thunderstorm Wind, Hale

When: May 3, 12:36 PM CST
Where: Hale County, 0.97 mi WNW of Greensboro
Measured: 60 kt (69 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $100,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 32.704, -87.596

Numerous trees and power lines were blown down across Hale County, including around Greensboro. A total of 9 homes were damaged by fallen trees, including 5 homes in the Faunsdale area. One mobile home had its roof torn off.

Hail, Jefferson

When: May 3, 12:45 PM CST
Where: Jefferson County, 2.3 mi S of Vestavia Hills
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 33.367, -86.778

Tornado, Shelby

When: May 3, 12:54 PM CST to 12:57 PM CST
Where: Shelby County, 5.83 mi NE of Quito to 5.23 mi WSW of Dunavant
Rating: EF0
Path length: 2.6 mi
Path width: 200 yd
Property damage: $120,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 33.437, -86.676

The tornado touched down near Ashington Drive, in the Brook Highland area, just southwest of Lake Purdy. It then moved east-northeast, across AL-119, and into the Greystone area. Numerous trees were uprooted along the path. At least 20 homes suffered minor roof damage, mainly the loss of shingles. Other damage was limited to uprooted and snapped trees, especially on the Greystone golf course. The course was closed for a day due to clean up.

Thunderstorm Wind, Perry

When: May 3, 12:55 PM CST
Where: Perry County, Marion
Measured: 60 kt (69 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $100,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 32.630, -87.320

Thousands of trees were blown down across Perry County.

Thunderstorm Wind, Shelby

When: May 3, 12:56 PM CST
Where: Shelby County, 1.15 mi W of Quito
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $25,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 33.380, -86.770

Trees were blown down on Stevens Hill Circle, Riverchase Trace, and Old Rocky Ridge Road, in Hoover. Large tents and portable restrooms were blown down at Spain Park.

Hail, Shelby

When: May 3, 1:01 PM CST
Where: Shelby County, 0.58 mi W of Argyle
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 33.330, -86.640

Tornado, Shelby

When: May 3, 1:03 PM CST to 1:05 PM CST
Where: Shelby County, 1.43 mi WNW of Dunavant to 1.33 mi N of Dunavant
Rating: EF1
Path length: 1.43 mi
Path width: 300 yd
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 33.491, -86.571

The tornado touched down along CR-470 west of Dunavant. It then moved northeastward, and lifted just after it crossed AL-25 just north of Dunavant. Numerous trees were snapped off and uprooted along the path.

Hail, Shelby

When: May 3, 1:05 PM CST
Where: Shelby County, 6.65 mi WSW of Dunavant
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 33.434, -86.651

Hail up to the size of nickels covered the ground at Greystone Legacy Country Club.

Thunderstorm Wind, Bibb

When: May 3, 1:15 PM CST
Where: Bibb County, 1.35 mi ESE of Lawley
Measured: 60 kt (69 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 32.860, -86.950

Numerous trees were blown down across the southern portion of Bibb County, and many roadways were blocked as a result.

Tornado, St. Clair

When: May 3, 1:15 PM CST to 1:16 PM CST
Where: St. Clair County, 2.04 mi SSW of Prescott to 1.79 mi SSE of Prescott
Rating: EF1
Path length: 0.95 mi
Path width: 100 yd
Property damage: $60,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 33.541, -86.459

A brief tornado touched down near the intersection of Sequoyah Road and Cherokee Road, near the Stewarts Crossroads Community. Several trees were blown down along the short path. At least 10 homes suffered minor to moderate damage associated with the fallen trees.

Thunderstorm Wind, St. Clair

When: May 3, 1:19 PM CST
Where: St. Clair County, 1.13 mi NNW of Acmar
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 33.616, -86.456

Several trees were blown down at several locations around the city of Moody.

Hail, Shelby

When: May 3, 1:19 PM CST
Where: Shelby County, 0.58 mi E of Vandiver
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 33.470, -86.510

Hail up to the size of quarters covered the ground in Vandiver.

Hail, Chilton

When: May 3, 1:20 PM CST
Where: Chilton County, 0.69 mi N of Maplesville
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 32.790, -86.880

Thunderstorm Wind, Chilton

When: May 3, 1:20 PM CST
Where: Chilton County, 0.25 mi ENE of Maplesville
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $50,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 32.782, -86.876

Trees and power lines were blown down around Maplesville. At least three homes and two mobile homes were damaged by the fallen trees. Fallen trees blocked the railroad tracks. Several outbuildings suffered varying degrees of roof damage.

Hail, Shelby

When: May 3, 1:23 PM CST
Where: Shelby County, Sterrett to 0.36 mi SSW of Sterrett
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 33.450, -86.480

Hail up to the size of nickels covered the ground, near Sterrett.

Tornado, St. Clair

When: May 3, 1:27 PM CST to 1:47 PM CST
Where: St. Clair County, 3.68 mi NW of New London to 4.65 mi NNE of Riverside
Rating: EF1
Path length: 16.57 mi
Path width: 800 yd
Property damage: $100,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 33.522, -86.410

The tornado touched down in Pleasant Grove along CR-27. It then tracked northeastward and generally paralleled CR-27 and Wolf Creek. The tornado crossed Interstate 20 near the intersection of US-231 in Pell City, and continued northeastward all the way to the Coosa River just beyond the River Ranch Road Community. Numerous trees and power poles were snapped off along the path. Many fallen trees and power poles landed on homes and outbuildings.

Thunderstorm Wind, Chilton

When: May 3, 1:33 PM CST
Where: Chilton County, 0.9 mi SW of Clanton Gragg Arpt
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 32.840, -86.630

Several trees were blown down in the city of Clanton. At least one home was damaged by fallen trees.

Thunderstorm Wind, Chilton

When: May 3, 1:33 PM CST
Where: Chilton County, 0.69 mi N of Jemison
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $60,000
Reported by: NWS Employee
Coordinates: 32.960, -86.750

Several trees were snapped off along Interstate 65, between mile markers 219 and 212, and several more were blown down within the city of Jemison. An old store front was blown over in downtown Jemison. Four buildings suffered damage. At least 3 vehicles were damaged by fallen trees. The railroad tracks were blocked for several hours. The fence around the baseball field at Jemison High School was blown down.

Hail, St. Clair

When: May 3, 1:37 PM CST
Where: St. Clair County, 0.69 mi N of Cropwell
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 33.560, -86.270

Thunderstorm Wind, Chilton

When: May 3, 1:37 PM CST
Where: Chilton County, 0.58 mi E of Thorsby
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 32.920, -86.710

A large tree was blown down in the city of Thorsby.

Thunderstorm Wind, Shelby

When: May 3, 1:40 PM CST
Where: Shelby County, 1.38 mi S of Lay Lake
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $60,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 33.080, -86.520

Hundreds of trees were snapped off at CR-71 and South River Road, near Lacoosa Marina. At least 3 homes were damaged by the fallen trees. Several campers also suffered minor damage. A roof was blown off a dry storage boat house, and several other outbuildings were damaged.

Thunderstorm Wind, Lowndes

When: May 3, 1:43 PM CST
Where: Lowndes County, 0.8 mi NE of Barton
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 32.307, -86.819

Several trees were blown down in the Benton Community.

Thunderstorm Wind, Autauga

When: May 3, 1:47 PM CST
Where: Autauga County, 0.58 mi E of Booth
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 32.500, -86.570

Several trees were blown down across Autauga County.

Thunderstorm Wind, Coosa

When: May 3, 1:47 PM CST
Where: Coosa County, 0.69 mi S of Marble Vly
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 33.040, -86.450

Several trees were blown down in the northwest portion of Coosa County.

Thunderstorm Wind, Lowndes

When: May 3, 1:48 PM CST
Where: Lowndes County, 1.17 mi E of Hayneville
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 32.180, -86.580

Numerous trees were blown down across Lowndes County. Many of the fallen trees blocked roadways. A few trees fell on vehicles and homes.

Thunderstorm Wind, Shelby

When: May 3, 1:50 PM CST
Where: Shelby County, Columbiana
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 33.180, -86.600

Several trees were blown down in Columbiana.

Thunderstorm Wind, St. Clair

When: May 3, 1:55 PM CST
Where: St. Clair County, 0.96 mi NE of Eden
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $3,000
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 33.590, -86.309

Several trees were blown down in the Eden Community, near Pell City.

Thunderstorm Wind, Talladega

When: May 3, 2:04 PM CST
Where: Talladega County, 0.58 mi WSW of Sylacauga
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $30,000
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 33.166, -86.259

Numerous trees were blown down and uprooted around Sylacauga. The volunteer fire department suffered roof damage. A few homes and mobile homes were damaged by the fallen trees.

Thunderstorm Wind, Talladega

When: May 3, 2:04 PM CST
Where: Talladega County, 1.7 mi NW of Mignon
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates: 33.194, -86.274

Several trees were blown down on Old Sylacauga Highway and Odens Mill Road, north of Sylacauga.

Thunderstorm Wind, Elmore

When: May 3, 2:08 PM CST
Where: Elmore County, 0.69 mi N of Cobbs Ford
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $3,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 32.540, -86.320

Several trees and power lines were blown down in Elmore.

Thunderstorm Wind, Elmore

When: May 3, 2:08 PM CST
Where: Elmore County, 0.45 mi E of Millbrook
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $6,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 32.481, -86.362

Several trees and power lines were blown down in Millbrook. Some of the fallen trees blocked roads, and one tree fell onto a home causing minor damage.

Thunderstorm Wind, Montgomery

When: May 3, 2:10 PM CST
Where: Montgomery County, 1.62 mi N of Mitylene
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 32.403, -86.178

Several trees were blown down near Lakeview Drive, on the northeast side of Montgomery.

Thunderstorm Wind, Montgomery

When: May 3, 2:10 PM CST
Where: Montgomery County, 0.21 mi SSW of Mitylene
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 32.377, -86.182

The soccer field bleachers at the Auburn University at Montgomery were blown over.

Thunderstorm Wind, Montgomery

When: May 3, 2:15 PM CST
Where: Montgomery County, 0.45 mi ESE of Pinedale
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 32.297, -86.223

A large tree was blown down on Woodley Circle, on the southeast side of Montgomery.

Thunderstorm Wind, Elmore

When: May 3, 2:20 PM CST
Where: Elmore County, 1.35 mi ESE of Wetumpka
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 32.540, -86.200

Trees and power lines were blown down in several locations around Elmore County, including Wetumpka. A few vehicles were damaged by the fallen trees.

Thunderstorm Wind, Clay

When: May 3, 2:32 PM CST
Where: Clay County, 0.84 mi ENE of Ashland
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 33.275, -85.837

Several trees were blown down across Clay County. At least one structure suffered unspecified wind damage.

Thunderstorm Wind, Talladega

When: May 3, 2:34 PM CST
Where: Talladega County, 1.61 mi SE of Lincoln
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 33.603, -86.101

Power lines were blown down on Cricket Lane, in Lincoln.

Thunderstorm Wind, Calhoun

When: May 3, 2:40 PM CST
Where: Calhoun County, 2 mi SE of Ladiga
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 33.952, -85.573

A small portable metal shed was destroyed and blown across US-278 into the parking lot of a nearby gas station. A few trees were blown down, and a few homes suffered shingle damage.

Thunderstorm Wind, Tallapoosa

When: May 3, 2:46 PM CST
Where: Tallapoosa County, 1.16 mi W of Dadeville
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $50,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 32.830, -85.770

Trees were blown down at several locations around Tallapoosa County, at least one of which landed on and badly damaged a house.

Thunderstorm Wind, Macon

When: May 3, 2:55 PM CST
Where: Macon County, 0.9 mi NW of Tuskegee
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $15,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 32.440, -85.710

Trees were blown down at several locations across Macon County. At least one home was damaged by the fallen trees. At least one vehicle was damaged, and many roadways were blocked.

Thunderstorm Wind, Lee

When: May 3, 3:15 PM CST
Where: Lee County, 2.15 mi SSW of Auburn
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $50,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 32.590, -85.480

Trees and power lines were blown down at several locations across Lee County. A church roof sustained moderate damage, and a parking deck had minor roof damage. A large tree fell onto a county bucket truck, and damaged the county garage shop.

Thunderstorm Wind, Lee

When: May 3, 3:21 PM CST
Where: Lee County, 0.58 mi W of Opelika
Measured: 53 kt (61 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 32.650, -85.380

The East Alabama Medical Center recorded a peak wind gust of 61 mph.

Thunderstorm Wind, Chambers

When: May 3, 3:22 PM CST
Where: Chambers County, 1.16 mi W of Lafayette
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 32.900, -85.400

Trees were blown down at several locations around Chambers County. A few vehicles were damaged by the fallen trees.

Thunderstorm Wind, Randolph

When: May 3, 3:30 PM CST
Where: Randolph County, 1.16 mi W of Roanoke
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $30,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 33.150, -85.370

Several trees were blown down and caused power outages. The fallen trees damaged several buildings and vehicles. Several outbuildings and barns also suffered damage.

What these are

Hail: Hail three-quarters of an inch or larger, or smaller hail that caused damage, filed with the largest stone measured.
Thunderstorm Wind: Winds from a thunderstorm of 50 knots (58 mph) or more, or lower winds that caused damage or casualties. Measured gusts are marked MG, estimated EG.
Tornado: A violently rotating column of air in contact with the ground and extending from a thunderstorm, filed with its path, width and Fujita or Enhanced Fujita rating from the damage survey.

After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in Alabama in 2009 Every state in 2009 This day in weather history The tornado archive for Alabama, 2009 Warnings in Alabama, May 2009

Sources

NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 174966, 174965, 174969, 174971, 174972, 174973, 174974, 174975, 174976, 174977, 174978, 174979, 174980, 174984, 174981, 174982, 174983, 174985, 174986, 174987, 174988, 175005, 175008, 175010, 175018, 175021, 175022, 175026, 175027, 175028, 175029, 175030, 175032, 175033, 175387, 175388, 175389, 175390, 175391, 175392, and more.