Tornadoes and Flash Flooding in Alabama, April 24, 2010

Name: Tornadoes and Flash Flooding in Alabama, April 24, 2010
Start: 2010-04-24T03:44
End: 2010-04-24T23:53
Location: Alabama

April 24, 2010 · NWS BMX · 47 events in 19 counties and zones

A deepening storm system and associated cold front brought widespread severe thunderstorms, including at least 8 tornadoes, to central Alabama.

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: 2
Injuries: 2
Property damage: $1.5 million
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 47

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 deepening storm system and associated cold front brought widespread severe thunderstorms, including at least 8 tornadoes, to central Alabama.

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 Apr 24, 3:20 AM CST, 24 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Apr 24, 3:20 AM CST, 24 minutes before

AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BIRMINGHAM AL
420 AM CDT SAT APR 24 2010

..DANGEROUS SEVERE WEATHER OUTBREAK EXPECTED ON SATURDAY...

.SHORT TERM...TODAY THROUGH SUNDAY.

SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS ARE ONGOING THIS MORNING ACROSS CENTRAL
ALABAMA...WITH ADDITIONAL REDEVELOPMENT EXPECTED LATER THIS MORNING
AND LASTING THROUGH MUCH OF TONIGHT. ALMOST ALL OF CENTRAL ALABAMA
IS IN A MODERATE RISK TODAY...WITH A LARGE PORTION OF CENTRAL AND
WESTERN LOCATIONS IN A HIGH RISK.

A SURFACE LOW WILL RAPIDLY STRENGTHEN TO OUR WEST TODAY AS IT MOVES
NORTHEAST OUT OF TEXAS TOWARD THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER VALLEY. THIS
WILL PUT CENTRAL ALABAMA IN A PRIME LOCATION FOR LONG LIVED
SUPERCELL THUNDERSTORMS AND TORNADOES...ESPECIALLY BY MIDDAY AS THE
AIRMASS ACROSS THE AREA BECOME INCREASINGLY UNSTABLE. IN
ADDITION...AS THE LOW STRENGTHENS...WINDS WILL BE RATHER GUSTY FROM
THE SOUTH TODAY AND A WIND ADVISORY WILL BE NECESSARY FOR ALL
COUNTIES BEGINNING AT 9 AM.

A MESOSCALE DISCUSSION WITH DETAILS ON TODAY AND TONIGHT WILL BE OUT
SOON. CONTINUE TO CHECK OUR HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK AND SHORT
TERM PRODUCTS /GRAPHICASTS/ FOR UPDATES THROUGH THE DAY.

.LONG TERM...MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY.

CLOSED LOW WILL ROTATE ACROSS THE OHIO RIVER VALLEY MONDAY AS IT
SLOWLY WEAKENS. WEAK ENERGY ROTATING AROUND THE BASE OF THE LOW WILL
INCREASE CLOUD COVER ACROSS THE NORTH MONDAY. COULD BRING SOME LIGHT
RAIN AS WELL...BUT FOR NOW WILL NOT MENTION ANY WX. CLOSED
LOW WILL MOVE OFF THE ATLANTIC COAST AND BE ABSORBED BY LONGWAVE
TROUGH. A SHORT WAVE WILL WORK ITS WAY SOUTHEASTWARD ON THE BACK
SIDE OF THE TROUGH TUESDAY. WILL CARRY AN INCREASE IN CLOUD
COVER...BUT FEATURE SHOULD NOT HAVE ENOUGH MOISTURE WITH IT TO
WARRANT POPS.

RIDGING BUILDS ACROSS MUCH OF THE CENTRAL AND EASTERN CONUS FOR THE
REMAINDER OF NEXT WEEK. RIGHT NOW...THE NEXT WEATHER SYSTEM WILL
AFFECT THE AREA NEXT WEEKEND.

SLIGHTLY COOLER TEMPS EXPECTED FOR THE FIRST HALF OF THE WEEK...WITH
HIGHS IN THE 70S. NEAR OR SLIGHTLY ABOVE NORMAL TEMPS RETURN FOR THE
END OF THE WEEK.

14

&&

.AVIATION...06Z TAF DISCUSSION.

ON AND OFF THUNDERSTORMS ARE EXPECTED TO AFFECT MOST OF THE TAF
SITES THE REST OF TONIGHT. COVERAGE IS EXPECTED TO INCREASE
RAPIDLY SATURDAY MORNING AND BECOME EVEN MORE NUMEROUS IN THE
AFTERNOON AND EARLY EVENING.

IN ADDITION TO THESE STORMS...IFR TO MVFR CEILINGS ARE EXPECTED
THROUGH THE NIGHT AND EARLY EVENING. CONDITIONS ARE NOT EXPECTED
TO IMPROVE MUCH DURING THE DAY TOMORROW OTHER THAN SOME BRIEF
PERIODS OF SUNSHINE WHICH WOULD LEAD TO MORE THUNDERSTORMS.

CONDITIONS MAY RETURN TO VFR AFTER 06Z TOMORROW WHICH IS OUT OF
THE SCOPE OF THIS FORECAST.

10/ARM

&&

.PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS...
GADSDEN     73  58  76  55  70 / 100  90  10  10  10
ANNISTON    74  62  79  57  73 / 100  90  10  10  10
BIRMINGHAM  75  59  79  57  73 / 100  80  10  10  10
TUSCALOOSA  77  60  80  55  75 / 100  60  10  10  10
CALERA      75  62  79  57  74 / 100  80  10  10  10
AUBURN      74  60  78  55  72 / 100  80  20  10  10
MONTGOMERY  79  63  81  57  77 / 100  80  10  10  10
TROY        78  63  81  55  77 / 100  80  20  10  10

&&

.BMX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
WIND ADVISORY FROM 9 AM THIS MORNING TO MIDNIGHT CDT TONIGHT FOR
THE FOLLOWING COUNTIES: 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.

&&

Hazardous weather outlook, Apr 23, 7:14 PM CST, 8 hours 30 minutes before

HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BIRMINGHAM AL
814 PM CDT FRI APR 23 2010

ALZ011>015-017>050-250115-
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-
814 PM CDT FRI APR 23 2010

...MODERATE RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS AND TORNADOES ON SATURDAY...

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

.DAY ONE...TONIGHT.

STRONG STORMS WITH GUSTY WINDS AND SMALLER HAIL ARE POSSIBLE
THROUGH MIDNIGHT...MAINLY ALONG AND NORTH OF A LINE EXTENDING FROM
WHITE HALL...ALEXANDER CITY AND ROANOKE.

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

SATURDAY MORNING THROUGH SATURDAY NIGHT....ALL MODES OF SEVERE
WEATHER WILL BE POSSIBLE...INCLUDING TORNADOES...DAMAGING WIND...
LARGE HAIL...AND LOCALIZED FLOODING. ALTHOUGH ISOLATED SEVERE STORMS
WILL BE POSSIBLE BY 7 AM SATURDAY MORNING IN WESTERN ALABAMA...THE
GREATEST RISK APPEARS TO BE LATE SATURDAY MORNING INTO SATURDAY
EVENING ACROSS ALL OF CENTRAL ALABAMA. THE THREAT SHOULD END BY
MIDNIGHT FOR OUR EASTERN COUNTIES.

THIS HAS THE POTENTIAL TO BE A MAJOR TORNADO OUTBREAK WITH LONG-
TRACK TORNADOES ACROSS ALL OF CENTRAL ALABAMA. THERE WILL BE THE
THREAT OF ANY TORNADO THAT FORMS TO BE RAIN-WRAPPED...WHICH MEANS IT
COULD BE VERY DIFFICULT TO SEE...EVEN CLOSE UP. ALL INTERESTS IN
CENTRAL ALABAMA SHOULD MONITOR THE LATEST FORECAST CONCERNING THIS
POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS WEATHER SYSTEM.

BREEZY CONDITIONS CAN BE EXPECTED AHEAD OF THE FRONT SATURDAY AND
BEHIND THE COLD FRONT SUNDAY. SUSTAINED WINDS WILL BE BETWEEN 10 AND
20 MPH.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

ACTIVATION OF STORM SPOTTERS AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT WILL BE LIKELY
ON SATURDAY. THE POTENTIAL EXISTS FOR A TORNADO WATCH SOMETIME
SATURDAY.

In the hours before

Special weather statement, Apr 24, 12:47 AM CST, 2 hours 57 minutes before

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BIRMINGHAM AL
147 AM CDT SAT APR 24 2010

ALZ045-046-048-240730-
BULLOCK-MACON-RUSSELL-
147 AM CDT SAT APR 24 2010

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ALERT FOR BULLOCK...MACON AND RUSSELL COUNTIES
UNTIL 230 AM CDT...

AT 143 AM CDT...THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IS TRACKING A STRONG
THUNDERSTORM NEAR SHOPTON...OR 12 MILES WEST OF UNION SPRINGS...
MOVING EAST AT 65 MPH.

NICKEL SIZE HAIL AND WINDS UP TO 50 MPH ARE EXPECTED WITH THIS STORM.

* LOCATIONS IN OR NEAR THE PATH INCLUDE...
  SIMSVILLE.
  FRANKLIN FIELD.
  FORT DAVIS.
  DAVISVILLE.
  WARRIORSTAND.
  CREEK STAND.

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

17/KLAWS

Special weather statement, Apr 24, 1:11 AM CST, 2 hours 33 minutes before

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BIRMINGHAM AL
211 AM CDT SAT APR 24 2010

ALZ017-018-024-026-240800-
BLOUNT-ETOWAH-JEFFERSON-ST. CLAIR-
211 AM CDT SAT APR 24 2010

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ALERT FOR BLOUNT...ETOWAH...JEFFERSON AND ST.
CLAIR COUNTIES UNTIL 300 AM CDT...

AT 208 AM CDT...THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IS TRACKING STRONG
THUNDERSTORMS ALONG A LINE EXTENDING FROM SUSAN MOORE TO PINSON...OR
ALONG A LINE EXTENDING FROM 6 MILES NORTHEAST OF ONEONTA TO 6 MILES
EAST OF GARDENDALE...MOVING EAST AT 35 MPH.

WINDS UP TO 50 MPH ARE EXPECTED WITH THESE STORMS.

* LOCATIONS IN OR NEAR THE PATH INCLUDE...
  PALMERDALE.
  WALNUT GROVE.
  SPRINGVILLE.
  HORSE PENS FORTY.
  HOWELTON.
  RIDGEVILLE.

THE GUSTY WINDS WILL BE CAPABLE OF KNOCKING DOWN SMALL TREES...TREE
LIMBS...AND POWERLINES. SEEK SAFE SHELTER UNTIL THE STORM HAS PASSED.

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

17/KLAWS

Special weather statement, Apr 24, 2:22 AM CST, 1 hour 22 minutes before

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BIRMINGHAM AL
322 AM CDT SAT APR 24 2010

ALZ012-022-240845-
LAMAR-PICKENS-
322 AM CDT SAT APR 24 2010

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ALERT FOR LAMAR AND PICKENS COUNTIES UNTIL 345
AM CDT...

AT 320 AM CDT...THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IS TRACKING A STRONG
THUNDERSTORM NEAR NEW HOPE...OR 8 MILES SOUTHEAST OF COLUMBUS...
MOVING NORTHEAST AT 50 MPH.

NICKEL SIZE HAIL AND WINDS UP TO 50 MPH ARE EXPECTED WITH THIS STORM.

* LOCATIONS IN OR NEAR THE PATH INCLUDE...
  FOREST.
  MELBORNE.
  MILLPORT.
  KENNEDY.

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

17/KLAWS

Special weather statement, Apr 24, 2:50 AM CST, 54 minutes before

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BIRMINGHAM AL
350 AM CDT SAT APR 24 2010

ALZ037-038-240915-
CHAMBERS-TALLAPOOSA-
350 AM CDT SAT APR 24 2010

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ALERT FOR CHAMBERS AND TALLAPOOSA COUNTIES
UNTIL 415 AM CDT...

AT 345 AM CDT...THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IS TRACKING A STRONG
THUNDERSTORM NEAR ALEXANDER CITY...MOVING EAST AT 55 MPH.

NICKEL SIZE HAIL AND WINDS UP TO 50 MPH ARE EXPECTED WITH THIS STORM.

* LOCATIONS IN OR NEAR THE PATH INCLUDE...
  HILLABEE CREEK.
  EAGLE CREEK.
  HORSESHOE BEND.
  DAVISTON.
  SPARKLING SPRINGS.
  RED LEVEL.

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

17/KLAWS

Special weather statement, Apr 24, 3:01 AM CST, 43 minutes before

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BIRMINGHAM AL
401 AM CDT SAT APR 24 2010

ALZ037-043-045-047-240930-
ELMORE-LEE-MACON-TALLAPOOSA-
401 AM CDT SAT APR 24 2010

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ALERT FOR ELMORE...LEE...MACON AND TALLAPOOSA
COUNTIES UNTIL 430 AM CDT...

AT 359 AM CDT...THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IS TRACKING A STRONG
THUNDERSTORM 6 MILES WEST OF TALLASSEE...MOVING NORTHEAST AT 55 MPH.

NICKEL SIZE HAIL AND WINDS UP TO 50 MPH ARE EXPECTED WITH THIS STORM.

* LOCATIONS IN OR NEAR THE PATH INCLUDE...
  CLAUD.
  YATES DAM.
  REELTOWN.
  LIBERTY CITY.
  ROXANA.
  LOACHAPOKA.

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

17/KLAWS

Local storm report, Apr 24, 3:03 AM CST, 41 minutes before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BIRMINGHAM AL
403 AM CDT SAT APR 24 2010

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0308 AM     HAIL             ODENVILLE               33.69N 86.40W
04/24/2010  M0.88 INCH       ST. CLAIR          AL   LAW ENFORCEMENT

&&

KLAWS

The radar

The national radar mosaic for the moment the first event began.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

16 hail, 13 thunderstorm wind, 13 tornado, 4 flash flood, 1 lightning. Local standard time, as filed.

Hail, Lee

When: April 24, 3:44 AM CST
Where: Lee County, 2.25 mi ESE of Cawatchee
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 32.663, -85.092

Hail, Randolph

When: April 24, 4:54 AM CST
Where: Randolph County, 1.16 mi W of White
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 33.200, -85.350

Hail, Blount

When: April 24, 6:20 AM CST
Where: Blount County, 0.9 mi SE of Snead
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 34.090, -86.360

Hail, Lamar

When: April 24, 6:30 AM CST
Where: Lamar County, 4.3 mi NNW of Molloy
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 33.790, -88.220

Hail, Etowah

When: April 24, 6:45 AM CST
Where: Etowah County, 2.15 mi NNW of Aurora
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 34.150, -86.190

Hail, Pickens

When: April 24, 6:55 AM CST
Where: Pickens County, 0.36 mi NNE of Palmetto
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 33.485, -87.978

Thunderstorm Wind, Pickens

When: April 24, 7:05 AM CST
Where: Pickens County, 0.58 mi W of Aliceville
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 33.130, -88.160

Several trees were blown down in the city of Aliceville.

Hail, Fayette

When: April 24, 7:20 AM CST
Where: Fayette County, 0.58 mi E of Bankston
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 33.670, -87.670

Thunderstorm Wind, Fayette

When: April 24, 7:20 AM CST
Where: Fayette County, 0.58 mi E of Bankston
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $20,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 33.670, -87.670

A tree fell onto and damaged a car and a business building on AL-18, in the Bankston community.

Hail, Jefferson

When: April 24, 7:25 AM CST
Where: Jefferson County, 0.15 mi NNE of Hopkins
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 33.482, -87.079

Hail, Walker

When: April 24, 8:05 AM CST
Where: Walker County, 0.9 mi NW of Cordova
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 33.760, -87.190

Thunderstorm Wind, Sumter

When: April 24, 9:40 AM CST to 9:50 AM CST
Where: Sumter County, 7.01 mi SSE of Cuba to 0.9 mi ESE of Soctum Hill
Measured: 70 kt (81 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $100,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 32.336, -88.334

A swath of wind damage cut across the southern half of Sumter County, from west of the Ward community, east-northeastward to south of Bellamy. Dozens of trees were snapped and uprooted, many of them blocking roads. One home near CR-10 southeast of Ward received minor roof damage. The driver of a vehicle became trapped by fallen trees near AL-17.

Tornado, Sumter

When: April 24, 9:44 AM CST
Where: Sumter County, 4.6 mi S of Siloam
Rating: EF0
Path length: 0.08 mi
Path width: 30 yd
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates: 32.364, -88.284

A brief tornado touchdown, producing no observable damage, was reported by Fire Department personnel in the Ward community.

Thunderstorm Wind, Marengo

When: April 24, 10:05 AM CST to 10:06 AM CST
Where: Marengo County, 1.08 mi S of Shortleaf to 0.61 mi E of Spocari
Measured: 62 kt (71 mph) measured gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 32.504, -87.849

Several trees and power lines were blown down in and around the city of Demopolis.

Tornado, Marengo

When: April 24, 10:19 AM CST to 10:22 AM CST
Where: Marengo County, 0.67 mi WNW of Demopolis to 1.74 mi N of Spocari
Rating: EF1
Path length: 1.65 mi
Path width: 200 yd
Continued into: Greene, Al (BMX)
Property damage: $110,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 32.525, -87.840

The tornado touched down at the City Landing area of Demopolis, and from there moved on a north-northeast path. At City Landing, at least 20 people witnessed the tornado and ran for shelter. At least 20 vehicles were damaged, many with windows blown out. Tool boxes were ripped off the back of a few trucks and were thrown into other vehicles, and many trees were snapped off in the area. The tornado then crossed US-43 and moved into a rural part of the county, before crossing the Black Warrior River and moving into Greene County.

Tornado, Greene

When: April 24, 10:22 AM CST to 10:32 AM CST
Where: Greene County, 7.95 mi SSE of Forkland to 6.63 mi ESE of Forkland
Rating: EF1
Path length: 5.1 mi
Path width: 200 yd
Continued into: Hale, Al (BMX)
Injuries: 2 direct, 0 indirect
Property damage: $50,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 32.545, -87.825

The tornado that had touched down in Marengo County, near the city of Demopolis, moved into Greene County. On its northeast path, it produced sporadic tree damage, and stayed mostly in forested areas. Just before crossing the Black Warrior River for the second time, it struck the Greene County Steam Plant, where 2 men were injured when they were blown down by the wind. A few small buildings were damaged in the same area, and a tractor trailer rig was blown over and moved at least 40 feet. The tornado then moved into Hale County.

Thunderstorm Wind, Hale

When: April 24, 10:25 AM CST
Where: Hale County, 0.86 mi NNE of Oak Grove
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Storm Chaser
Coordinates: 32.562, -87.676

Two power poles were snapped off, about 2 miles north of the intersection of US-80 and AL-69, in the southern part of Hale County.

Tornado, Hale

When: April 24, 10:32 AM CST to 10:35 AM CST
Where: Hale County, 2.62 mi N of Arcola to 3.72 mi N of Arcola
Rating: EF1
Path length: 1.4 mi
Path width: 200 yd
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 32.607, -87.778

After touching down in Marengo County, and moving across a portion of Greene County, the Demopolis Tornado crossed the Black Warrior River for a second time and moved into Hale County. Within Hale County, the tornado stayed over primarily wooded terrain, and caused sporadic tree damage.

Tornado, Hale

When: April 24, 10:50 AM CST to 11:03 AM CST
Where: Hale County, 4.77 mi NNE of Greensboro to 1.68 mi SW of Hogglesville
Rating: EF0
Path length: 5.83 mi
Path width: 100 yd
Property damage: $60,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 32.763, -87.546

The tornado first touched down about 5 miles northeast of Greensboro, near the intersection of AL-25 and Crawford Road. It then tracked northeastward, roughly parallel to AL-25, for nearly 6 miles, and lifted just north of Starling Road. Three homes sustained minor damage, one barn was destroyed, and metal sheeting was torn off an outbuilding. At least 40 trees were uprooted along the path, some of them blocking portions of AL-25.

Hail, Tuscaloosa

When: April 24, 12:51 PM CST
Where: Tuscaloosa County, 1.88 mi WNW of Vance
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 33.183, -87.258

Thunderstorm Wind, Lamar

When: April 24, 2:05 PM CST
Where: Lamar County, 1.57 mi NE of Crews
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 33.913, -88.107

Several trees were blown down onto US-278, between Sulligent and Beaverton, and blocked all 4 lanes of traffic.

Thunderstorm Wind, Marion

When: April 24, 2:20 PM CST
Where: Marion County, 2.12 mi SSE of Hamilton
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.100, -87.972

Trees were blown down onto a power line on Indian Mound Road, southeast of Hamilton.

Flash Flood, Jefferson

When: April 24, 2:30 PM CST to 4:00 PM CST
Where: Jefferson County, 0.33 mi N of Center Pt to 0.33 mi NNW of Center Pt
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 33.635, -86.680

A portion of Polly Reed Road, in Centerpoint, was temporarily closed due to water flowing over the roadway.

Thunderstorm Wind, Winston

When: April 24, 2:49 PM CST
Where: Winston County, 0.47 mi N of Pebble
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 34.287, -87.551

Several trees were blown down in the Pebble community.

Flash Flood, Marion

When: April 24, 3:03 PM CST to 4:30 PM CST
Where: Marion County, 1.12 mi NNW of Hamilton Arpt to 0.94 mi NNW of Hamilton Arpt
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.145, -88.008

Riverside Drive, in the west side of the city of Hamilton, became temporarily impassable due to flooding.

Hail, Lamar

When: April 24, 3:20 PM CST
Where: Lamar County, 2.63 mi S of Beaverton
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 33.892, -88.025

Tornado, Marion

When: April 24, 3:27 PM CST to 3:38 PM CST
Where: Marion County, 3.01 mi NW of Winfield to 0.1 mi E of Brilliant
Rating: EF0
Path length: 7.15 mi
Path width: 200 yd
Property damage: $105,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 33.949, -87.859

The tornado touched down on US-43 just south of the Gu-Win community. From there it produced a sporadic damage path to the northeast for a little over 7 miles, crossing AL-253, CR-61, US-78, and AL-129, before lifting on the southwest side of Brilliant. Three homes took the brunt of the damage, all located southwest of Brilliant along County Road 47. One home had minor damage due to fallen trees. One of these trees uprooted and flipped a minivan upside down. The second home had minor roof damage and two outbuildings on the property that were destroyed. The third home incurred major structural damage when the windward side of the garage was blown in. There was also an outbuilding that flipped over at the third home location. In total, 40 to 60 hardwood trees were uprooted along the path.

Thunderstorm Wind, Marion

When: April 24, 3:40 PM CST
Where: Marion County, 2.53 mi N of Goldmine
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.067, -87.728

Trees were blown down on CR-46, northeast of Brilliant.

Hail, Pickens

When: April 24, 3:45 PM CST
Where: Pickens County, 1.81 mi SW of Ethelsville
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 33.402, -88.243

Flash Flood, Lamar

When: April 24, 3:45 PM CST to 7:00 PM CST
Where: Lamar County, 2.55 mi NNW of Crews to 0.9 mi NW of Crews
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 33.935, -88.144

Portions of AL-17 and River Road, in the city of Sulligent, had to be temporarily closed due to flash flooding.

Hail, Pickens

When: April 24, 4:00 PM CST
Where: Pickens County, 0.72 mi WNW of Melrose
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 33.405, -88.131

Flash Flood, Winston

When: April 24, 4:00 PM CST to 5:00 PM CST
Where: Winston County, 0.32 mi NW of Haleyville to 0.65 mi NNW of Haleyville
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 34.233, -87.624

A portion of AL-13 near Dime Road, in the city of Haleyville, had to be temporarily closed due to flash flooding.

Tornado, Fayette

When: April 24, 7:06 PM CST to 7:17 PM CST
Where: Fayette County, 4.67 mi S of Bankston to 1.28 mi E of Berry
Rating: EF1
Path length: 6.56 mi
Path width: 200 yd
Property damage: $77,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 33.602, -87.677

The tornado touched down near the intersection of CR-15 and Fulmer Road, just west of US-43. It then tracked northeastward for about 6.5 miles, crossing US-43 and CR-63 on the southern city limits of Berry. Four homes on CR-56 southwest of Berry received minor damage, ranging from shingle damage to garage door blown in. One metal outbuilding was destroyed. Around 50 trees were snapped or uprooted along the path.

Tornado, Fayette

When: April 24, 7:21 PM CST to 7:27 PM CST
Where: Fayette County, 0.82 mi NW of Alta to 2.38 mi NNE of Alta
Rating: EF1
Path length: 2.21 mi
Path width: 400 yd
Continued into: Walker, Al (BMX)
Property damage: $20,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 33.679, -87.539

The tornado touched down in southeastern Fayette County about 4 miles northeast of Berry. It then tracked northeastward through mostly a wooded rural area, before crossing into Walker County. In Fayette County, damage was mainly confined to about 2 dozen trees that were snapped and uprooted.

Hail, Lee

When: April 24, 7:24 PM CST
Where: Lee County, 1.35 mi WNW of Smiths Station
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 32.540, -85.100

Tornado, Walker

When: April 24, 7:27 PM CST to 7:35 PM CST
Where: Walker County, 2.24 mi W of Carona to 1.28 mi N of Carona
Rating: EF1
Path length: 2.38 mi
Path width: 400 yd
Property damage: $55,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 33.700, -87.509

The tornado that first touched down near Berry, in Fayette County, moved into Walker County near where AL-18 crosses Frost Creek. From there it continued its northeast path, and eventually lifted about 5 miles west of Oakman. In Walker County, the tornado blew down a 100 foot radio tower and damaged an adjoining shed. Numerous trees were also snapped or uprooted.

Tornado, Blount

When: April 24, 8:59 PM CST to 9:02 PM CST
Where: Blount County, 1.16 mi NW of Mc Larty to 1.04 mi N of Mc Larty
Rating: EF1
Path length: 0.91 mi
Path width: 200 yd
Continued into: Marshall, Al (HUN)
Property damage: $50,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 34.192, -86.415

The tornado first touched down about 4 miles northeast of Brooksville, and then tracked northeastward. It was on the ground for less than a mile before moving across the county line into Marshall County, just west of the intersection of Panky Lane and Nixon Chapel Road. Within Blount County, two structures were damaged and hundreds of trees were snapped and uprooted. One mobile home was moved off its foundation and also damaged by fallen trees.

Tornado, Walker

When: April 24, 9:01 PM CST to 9:37 PM CST
Where: Walker County, 0.44 mi NW of Bradleytown to 2.5 mi E of Empire
Rating: EF3
Path length: 19.52 mi
Path width: 400 yd
Continued into: Jefferson, Al (BMX)
Deaths: 0 direct, 1 indirect
Property damage: $598,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 33.734, -87.286

This long tracked, strong, tornado first touched down in the Walker County city of Parrish. It then remained on the ground for 54 minutes, traversing nearly 30 miles in three counties. The vast majority of the damage was done in Walker County. In addition to Parrish, heavy damaged occurred in the cities of Cordova, Sumiton, and Empire. Between 70 and 80 homes and other buildings along the path received varying degrees of damage, and at least one home in Parrish was completely destroyed. Somewhere between 800 and 1000 trees were snapped, with a similar number uprooted. While there were no known deaths or injuries directly caused by the tornado, one 50 year old woman died (indirect) after she slipped and fell while going to a storm shelter. The tornado moved into Jefferson County near the intersection of Bankston Road and County Line Road.

Hail, Winston

When: April 24, 9:06 PM CST
Where: Winston County, 0.57 mi W of Nathan
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 34.080, -87.210

Hail, Walker

When: April 24, 9:07 PM CST
Where: Walker County, 0.57 mi N of Calumet
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 33.788, -87.281

Tornado, Jefferson

When: April 24, 9:37 PM CST to 9:49 PM CST
Where: Jefferson County, 0.38 mi W of Corner to 2.34 mi NW of Warrior
Rating: EF1
Path length: 6.86 mi
Path width: 200 yd
Continued into: Blount, Al (BMX)
Property damage: $50,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 33.801, -86.956

After crossing into Jefferson County from Walker County, the Parrish Tornado continued its northeastward path. Damage in Jefferson County primarily consisted of trees that were blown down and snapped. A tree fell into and broke a living room window of a home on Arkadelphia Road, and a large storage shed had its roof torn off.

Tornado, Blount

When: April 24, 9:49 PM CST to 9:55 PM CST
Where: Blount County, 5.16 mi WSW of Hayden to 2.28 mi SW of Hayden
Rating: EF1
Path length: 3.26 mi
Path width: 200 yd
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 33.844, -86.849

After crossing into Blount County from Jefferson County, the Parrish Tornado crossed Interstate 65 near exit 284, and finally lifted southwest of the Hayden community, between the Interstate and McCay Lake. As in Jefferson County, the damage in Blount County primarily consisted of trees that were blown down and snapped.

Thunderstorm Wind, Etowah

When: April 24, 10:42 PM CST
Where: Etowah County, 0.9 mi NW of Gallant
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Deaths: 0 direct, 1 indirect
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.010, -86.260

Trees and power lines were blown down northwest of Gallant and east of Altoona. One 32 year old man was killed (indirect) when the car he was a passenger in struck a tree that had fallen across the road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Bibb

When: April 24, 10:45 PM CST
Where: Bibb County, 1.68 mi SSW of River Bend
Measured: 70 kt (81 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $20,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 33.057, -87.191

Winds estimated around 80 mph uprooted 5 hardwood trees, damaged the roof of a house, and damaged a travel trailer. All this occurred on CR-9, southwest of West Blocton.

Lightning, Barbour

When: April 24, 11:30 PM CST
Where: Barbour County, 4.38 mi W of Eufaula
Property damage: $100,000
Reported by: Newspaper
Coordinates: 31.876, -85.225

A lightning strike led to the complete loss of a home on AL-30, near the city of Eufaula. A resident of the home was able to escape unharmed.

Thunderstorm Wind, Etowah

When: April 24, 11:45 PM CST
Where: Etowah County, 2.46 mi E of Hokes Bluff
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 34.003, -85.827

Trees were blown down onto power lines on Troy Road, east of Hokes Bluff.

Thunderstorm Wind, Cherokee

When: April 24, 11:53 PM CST
Where: Cherokee County, 0.57 mi E of Centre
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $3,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.150, -85.670

Trees were blown down at several locations around the city of Centre.

The people who died

As the offices recorded each death: direct deaths were caused by the weather itself, indirect ones by something it set in motion.

Event	Date	Age	Sex	Where	Kind
Tornado, Walker	2010-04-24	50	Female	Unknown	Indirect
Thunderstorm Wind, Etowah	2010-04-24	32	Male	Vehicle/Towed Trailer	Indirect

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.
Flash Flood: Flooding that begins within six hours of the rain that causes it, or of a dam or levee failure or ice jam release, often with deadly speed.
Lightning: A lightning strike that killed, injured or caused damage.

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

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in Alabama in 2010 Every state in 2010 This day in weather history The tornado archive for Alabama, 2010 Warnings in Alabama, April 2010

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: 225142, 225143, 225145, 225144, 225146, 225148, 225149, 225150, 225151, 225147, 225152, 225153, 225154, 225155, 228029, 228054, 225156, 228071, 225157, 225158, 225159, 225161, 228135, 225160, 228139, 225162, 225164, 225165, 225163, 228143, 225166, 228148, 225167, 225168, 225169, 228100, 225170, 228117, 225171, 225172, and more.