Tornadoes and Hail in Alabama, April 27, 2011

A tornado of EF-1 intensity produced peak wind speeds up to 110 mph. The tornado touched down along County Road 90, 1 mile north-northeast of Waterloo. Here, numerous trees were snapped on the hillside along County Roads 90 and 78. Two docks along Second Creek sustained damage.

Just southeast of the intersection of County Roads 90 and 21, 3 residences sustained minor damage. The first home had its windows blown out on the upper floor. The second sustained shingle damage and had the rear wall of a garage blown out. The third had a portion of a garage picked up and thrown over the house about 75 yards. A brick was thrown through the back window of the residence. Numerous trees were snapped immediately to the southeast of this home.

The tornado continued along County Road 90. Near the intersection of Lester Hollow Road, several large/wide trees were snapped off from 8 to 15 feet off the base. To the east along Lester Hollow Road, trees were knocked onto 3 homes. The tornado produced significant tree damage as it progressed northeastward. At the intersection of State Highway 20 and County Road 40, a building had 3 awnings blown off, with one being deposited across Highway 20. The tornado then tracked into a wooded area and moved into Tennessee.

A tornado with an EF-1 intensity produced peak wind speeds up to 90 mph. The tornado touched down 1 mile north of the intersection of County Road 2 and County Road 189 north of Smithsonia. Here, a large storage shed was demolished and a second was partially damaged. The tornado crossed the intersection of County Roads 189 and 221 where a staff member of the Emergency Management Agency for Lauderdale County was injured in his vehicle by broken glass. The tornado continued to the corner of County Roads 189 and 62 where the front end of a church was ripped off and 3 large trees were toppled in different directions.

Adjacent to the church, a residence had exterior damage, where siding was ripped off and thrown approximately 300 yards into a field. Numerous twigs and sticks were driven into the side of the home and several windows were blown out. A 28 foot travel trailer was picked up, toppled and moved approximately 10 feet. Insulation was sucked out of the attic and into the garage, and the water heater in the home was imploded. The tornado then lifted northeast of this residence.

Nickel sized hail was reported.

A weak tornado touched down east of Cold Springs, toppling and snapping numerous trees. Several sheds sustained minor damage in this early part of the track. The storm crossed Highway 69 where it damaged a large shed. Additional damage was noted as the tornado tracked northeast across County Road 46, where trees continued to be snapped and damage sustained to many chicken coops, some of which collapsed. After crossing Interstate 65 just south of Dodge City, additional chicken coops and trees were damaged along the path of the storm.

The tornado then increased in strength as it approached Wallace State College in Hanceville, where winds were estimated to peak at 120 mph (EF-2 intensity). Eight large metal power poles were bent over just above the base and several campus buildings had significant portions of metal roofing torn off. A mid-rise under construction had its windows blown out, while the high-rise building sustained additional minor damage. The connected construction crane remained standing. To the south of the main track, in Hanceville proper, significant numbers of large pine, poplar and other hardwood trees were toppled onto houses. The roof of the high school gym in town was partly destroyed and additional small buildings near downtown Hanceville sustained damage..

The tornado continued its track northeast from Hanceville, nearly paralleling Highway 91. Between Center Hill and Walter, large hardwood trees were found snapped and twisted. In addition along County Road 645, a barn was nearly destroyed. Continuing northeast along a path, just south of Holly Pond along Highway 91, a portion (1/3 to 1/2) of a residential shelter or shed was destroyed and a portion of a chicken house was badly damaged.

Additional damage was seen along County Road 1742 and 1753, several miles northeast of Holly Pond, and along Highway 231 in extreme northeast Cullman county. This damage is considered to be with the same complex of storms that rolled across the area during the early morning hours April 27th, however there is too much distance between damage points to be considered one long track tornado.

This tornado initially touched down northeast of CR 1850 in Cullman county. It snapped numerous hardwood and softwood trees along it's path in this location. The tornado then quickly moved northeast into Marshall county, where it continued it's path into Marshall County.

A tornado of EF-1 intensity with peak wind speeds of 95 mph tracked northeast from Blount County near County Road (CR) 21 (Big Spring Brow Road). The tornado uprooted and snapped numerous large hardwood trees from the Blount/Marshall county line to near the intersection of Cox Gap Road and Highway 64. Just farther northeast, additional trees were uprooted along Fairview Drive and between Nixon Chapel Road and Panky Road where the tornado appeared to broaden/widen its circulation before lifting before Pleasant Grove Road.

As the tornado moved into Marshall county, its peak winds strengthened to around 110 mph, becoming an EF-1 intensity tornado. On Feemster Gap Road a mobile home was rolled over several times. The mobile home hit a tree and fell back on its side with the roof badly damaged and the frame bent. No injuries were sustained at this location, but residents that had been inside the mobile home took shelter in an underground storm shelter minutes before the tornado hit. Other mobile homes nearby only sustained minor damage to the roofs and flashing underneath. Northeast of this, another mobile home was blown several feet from its original location (as noted by the location of its remaining porch). Behind this mobile home, an unanchored outbuilding was rolled several times and numerous large trees were uprooted and snapped in the field behind the home.

As the tornado moved through the Johnsons Mill community, several barns were damaged, with one or two completely destroyed. A chicken house on Fry Gap Road was completely destroyed, as well, near the intersection of Fry Gap Road and Thompson Falls road. Further northeast, another chicken house sustained major damage but was not completely destroyed on Brazelton Road near Fry Gap Road.

Northeast of these locations, near the intersection of Warranton Road and Browns Valley Road, another chicken house was completely destroyed and numerous trees were splintered and snapped off near the base. The tornado was likely at its strongest at this location, with a width of 75 yards. Damage continued along the peninsula between Big Springs Creek and Browns Creek on Guntersville Lake. Trees were snapped and oriented in a convergent pattern along the peninsula as the tornado was weakening and eventually lifting near the intersection of Highway 431 and Highway 69.

A fast moving tornado of EF-1 intensity produced peak wind speeds of 95 mph. This tornado was associated with a broad yet well-defined mesoscale convective vortex. The tornado touched down along County Road 14 (Diamond Road), and Red Hill Road. Large hardwood trees were snapped and uprooted in a convergent pattern along County Road 14 (Diamond Road) as the tornado moved rapidly northeast. Significant roof damage occurred to several chicken houses along Red Hill Road just west of County Road 14. The tornado lifted just north of Brookline Ridge Road near the extreme south side of Lake Guntersville.

A tornado of EF-1 intensity produced peak wind speeds of up to 110 mph. The tornado touched down just south of Guntersville near the intersection of Pleasant Hill and Section Line Roads (State Highway 166). From there, the tornado moved northeast crossing Pleasant Grove Road, snapping and uprooting numerous hardwood and softwood trees. At the intersection of Pleasant Hill Church Road and Community House Road, the steeple of the Pleasant Hill Church was removed and thrown about 100 feet. The porch columns were also removed. A residence next to the church sustained damage when the wooden front porch was removed and thrown behind the house about 100 feet. Roof damage resulted from large branches being knocked down onto the house. In a field across Pleasant Hill Road, a wide swath of trees were snapped and uprooted.

A tornado of EF-1 intensity produced peak wind speeds up to 110 mph. The tornado touched down near the intersection of Section Line and Beck Roads in Lattiwood. The tornado then moved northeast along Oneonta Cutoff Road and eventually crossed State Highway 205. The tornado snapped numerous hardwood and softwood trees along the path and knocked trees on residences. Snapped power poles were found along the path. Additional tree damage occurred northeast of Highway 205 near the intersection of Brashers Chapel and Wyeth Mountain Roads. Here, several barns were completely destroyed and numerous outbuildings had most of the tin removed from the roof.

A tornado of EF-1 intensity produced peak wind speeds up to 110 mph. The tornado touched down near the intersection of State Highway 325 and Max Graben Circle southwest of Albertville. From there, the tornado moved northeast across Section Line Road and State Highway 205. The tornado snapped and uprooted numerous hardwood and softwood trees along the path. Trees were knocked down onto several residences. The tornado crossed State Highway 431 north of Albertville near State Highway 426. As it crossed George Wallace Drive north of Highway 431, a chicken house was completely destroyed on Arbor Acres Road. Other chicken houses on the same property sustained roof damage and lost tin from the sides of the structures.

The tornado initially touched down just west of Guntersville Lake, near Spindle Top Drive and Highway 69. Numerous trees were snapped and uprooted in this location. The tornado then continued northeast across County Road (CR) 14 and across Cha-la-kee and Cotton Roads, where several homes had damage to shingles and numerous large trees were uprooted.

The tornado then moved northeast across Guntersville Lake and strengthened as it crossed Buck Island. Numerous trees were snapped and uprooted across the Buck Island community. Several power poles were snapped near their bases and numerous homes sustained minor roof damage. Several piers and sheds were also destroyed. Damage was rated EF-1 through this area.

Next, the tornado crossed east over Guntersville Lake and struck Lake Guntersville State Park as an EF-2. Hundreds of trees were twisted, snapped and uprooted through the northern half of the State Park. Several RV campers were damaged in the camp grounds and minor roof damage was observed at the camp lodge.

The tornado continued northeast, just to the east of Highway 227, where hundreds of additional trees were snapped and uprooted along the west-facing valley wall. The tornado moved northeast as an EF-2, destroying a trailer and rolling another near Oliver Road, between Williams and Martin Drive. A barn and shed were also demolished.

The tornado then continued northeast crossing Highway 227 near Morgan Cove Road, twisting and uprooting several trees.

A tornado producing EF-1 intensity and peak wind speeds of up to 95 mph touched down along Browns Valley Road near the south end of Lake Guntersville. The tornado tracked northeast along Browns Valley Road and Creek Path Road before lifting near State Highway 79. The tornado snapped and twisted trees along Browns Valley Road. As the tornado crossed a neighborhood along Creek Path Road, more substantial damage occurred. Larger trees were uprooted and one house sustained significant roof loss. The tornado lifted near Highway 79 and Creek Path Road.

An EF-1 tornado touched down on Crest Hill Road off of Cathedral Caverns Highway on the south side of Grant Mountain. As the tornado skipped along it's short path, several trees were snapped on Crest Hill Road. As it skipped northeast, two very large hardwood trees were snapped and uprooted on Edmonds Road. Minor roof damage was sustained to a house there. Just northeast of this location, the tornado lifted.

A tornado of EF-0 intensity producing peak wind speeds of 85 mph touched down new Bakers Chapel Lane, just south of Bakers Chapel Road. The most significant damage was an area of uprooted trees along Bakers Chapel Road just west of U.S. Highway 431 / State Highway 1. The tornado continued northeast and crossed State Highway 79 where a few tree tops were snapped.

A tornado of EF-1 intensity produced peak wind speeds of 90 mph. This short-lived tornado did most of its damage over portions of Lake Guntersville State Park, near the entrance and across the golf course. Many trees were snapped with a few larger pines uprooted. The tornado continued briefly north-northeast crossing State Highway 227 before lifting near South Sauty Road and Highway 227 after snapping additional trees.

A tornado of EF-1 intensity produced peak wind speeds of up to 105 mph. The tornado tracked northeast from Lake Guntersville near McKee Island, west of State Highway 79 across the north end of Buck Island, then lifted near Star Point. The tornado damaged a marina just west of Highway 79 where a canopy collapsed. The tornado then crossed Joe Starnes Field (Airport) and snapped and uprooted many trees along Buck Island Road on the north side of Buck Island. The tornado produced damage over Star Point, along Milky Way Road, Monsanto Road, and Star Point Road. Trees were mostly snapped, twisted and uprooted at these locations. The tornado crossed over Lake Guntersville at several locations along its path.

Damaging straight-line winds resulted in numerous trees snapped and uprooted along County Road 67 (South Sauty Rd) just southwest of Langston in Jackson County. An entire camp site near South Sauty was hit, with at least seven RVs destroyed. Based on radar, winds were estimated between 70-80 MPH.

A tornado of EF-1 intensity initially touched down between Buck Island and Pine Island on Guntersville Lake in northeast Marshall County. Numerous hardwood and softwood trees were snapped along Highway 79 as the tornado skipped northeast. The tornado touched down again near Pine Island. Numerous homes sustained damage from trees falling on them in a convergent pattern as the tornado moved along the shore of the lake on Preston Island. At this point in the tornado path, width was estimated at 100 yards.

The tornado continued its path briefly northeast into DeKalb County, mainly snapping large tree limbs off of trees and uprooting a few trees. The tornado then dissipated between Grove Oak and Bucks Pocket State Park near CR 19 and CR 544.

A tornado of EF-1 intensity produced wind speeds of up to 110 mph. The tornado touched down just south of Section, crossing State Highway 35, then traveling nearly parallel to State Highway 71, through Dutton, into southern portions of of Pisgah before crossing into far northern DeKalb County. The tornado uprooted and snapped numerous trees along its path, knocking out power in many locations. One fatality occurred in the Pisgah area associated with this tornado.

The tornado took a very similar track to a violent tornado of EF-4 intensity later during the afternoon of the 27th. This made it very difficult to distinguish damage between the two tornadoes. Several eyewitnesses remarked about the morning tornado location and damages.

The tornado touched down very briefly in the Henagar area and tracked northward. |Numerous large trees, some old oak trees, were snapped. Other large trees were uprooted as well along this portion of the track in DeKalb County.

The tornado continued moving north northeast from DeKalb County into Jackson County destroying at least 3 barns. The tornado produced EF-2 intensity winds as it struck a well constructed home south of Rosalie, collapsing the west end of the home completely. A shed was destroyed on this property as well. Additional trees were snapped or uprooted in Rosalie along highway 71. The tornado then turned more northeast along highway 71 snapping or uprooting several more large trees. The tornado lifted near the junction of highway 71 and CR 345.

A tornado producing damage of EF-1 intensity with peak winds of up to 100 mph touched down near Mentone. The tornado first touched down west of County Road 89 north of downtown Mentone. The tornado moved along a ridge line uprooting many softwood and hardwood trees and snapping them sporadically. The tornado eventually straddled the road further north partially removing a roof to a residence and snapping numerous trees in this area. The tornado lifted about a mile shy of the Georgia state line.

A tornado of EF-1 intensity producing wind speeds of up to 110 mph tracked out of Jackson County and took a short path into DeKalb County. Details are limited with this tornado path as later this same day, a violent tornado of EF-4 intensity struck the same area in a similar path making it very difficult to distinguish damage between the two tornadoes.

Hail up to half dollar sized was reported in the Bear Creek area.

Nickel sized hail was reported.

Nickel sized hail was reported covering the ground.

One inch diameter hail was reported.

Up to penny sized hail was reported covering the ground.

Golf ball sized hail was reported.

Quarter sized hail was reported on Pulaski Pike.

Nickel sized hail was reported.

A 62 mph wind gust was measured at the Courtland (K9A4) AWOS.

A tornado with EF-0 intensity produced peak wind speeds of up to 85 mph. The tornado touched down near the intersection of County Road 24 and Batts Road while embedded in a larger region of straight-line wind damaged associated with a bow echo. Numerous trees were knocked down and witnesses indicated a funnel that descended and lifted several times along the damage path.

The tornado continued eastward moving parallel to Snake Road and County Road 24 where a concentrated region of numerous large trees were uprooted and snapped. Several houses had shingles removed and damage to gutters and roof awnings in this area. The most notable damage occurred north of County Road 24, between Zehner Road and Blackburn Road. The concentrated damage associated with this tornado dissipated near Browns Ferry Road as a secondary circulation developed to the south of the tornado.

This tornado touched down within the Decatur Industrial Park to the west of Red Hat road and tracked east northeast with a concentrated damage path of roof damage to an industrial building and numerous hardwood trees snapped 20 feet from the base. Peak winds were estimated at 105 mph at this location. Minor roof damage to another industrial complex along the Tennessee River was noted. At this location numerous trees were uprooted and were pointing to the northeast. This tornado then crossed the Tennessee River and moved into southeastern Limestone county.

A tornado of EF-0 intensity produced peak wind speeds up to 70 mph. The tornado formed in associated with a secondary circulation that developed a few miles south of a pre-existing tornado. The second tornado touched down west of the intersection of Huntsville Brown Ferry Road and Neely Road and moved east-northeast before dissipating near Tanner. This weak and brief tornado primarily uprooted trees and caused damage to signage near Tanner High School.

This tornado continued its path east northeast from Morgan county into Limestone county. As it moved into southeastern Limestone county, it snapped trees along CR 45 and on the Calhoun Community College campus. Pryor Field lost power at 11:28 AM CDT as the circulation passed over the airport. The tornado dissipated between Pryor Field and Interstate 65.

A tornado of EF-1 intensity produced peak wind speeds of up to 110 mph. The tornado touched down south of U.S. Highway 72 and west of County Road 95 in extreme eastern Limestone County, uprooting large hardwood trees prior to crossing Highway 72 near County Road 99A. The tornado tracked to the east-northeast crossing Capshaw Road near Old Railroad Bed Road before moving into Madison County.

This tornado touched down just west of Old Railroad Bed Road producing some roof and shingle damage, before moving into Madison county.

It continued to move to the east-northeast into Madison county and across the Magnolia Springs neighborhood Additional roof and shingle damage was observed along this portion of the track. The most intense damage occurred just east of Vine Cliff Drive, along Water Oak Court, where numerous large trees were snapped at their base. This tornado continued to track to the east-northeast snapping trees and producing some light shingle and gutter damage. The tornado dissipated near Nichols Spring Branch.

A tornado of EF-1 intensity produced peak wind speeds of up to 110 mph. The tornado continued its track from Limestone County near the intersection of Capshaw Road and Old Railroad Bed Road. The tornado snapped trees and removed shingles off homes. The most intense damage occurred between Sam Thomas Road and Wall Triana Highway, producing high end EF-1 damage including numerous snapped power poles, sheared off hardwood trees, and roof and gutter damage.

The tornado crossed State Highway 53 near Douglas Road, snapping numerous hardwood trees and removing shingles. The track continued to the east-northeast across U.S. Highway 231 near Bob Wade Lane producing more roof and tree damage. Several large hardwood trees were snapped in a convergent pattern between Moores Mill Road and Macon Lane before dissipating to the east of Winchester Road in Deposit.

A 59 mph wind gust was measured at the Huntsville International Airport (KHSV) ASOS.

A tornado of EF-1 intensity produced peak wind speeds up to 105 mph. The tornado touched down along the downslope portion of Drake Mountain near the intersection of Pulaski Pike and Cedar Point Drive. A concentrated area of damage consisting of snapped hardwood trees, roof and gutter damage was seen along Cedar Point Drive and Green Meadow Road. Less damage was noted along a ridge that extended from Wade Mountain. Another concentrated area of damage that consisted of tree and roof damage was seen along the downslope portion of Smithers Mountain in the Mount Charron Estates and Valley View Estates neighborhoods. The tornado continued east-northeast with the most notable EF-1 damage occurring along Moores Mill Road north of Winchester Road where numerous hardwood trees were snapped and/or sheared off with a convergent damage/debris pattern. Significant tree and roof damage was noted along Henson Drive, Trailwood Drive and Bradford Lane before the tornado dissipated along Briar Fork Waterway.

A tornado of EF-0 intensity produced peak wind speeds up to 85 mph. The tornado touched down north of Rube Robinson Road just east of Macon Lane while embedded within a larger region of straight-line wind damage associated with a bow echo. Numerous trees were knocked down with many hardwood trees snapped and sheared along its track near Buckhorn High School. The tornado tracked east-northeast across Winchester Road shearing off the top half of numerous hardwood trees before dissipating along the upslope portion of Lewis Mountain.

Half dollar sized hail was reported.

A violent long track tornado developed on the north side of Lewis Smith Lake along County Road 310 where some light damage was found. The tornado tracked northeast snapping numerous large trees and causing significant structural damage to residences along County Roads 222 and 436 near Grandview. The tornado tracked northeast into the city of Cullman. Some of the worst damage occurred just northeast of U.S. Highways 31 and 278. Several small retail buildings were completely destroyed. along with the near total destruction of a large church. The tornado tracked across State Highway 157, then caused additional damage north of State Highway 69 between Simcoe and Pleasant View. Just north of Fairview along County Roads 1559 and 1564, 2 homes were destroyed with significant portions of the homes not found. Further northeast along County Road 1589, the tornado caused major structural damage to several old (early 1900s) homes. Numerous hardwood trees were debarked. A 1/4 to 1/2 mile wide corridor of significant damage persisted between Fairview and the Morgan County line.

A violent tornado tracked from Cullman County into extreme southeast Morgan County near the town of Hulaco. Peak wind speeds of up to 175 mph caused significant damage between Hyatt Bottom Road and Blocker Road, just east of State Highway 67. Several cinder block and old construction homes were destroyed, and numerous trees were snapped and sheared toward the base.

A violent tornado with peak wind speeds of 190 mph crossed into northwest Marshall County (from Morgan County). The most severe damage occurred on either side of U.S. Highway 231 north of Arab -- particularly in the Ruth community and along Hog Jaw Road -- about 3 miles north of Arab. Along Hog Jaw Road, a large storage shed with farm equipment was destroyed with some of the large machinery tossed 10 to 20 yards around the shed. In the Ruth community, Mount Oak and Frontier Roads were hardest hit where a cinder block/cement home was nearly wiped clean. Debris from a home on Frontier Road was thrown 50 to 100 yards away. A family of 9 was in this house and 5 were killed. A trailer was missing and a metal-bolted garage was wiped clean of its foundation. Along Frontier Road, a large brick home was nearly wiped clean off its foundation with several large trees ripped out of the ground and missing. Further northeast along the path, along Walnut Ridge, a one-story home was severely damaged with the roof missing and a trailer that was tossed into a tree. Several concrete power poles were bent over as the tornado crossed U.S. Highway 231, some bent at the base. One the east side of Highway 231, a gas station building was completely demolished and two gas pumps were ripped from the ground and missing. The canopy over the pumps remained mostly intact.

The tornado continued toward Union Grove. The degree of damage weakened somewhat but several homes had significant damage where the top stories and roofs were destroyed and the external walls had collapsed. Along County Road 240, a double-wide manufactured home was destroyed and a large garage collapsed but the well-built roof remained intact.

The tornado significantly weakened as it crossed the Tennessee River. On the other side of the river, the tornado snapped and uprooted numerous trees as it crossed Walker Road and just across U.S. Highway 431 before lifting just northeast of Highway 431.

A violent long track tornado continued it's path from Marion County into southern Franklin County north of Hackleburg. Significant devastation occurred throughout the city of Phil Campbell. Prolific damage was noted from the intersection of CR 51 and Alabama Highway 237, to the intersection of CR 81 and CR 75. Within a two mile corridor of either side of the railroad tracks the damage was significant. Within this corridor, several well constructed houses were destroyed. Along Bonner Street, multiple block homes were leveled to the ground with the block foundations destroyed. A twenty-five foot section of pavement was sucked up and scattered. Chunks of the pavement were found in a home over 1/3 of a mile down the road. The damage in this area was consistent with EF-5 damage.

In addition, at least three churches along the path sustained significant damage. One church in Phil Campbell was completely destroyed with only the slab remaining.

Multiple mobile homes throughout the path were completely destroyed, and their mangled frames were tossed 25 to 50 yards. Cars were tossed and destroyed throughout the path of the tornado, with one car wrapped around a debarked tree in Phil Campbell. All along the path length, thousands of hardwood and softwood trees were snapped. Hundreds of trees were also debarked and twisted, and had only stubs of the largest branches remaining. EF-5 damage continued similarly northeast from Phil Campbell, roughly along County Roads 81 and 82 toward the community of Oak Grove.

In Oak Grove, the tornado may have reached a relative maximum in intensity well into the EF-5 category as the damage was slightly more intense and the path width was at a maximum of greater than one mile. A large swath of complete devastation was noted in Oak Grove along County Roads 38 and Smith Lane. A large well-constructed home with extensive anchoring was razed with debris carried well away from the site. A Corvette sports car was mangled and thrown 641 feet (measured). A block home next door was also disintegrated. Along Smith Lane a block home was wiped out and the only remains of a nearby chicken house was a small piece of a metal truss. In this same area, the tree damage was significant and a large percentage of trees were stripped bare.

Quarter sized hail was reported.

The violent tornado continued to track northeast from Franklin County into Lawrence County as an EF-5 near the Mt. Hope area where significant devastation was incurred to single family homes and a restaurant. Nothing but the foundation and a pile of debris remained in this area, and a small portion of the restaurant foundation buckled. Thousands of hardwood and softwood trees were snapped, with a significant number of trees twisted and debarked with only stubs of branches remaining. Many mobile homes were also destroyed with the frames mangled, and a single family home was completely destroyed with the walls and contents strewn over a hundred yards. Further northeast the damage was slightly less intense, with more trees snapped and twisted as the tornado reached Highway 24. At this location multiple chicken houses were completely destroyed with much of the debris wrapped around debarked trees. TVA high voltage power line trusses were also destroyed at this location. As the tornado continued northeast more significant damage occurred in and around the Langtown community north of Moulton. On the west side of Alabama Highway 33, several homes sustained significant damage with roofs missing or only interior rooms remaining. A nearby store and gas station also sustained significant damage. The tornado strengthened again to a high end EF-4 as it moved over County Roads 214 and 298, where multiple houses and mobile homes were completely destroyed. Several cars were tossed into fields and wrapped around trees along County Road 291 and 292. One vehicle was tossed into a large hardwood tree that was also debarked. Tree and mobile home damage continued along County Roads 217 and 222, where a handful of large high tension TVA power poles were destroyed. Sustained EF-4 damage continued northeast towards Alabama Highway 20, where a restaurant was completely destroyed and two single family houses were significantly damaged. Tree damage continued into extreme northeastern Morgan County.

Golf ball sized hail was reported.

A violent long track tornado began it's life about 3 miles northeast of Section producing damage of EF-0 to EF-1 intensity with peak wind speeds of 70 to 90 mph, snapping or uprooting several softwood and hardwood trees. The tornado rapidly intensified and began producing high end EF-3 to low end EF-4 damage within a matter of minutes, with peak wind speeds of 150 to 170 mph, and a path width of 1/2 to 3/4 mile as it roared into areas northeast of Pisgah and north of Rosalie. Residents interviewed remarked that up to 3 tornadoes merged into one very large tornado. There was evidence of this in the damage swath.

The tornado swarmed several mobile homes and block foundation homes in its path, snapping or uprooting thousands of trees. Numerous trees were debarked in the process. The tornado leveled at least 2 mobile homes and swept their remains hundreds of yards downwind. Three were killed in 3 separate residences (6 total fatalities - 2 in Pisgah and 4 in the Higdon/Flat Rock communities). Several vehicles were launched or swept several yards in different directions, in a few cases up to 50 yards. The Friendship Church roof was heavily damaged. Several farms were also affected, with barns and chicken houses heavily damaged or destroyed.

As the tornado continued its path, it intensified further on approach to Flat Rock and Higdon, producing damage of high end EF-4 intensity with peak winds up to 190 mph. The tornado killed three from the same family at a residence southwest of Flat Rock. The tornado mowed thousands in up to a 3/4 mile wide path. One well-built block foundation home literally exploded as the tornado struck, lifting and sweeping all its structure and contents downwind, in some cases several hundred yards. Miraculously, a mother and 3 children taking refuge in a hallway were completely unharmed. At this farm, all fencing was destroyed and up to 19 cattle perished. Two chicken barns were completely obliterated and swept away and unidentifiable. A propane tank was lifted from the previous location of chicken barns and dropped over 100 yards away in front of the destroyed home.

The tornado briefly crossed rural areas of Northwest Morgan County. High resolution MODIS satellite imagery combined with aerial surveys show a well-defined path of tree/vegetation damage between 1/2 and 3/4 mile wide indicative of low end EF-3 wind speeds of around 140 MPH. Just before crossing the Tennessee River into Limestone County, this tornado may have done some unconfirmed structural damage to a few buildings in an Industrial Park area along Mallard Fox Dr NW and Independence Ave.

The violent tornado continued it's path from the Tennessee River along the Lawrence/Limestone county line northeast through Tanner and into the east Central portion of Limestone County. Homes were completely obliterated along a wide swath in the Tanner community. Nearly a dozen high tension power lines were snapped or taken to the ground in Limestone County. Concrete power poles were also snapped off at their base. A subsequent ground team, aided by a storm survey expert from the University of Alabama in Huntsville, surveyed the most intense damage in Limestone County. High end EF-3 damage was noted over a large area in eastern Limestone County along and north of the East Limestone High School. The intensity was maximized in Limestone County in the community of Tanner, with a large swath of EF-4 damage and a narrow corridor of high end EF-4 damage. Several well-constructed homes with anchor bolting were completely wiped clean. One home had the debris lofted over 300 hundred yards with large items carried completely away. Intense ground scarring was noted in this area. In addition, a large cargo container was picked up and blown approximately 600 yards and several cars were carried airborne for hundreds of yards. In all, hundreds of homes received moderate to major damage along the path with many of these being total losses.

This tornado decreased quickly in intensity as it moved into southeastern Franklin county after producing EF-3 damage in Marion county. Just after crossing the Marion/Franklin county line, the tornado collapsed two chicken houses and ripped roofing material off of two others nearby along highway 187. The tornado continued its brief track northeast and ripped much of the roof off of a two story home as it approached highway 172. Based on roof damage observed and widespread nature of large trees blown down or snapped off near their base, winds were estimated at 120 mph -- EF-2 tornado. Another house nearby experienced significant roof damage as well. The path width at this point was around 300 yards. As it reached highway 31, some minor shingle and home damage was observed. However, the tornado moved over a mainly forested portion of this area, continuing to snap/uproot numerous large trees, snapping several near their bases.

As the tornado moved toward Old Line Road, additional damage to houses was observed. A few homes had portions of their roofs peeled off. In addition, a mobile home was destroyed. In this area a car was totaled by the tornado. Numerous large trees were snapped off or blown down as well. A barn was heavily damaged by trees in this area as well. The path width of the tornado was largest at this point and was estimated to be around 550 yards. A path of numerous large trees being snapped or blown down continued just northeast of this road. The tornado appeared to gradually weaken and lift over the forested area northeast of Old Line Road as little additional damage was seen from ground surveys. New satellite imagery reveals tree damage extending a little over 1/2 mile east of Old Line Road. Due to this new information, the end point was adjusted slightly east from its original point (5/17/12).

A few homes or farm buildings had damage to roofs along CR 57. Also a small Bradford Pear tree was uprooted in this area.

However, more substantial damage occurred further northeast within this wind swath near the intersection of Cleveland Branch road and CR 57. In this area, multiple pines were uprooted or blown over. In addition, some tall thin pine trees were snapped off midway down to the ground, even a few near their base. Three very large pine trees and oak tree were uprooted further northeast of the Cleveland Branch road intersection with CR 57. In this same area some pine trees were also uprooted on the other side of the road.

Additional damage continued along Cleveland Branch Road, where a farm building was totally destroyed. Additional tree damage and some minor roof damage continued along this road, but to a lesser extent.

A chicken house was heavily damaged and some trees were uprooted in this area. Also some minor shingle damage was observed. This wind swath was observed along Gravel Hill road and further east along CR 59.

Several trees were blown down on Scott road and CR 63. A chicken house was heavily damaged on CR 63 and a large oak tree was snapped off near its base. This wind swath affected locations from Old School Street to CR 63.

A violent tornado continued its wide path of violent destruction across the northern tip of DeKalb County in the Shiloh community. The tornado killed 6 people in this area (12 total along its path across Jackson and DeKalb counties). Several cinder block foundation homes and mobile homes were completely destroyed or swept away. In addition, thousands of large trees were sheared off toward the base. An older two-story and fairly well-built log cabin home was destroyed. The top story of this home was lifted off, moved about 20 yards and twisted 180 degrees. The lower story collapsed and was shifted off its foundation. A senior citizen van was lofted and dropped into a field nearly 400 yards away. At least 3 chicken barns collapsed with a high loss of livestock noted. The tornado crossed into Dade County Georgia with a 1/4 to 1/2 mile wide path along County Road 155 north of Highway 75.

A shed was destroyed and a few trees were blown down along Baker Road.

The tornado crossed in Madison County east of Limestone County Prison along Orvil Smith Road with a path width of mile. The tornado maintained an EF-3 strength with winds of 140 to 160 MPH and a path width between and mile for much of its track northeast across Old Railroad Bed Road and Ford Chapel Road, before narrowing to around 300 yards in Anderson Hills. Dozens of well-constructed homes were destroyed, in some cases with all exterior walls collapsing in both single and two-story homes. At least 3-5 mobile homes were either destroyed or swept completely clean with no evidence of debris. At least 2 other well-constructed homes had complete wall collapse in Anderson Hills and were shifted off their foundation. This damage was once again consistent with low end EF-4 wind speeds of around 170 MPH.

Numerous tall pines and other hardwood trees were snapped, uprooted and debarked along the entire path. The path width widened once again to around mile as the tornado tracked through residential areas along Bald Eagle Lane, Old Eli Road and Ginnery Row. At least 2 of these homes had complete wall collapse, but these structures had foundation straps and nails in lieu of bolts. At least one fatality was confirmed at one of these residences. Eight additional fatalities occurred in Madison County along the track of this violent tornado. The damage was consistent with high end EF-3 wind speeds between 140 and 160 MPH. The tornado lifted just south of the Patterson Lane after twisting irrigation equipment and snapping additional trees. Just to the northeast of this location, the tornado touched down again as an EF-0 tornado with peak wind speeds of 70 MPH. Along Grimwood Road and Walker Lane, south of Hazel Green, the tornado uprooted and snapped several trees. The tornado weakened or may have lifted briefly across extreme northeast Madison County before re-strengthening again as it entered Lincoln County in Southern Middle Tennessee.

Several trees were blown down along CR 83.

Several trees were blown down and some minor shingle damage was observed at one home.

An EF-1 tornado reaching peak wind speed of 105 mph began near Smith Road. Several houses sustained a significant amount of shingle damage. Numerous large trees were uprooted, snapped off, and an RV trailer was overturned along this road. Some of these trees were snapped off near their base. Also, the edifice of a brick home was damaged. At this point, the width of the tornado was at it's widest point (approximately 100 yards). As this tornado moved east northeast across Iron Horse Trail Road and across Orvil Smith Road, several areas of large trees (some snapped) were observed. This tornado continued east northeast, weakening slightly, but still uprooted large trees and produced minor roof damage. Portions of Shortleaf Road and Poplar Green Road were affected next by similar damage. Some fences were blown down in this area. The tornado lifted shortly before reaching Wall Triana Highway.

An 81 mph wind gust was measured by a trained spotter.

The tornado began near mile markers 342 and 343, producing EF-0 intensity winds of up to 70 mph and snapping trees. The tornado then continued moving northeast producing generally minor and sporadic tree damage in rural areas of Limestone county along Brownsferry Road. It then continued its path northeast into Madison county.

The tornado continued its path from Limestone into Madison county producing minor and sporadic damage. As it moved into Madison county the tornado intensified. It began uprooting large trees and producing some minor damage to homes in several locations. The most notable damage occurred in Madison along Balch Road near Kentucky Drive, Wall Triana at Gooch Lane, along McCrary Road, and further northeast along Capshaw Road between Nance Road and Jeff Road. From McCrary Road to Jeff Road, the width of tornado damage increased to approximately 75 yards. The tornado then continued moving northeast across Bishop Creek Road to Holbrook Drive. Damage along this portion of the track included uprooted large trees, some snapped-off tree tops, and minor roof damage. The tornado finally lifted further northeast on Holbrook Drive.

A violent tornado touched down northeast of Fackler along County Road 42 where several large trees were snapped and minor damage occurred to mobile homes. The tornado continued east-northeast producing tree damage as it crossed U.S. Highway 72 near the intersection of State Highway 117. On Oak Hill Road just east of Highway 72, large trees were snapped and several roofs were damaged. On County Road 286, a trailer was tipped over and a shed was partially destroyed.

The tornado continued northeast producing heavy tree damage. The tornado produced EF-3 damage along County Road 96 just northeast of the Stevenson Airport, where 24 high tension electrical truss towers were twisted and flattened. Just south of the intersection of County Road 96 and State Highway 277, a mobile home was obliterated and another home collapsed. Two other homes sustained structural damage along this section of road, two mobile homes were rolled on their side, and a metal barn was destroyed.

The tornado continued northeast and at the intersection of County Roads 255 and 256, the most significant damage was encountered and rated EF-4. A residence just to the south of this intersection was reduced to its foundation. A concrete slab at the front of the home was pulled up, and a set of concrete stairs was ripped from the foundation. A compact car was thrown about 50 yards.

To the northeast of the intersection, two well-built and well-anchored homes were also reduced to their foundations. A car was thrown approximately 50 yards across the street from one residence. Several large trees were snapped off a few feet above the ground. A third residence along County Road 256 had zero walls left standing. Across the street from this home, a mobile home was completely demolished and strewn along County Road 256.

The tornado continued northeastward, destroying a cinder block garage and damaging a mobile home along 6th Street just southeast of Bridgeport. The tornado crossed the Tennessee River, producing significant tree damage along County Road 91 before crossing into Marion County in Tennessee.

A large violent tornado continued it's track from Walker County into the Huntsville County Warning Area (CWA) across the very southern tip of Cullman County, from about 3 miles southwest of Arkadelphia to just over 2 miles ESE of Arkadelphia. This tornado then tracked out of the Huntsville CWA into Blount County. In Cullman County, a wide swath of pine and hardwood trees was found snapped at the bases or splintered several feet off the ground, with some debarking of trees. South of Hwy 91 along Washington Loop, several homes were damaged or destroyed. A mobile home was obliterated and the frame was found at least 200 yards to the east up a hill. A cinder block home was wiped out, with the contents landing across the road, while the cars nearby were tossed. A truck landed in a nearby hollow at least 50 yards away while a sedan was smashed as it landed about 130 yards away. Farming equipment in a barn was displaced into the hollow, including a hay baler and a tractor. The storm shelter by the residence was partially lifted and damaged. The person inside received minor injuries. Additional homes and buildings nearby were destroyed and only a few trees were left standing or not debarked. The main damage path was fairly well confined, as a well built home just at the edge of the track only sustained minor roof damage.

Golf ball sized hail was reported.

A long track tornado crossed the Mulberry Fork of the Black Warrior River (and between Cullman and Blount Counties) multiple times.

A long track tornado crossed the Mulberry Fork of the Black Warrior River (and between Cullman and Blount Counties) multiple times.

A long track tornado crossed the Mulberry Fork of the Black Warrior River (and between Cullman and Blount Counties) multiple times.

Golf ball sized hail was reported.

This long-track EF4 tornado that originated in Pickens county Alabama, moved through Blount county and weakened to EF1 intensity as it tracked northeast into southern Marshall County. This was the same tornado that did significant damage further southwest to the town of Cordova, in Walker County.

The tornado continued its track across the Blount/Marshall county line along a heavily wooded ridgeline between Highway 79 and Diamond Road. Aerial photography confirms the tornado tracked northeast along this ridgeline doing significant damage to a house just inside the Marshall County line, as well as snapping and uprooting numerous trees. The tornado crossed Highway 79 between mile marker 56 and 57, snapping a few trees and causing damage to the roof of a shed near a residence. Just northeast of this point, the tornado appeared to briefly strengthen (EF-2), completely destroying an industrial plant (Ferguson Industries). The tornado continued northeast moving again over heavily wooded terrain just east of Highway 79. The damage path along this ridgeline can be seen from Highway 79 and aerial pictures confirm this track.

Beyond this point several miles south of Highway 431, little additional damage can be confirmed from this tornado. Radar data also suggests that this storm (supercell) was undergoing a transformation period causing the tornado to weaken and eventually lift.

This supercell later spawned another EF-5 tornado that devastated the town of Rainsville (DeKalb County) and moved northeast across the AL/GA state line.

A violent long track tornado began in the Lakeview community northeast of Geraldine before tracking northeastward, generally parallel to and just east of State Route 75. Along this line, the tornado passed through Fyffe, Rainsville, Sylvania, and eventually into northern DeKalb County south of the Cartersville community, killing 25 people. On the first day of surveys, the survey team noticed initial damage in the Lakeview community where the path width was generally around 50 yards. This initial damage included mostly felled and snapped trees and structural damage to small buildings. Extensive damage was noted especially in Rainsville and Sylvania where the path width was estimated to over 1/2 mile wide. Damage in Rainsville included houses that were completely removed from foundations, with debris scattered for about one mile. Near this location, trees were debarked and a few mobile homes were completely destroyed, with debris strewn for about a mile downstream.

A narrow corridor of intense damage extended from Skaggs Road to Lingerfeldt Road (also known as County Road 180), extending toward County Road 514. Along Skaggs Road, a stone house was completely obliterated with much of the interior debris strewn well away from the structure. A supporting large cement stone pillar was ripped completely out of the ground. Another home along Skaggs Road was also leveled completely to the ground. The NOAA overflight showed significant ground scarring in this area and a walk through the nearby fields showed large pot marks and other sections of disturbed ground.

Slightly northeast along Lingerfeldt Road, numerous homes were leveled completely to their foundation with vehicles and debris strewn for hundreds of feet. Overhead photos and follow-up visual confirmation revealed a mangled vehicle tossed well into a ravine and resting up in the remainder of trees. At 1608 Lingerfeldt Road/County Road 180, a large two story brick home was completely obliterated with several of the supporting anchors ripped of the ground. A concrete porch was ripped off with pieces strewn up to 150 yards. A section of the asphalt driveway was pulled up. In addition, an anchored liberty safe weighing 800 pounds was pulled off its anchorage and thrown into a wooded area 600 feet away. When found, the safe's door had been ripped open and completely off. A large pick-up truck at this residence was found mangled in pieces over 250 yards away in the same wooded area. The residents of the home survived in a nearby storm pit. Of note, the storm pit was partially exposed by the tornado with dirt being sucked up and pulled away around the opening. Next door, a mobile home was completely disintegrated. The residents of the mobile there also survived in a storm pit. The section of damage from Skaggs Road to Lingerfeldt Road near the intersection with Crow Lane was deemed to be EF-5 intensity. Severe damage with high end EF-4 damage was noted in a corridor from County Road 515 through a neighborhood along County Road 441. In the east and south ends of the neighborhood, many one and two story homes were leveled to their foundation with debris scattered some distance. Several cars were thrown a large distance in this area. There was evidence of ground scarring as well as some sidewalk pavement pulled up in this location. However, some of the homes in this area appeared to be pushed off their foundation initially with limited anchorage.

In the Sylvania community, similar situation occurred with houses completely removed from foundations and debris blown far downstream. Some of these houses were connected to their foundations with anchor bolts and foundation straps, indicating a stronger construction of the homes.

Tornado damage continued from the Blake community, intersecting County Road 27, running parallel between State Highway 75 and Interstate 59 through Henager, Ider, to south of Cartersville.

In the Blake community, the tornado path width was estimated to be one half to three quarters of a mile. Along County Road 27 just southeast of Sylvania, significant damage was observed . All exterior and interior walls of several homes were completely destroyed with partial block and mortar foundations remaining. In one instance, a concrete slab that served as a porch was displaced a few feet and broken in half. Some hardwood trees in the area were stripped with no stubs of any branches remaining and were partially debarked. The Mountain View Baptist Church sustained significant damage. An old, one-story portion of the church dating back to 1902 and constructed of a brick and mortar exterior on wood frame walls was completely destroyed. A recent two-story addition to the church was constructed in 2004 and consisting of similar building materials was partially destroyed, with most exterior walls and nearly all interior walls fallen. A concrete block and mortar foundation was all that remained of a hallway adjoining the two buildings.

Golf ball sized hail was reported.

A short-lived tornado touched down nearly 4 miles northeast of West point and tracked northeast across Interstate 65 just north of the County Road 1282 overpass. The tornado snapped and uprooted trees along County Road 1282, with smaller trees damaged along County Road 1264 just west of Interstate 65. The damaged continued east of Interstate 65 along County Road 1282 where several trees were snapped and uprooted and a porch of a house was damaged.

Golf ball sized hail was reported.

Quarter sized hail was reported.

A significant tornado of EF-2 intensity with peak winds up to 120 mph tracked through southeast DeKalb County. The tornado first touched down along Dogtown Road (County Road 89) just south of Jennings Road where two small barns collapsed. The tornado then crossed Jennings Road and snapped and uprooted trees along Bear Creek Road and Adamsburg Road. A large number of trees were snapped or uprooted along Kelly Road and a barn sustained damage along McCurdy Drive.

The tornado began to strengthen rapidly as it approached Wallace Avenue (State Highway 35). A large metal farm building was leveled to the ground here and 4 power poles were snapped off completely. In this area, the tree damage was substantial. The damage was deemed to be EF-2 intensity at this location. A home on the north side of Highway 35 sustained damage and trees were also downed along Patricia Drive. The tornado continued to move northeast uprooting and snapping a large number of trees along Pumpkin Center Road. Trees were knocked down on several homes just west of the intersection of Pumpkin Center Road and Fischer Road. Minor damage was noted to homes on the east side of Fischer Road as the tornado began to lift.