Flash Flood and Hail in Alabama, April 4, 2011

Name: Flash Flood and Hail in Alabama, April 4, 2011
Start: 2011-04-04T13:11
End: 2011-04-04T23:00
Location: Alabama

April 4, 2011 · NWS BMX · 91 events in 31 counties and zones

A line of showers and thunderstorms moved across central Alabama on April 4th, out ahead of a strong cold front. This line of storms produced widespread damaging winds and large hail.

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: 0
Property damage: $291,000
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 91

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 line of showers and thunderstorms moved across central Alabama on April 4th, out ahead of a strong cold front. This line of storms produced widespread damaging winds and large hail. In addition to the winds and hail, heavy rainfall, of up to 3 inches, led to short-lived flooding in some areas.

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 4, 12:06 PM CST, 1 hour 5 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Apr 4, 12:06 PM CST, 1 hour 5 minutes before

AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BIRMINGHAM AL
106 PM CDT MON APR 4 2011

.UPDATE...MESOSCALE DISCUSSION.

&&

.DISCUSSION...

WATCHING SCATTERED THUNDERSTORMS DEVELOPING ACROSS NORTHERN
MISSISSIPPI AHEAD OF A SQUALL LINE JUST EAST OF THE MISSISSIPPI
RIVER. THE SCT ACTIVITY AHEAD OF THE MAIN LINE IS MOVING TO THE
NORTHEAST...AND HAS PRODUCED LARGE HAIL.

CURRENTLY ACROSS CENTRAL ALABAMA...STRATUS DECK THIS MORNING HAS
BECOME MORE OF A BKN CU FIELD AS SOUTH WINDS INCREASE ACROSS THE
AREA. CURRENT TEMPS ARE IN THE 70S AND DEWPOINTS IN THE 60S...WITH
SOUTH WINDS GUSTING AS HIGH AS 30 MPH AT TIMES. SYNOPTIC DYNAMICS
AND SURFACE INSTABILITY NEVER A QUESTION REGARDING THIS
SYSTEM...WITH CURRENT CAPE VALUES OVER 1000J/KG ACROSS THE WEST AND
SOUTH. LIMITING FACTOR THUS FAR IS A SIGNIFICANT CAP AT 850MB SEEN
OFF THE 12Z BMX SOUNDING. SIMILAR CAPS ALSO NOTED ON OHX AND JAN
SOUNDINGS. 18Z LAUNCH DATA SHOULD BE IN SOON.

AS THE SYSTEM PUSHES TOWARD THE AREA...EXPECT THE CAP TO ERODE
ACROSS NORTHWEST CENTRAL ALABAMA...ALLOWING FOR ISOLATED SUPERCELL
ACTIVITY AHEAD OF THE LINE TO SPREAD EASTWARD INTO AL...WITH ALL
TYPES OF SEVERE WEATHER POSSIBLE. THE WINDOW OF OPPORTUNITY FOR THIS
DEVELOPMENT WILL BE SHORT AS THE SQUALL LINE IS QUICKLY RACING
ACROSS MS. WITH WINDS JUST OFF THE SURFACE OF 40-50KTS...SPEED SHEER
VALUES ARE VERY HIGH. MODELS CONTINUE TO SHOW LOW LEVEL WINDS
BACKING SLIGHTLY WITH THE APPROACH OF THE SQUALL LINE...LEADING TO A
SUSTAINED SEVERE THREAT AS THE LINE MOVES ACROSS THE AREA. THIS
INCLUDES ISOLATED TORANDOES ALONG THE LINE.

THE LINE IS CURRENTLY MOVING QUICKLY THAN PREVIOUSLY EXPECTED...AND
WILL UPDATING GRAPHICS TO MAKE ADJUSTMENTS SHORTLY. EXPECT THE LINE
TO BE ENTERING NORTHWEST CENTRAL ALABAMA BETWEEN 2-3PM...AND MOVING
ACROSS NORTH CENTRAL ALABAMA THROUGH 10PM....AND EXITING SOUTHEAST
CENTRAL ALABAMA BY MIDNIGHT.

14

&&

.PREV DISCUSSION... /ISSUED 1255 PM CDT MON APR 4 2011/

UPDATE...FOR 18Z AVIATION.

DISCUSSION...

FORECAST IN PRETTY GOOD SHAPE THIS MORNING. TIMING ON STORMS STILL
FAIRLY THE SAME AS PREVIOUSLY IN THE GRIDS. MADE A FEW TWEAKS
BASED ON CURRENT TEMPERATURES AND TRENDS. EVEN WITH THE CLOUD
COVER DURING THE MORNING...OF WHICH SOME IS BEGINNING TO THIN
ACROSS THE CENTRAL PART OF THE CWA FROM SW TO NE...WHICH WILL AIDE
IN THE HEATING AND INSTABILITY ACROSS THE AREA. UPDATE ALREADY
OUT.

AVIATION...18Z TAF DISCUSSION.

STRONG TO SEVERE SQUALL LINE EXPECTED TO REACH WESTERN ALABAMA
BY MID AFTERNOON AS UPPER TROUGH PUSHES INTO THE SOUTHEASTERN
STATES. INCLUDED SQ FOR TCL...BHM AND EET AS FELT MORE CONFIDENT
IN THE TIMING FOR THESE LOCATIONS BUT ALL LOCATIONS WILL BE
DEALING WITH THIS AT SOME POINT OVER THE NEXT 6 TO 10 HOURS. USE
THE RUC MODEL FOR TIMING SO SOME ADJUSTMENTS TO THE SQUALL TIMING
WILL LIKELY BE NECESSARY WITHIN THE NEXT FEW HOURS.

STRONG GRADIENT WINDS AHEAD OF THE LINE ARE CAUSING GUSTS OF 25
KTS OVER MUCH OF THE AREA. CEILINGS HAVE LIFTED TO VFR BUT SHOULD
REMAIN HEAVILY SCATTERED OR BROKEN AT TIMES.

BEHIND THE LINE...ABOUT A 2 OR 3 HOUR WINDOW WHERE LIGHT TO
MODERATE SHOWERS WILL BE POSSIBLE FOLLOWED BY MVFR CEILINGS WHICH
SHOULD CLEAR AROUND DAY BREAK TOMORROW. WINDS COULD BE GUSTY AGAIN
TOMORROW FROM THE NORTHWEST...WILL FOLLOW UP ON THAT WITH
SUBSEQUENT UPDATES.

NOTICE...KEET TAF WILL HAVE (AMD LTD TO VIS WIND AND WX) AMENDED TO
THE END OF THE FORECAST UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. THE CEILOMETER DATA
WILL BE GOING THROUGH NUMEROUS TESTS AND MONITORED FOR ACCURACY.

&&

.PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS...
GADSDEN     81  43  59  33  75 /  60  90  10   0   0
ANNISTON    82  45  60  35  76 /  40  90  10   0   0
BIRMINGHAM  83  43  59  38  76 /  60  90  10   0   0
TUSCALOOSA  84  43  63  35  77 /  70  80  10   0   0
CALERA      83  46  61  40  75 /  50  90  10   0   0
AUBURN      82  47  60  42  74 /  20  90  10   0   0
MONTGOMERY  84  48  65  38  76 /  30  90  10   0   0
TROY        83  49  63  35  76 /  20  90  10   0   0

&&

.BMX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
WIND ADVISORY UNTIL 10 PM CDT THIS EVENING 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 4, 12:15 PM CST, 56 minutes before

HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BIRMINGHAM AL
115 PM CDT MON APR 4 2011

ALZ011>015-017>050-051800-
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-
115 PM CDT MON APR 4 2011

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

.DAY ONE...THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT.

A STRONG COLD FRONT WILL BRING A SIGNIFICANT SEVERE WEATHER THREAT
TO ALL OF CENTRAL ALABAMA THIS AFTERNOON AND EVENING. ALL SEVERE
WEATHER THREATS ARE LIKELY...INCLUDING THE THREAT FOR DAMAGING
STRAIGHT LINE WINDS...LARGE HAIL...ISOLATED TORNADOES...AND BRIEF
LOCALLY HEAVY RAINFALL.

SUPERCELLS WITH A GREATER THREAT OF TORNADOES AND LARGE HAIL WILL BE
POSSIBLE AHEAD OF THE MAIN CONVECTIVE LINE BY THE AFTERNOON...
ESPECIALLY IN THE WESTERN COUNTIES OR ALONG AND WEST OF A LINE FROM
JASPER. AS THE EVENT CONTINUES...FROM AROUND 2 PM THROUGH
MIDNIGHT...THE CONVECTIVE SQUALL LINE IS EXPECTED TO INCREASE IN
INTENSITY AND FORWARD SPEED. THE GREATEST THREAT WILL TRANSITION TO
DAMAGING STRAIGHT LINE WINDS...ALTHOUGH HAIL AND A BRIEF ISOLATED
TORNADO CAN NOT BE RULED OUT ALONG THE LINE. THE LINE OF
THUNDERSTORMS IS EXPECTED TO EXIT CENTRAL ALABAMA AROUND OR JUST
BEFORE MIDNIGHT TONIGHT.

STRONG GRADIENT WINDS ARE POSSIBLE IN ADVANCE OF THE STORM SYSTEM
TODAY...WITH GUSTS OF UP TO 40 MPH.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...TUESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY.

A COLD AIR MASS BEHIND THE FRONT WILL ALLOW TEMPERATURES TO DROP
DOWN INTO THE 30S ON WEDNESDAY MORNING. A FEW LOCATIONS COULD DROP
DOWN TO NEAR THE FREEZING MARK IN THE COLDER VALLEY LOCATIONS. A
LIGHT FROST IS POSSIBLE ACROSS MUCH OF NORTH CENTRAL ALABAMA...
WHICH COULD POSE A THREAT TO TENDER VEGETATION.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

ACTIVATION OF STORM SPOTTERS AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT WILL BE
NEEDED THIS AFTERNOON THROUGH LATE THIS EVENING FOR SEVERE WEATHER.

08/MNK

In the hours before

Special weather statement, Apr 4, 12:57 PM CST, 14 minutes before

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BIRMINGHAM AL
157 PM CDT MON APR 4 2011

ALZ011-041945-
MARION AL-
157 PM CDT MON APR 4 2011

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR NORTHWESTERN MARION COUNTY UNTIL
245 PM CDT...

AT 154 PM CDT...THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE WAS TRACKING A STRONG
THUNDERSTORM 6 MILES EAST OF NEW SALEM...OR 13 MILES SOUTHEAST OF
FULTON...MOVING NORTHEAST AT 70 MPH.

HAIL UP TO THE SIZE OF PENNIES AND WIND GUSTS UP TO 50 MPH ARE
EXPECTED WITH THIS STORM.

LOCATIONS IN OR NEAR THE PATH OF THIS STORM INCLUDE...
  WESTON...
  HACKLEBURG...
  SHOTSVILLE...
  TESSNER...

&&

LAT...LON 3432 8770 3428 8769 3406 8815 3406 8821
      3431 8818 3433 8816
TIME...MOT...LOC 1857Z 234DEG 59KT 3415 8821

08

The radar

The Columbus AFB radar (KGWX), 44 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 19:11 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

68 thunderstorm wind, 16 hail, 6 heavy rain, 1 flash flood. Local standard time, as filed.

Hail, Marion

When: April 4, 1:11 PM CST
Where: Marion County, 0.69 mi S of Shottsville
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 34.260, -88.130

Thunderstorm Wind, Marion

When: April 4, 1:35 PM CST
Where: Marion County, 5.52 mi ENE of Shottsville
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.299, -88.040

A few trees were blown down along Highway 19 near the Franklin County line.

Thunderstorm Wind, Marion

When: April 4, 2:37 PM CST
Where: Marion County, 5.05 mi SSW of Barnesville
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.064, -88.118

A few trees were blown down on Highway 17 near the Lamar County line.

Thunderstorm Wind, Lamar

When: April 4, 3:14 PM CST
Where: Lamar County, 1.54 mi SW of Detroit
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.012, -88.186

A box truck was blown off of State Route 17, just south of Detroit.

Hail, Lamar

When: April 4, 3:15 PM CST
Where: Lamar County, 2.76 mi S of Molloy
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 33.690, -88.200

Hail, Lamar

When: April 4, 3:15 PM CST
Where: Lamar County, 2.07 mi S of Detroit
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.000, -88.170

Hail, Lamar

When: April 4, 3:17 PM CST
Where: Lamar County, 2.37 mi NNE of Molloy
Measured: 1.5 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 33.760, -88.180

Hail, Lamar

When: April 4, 3:20 PM CST
Where: Lamar County, 0.9 mi NE of Vernon
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 33.760, -88.110

Hail, Lamar

When: April 4, 3:25 PM CST
Where: Lamar County, 3.52 mi ENE of Vernon
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 33.760, -88.060

Hail, Lamar

When: April 4, 3:27 PM CST
Where: Lamar County, 3.86 mi SSE of Molloy
Measured: 1.5 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 33.680, -88.170

Thunderstorm Wind, Winston

When: April 4, 3:58 PM CST
Where: Winston County, 0.57 mi W of Grayson
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Park/Forest Service
Coordinates: 34.280, -87.330

A few trees were blown down in the Bankhead National Forest near Grayson.

Hail, Fayette

When: April 4, 4:26 PM CST
Where: Fayette County, 0.69 mi N of Fayette
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 33.690, -87.830

Flash Flood, Lamar

When: April 4, 4:29 PM CST to 9:29 PM CST
Where: Lamar County, 0.58 mi W of Kennedy to 2.79 mi WNW of Kennedy
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 33.580, -87.990

A few roads in southern Lamar County were closed due to high water.

Thunderstorm Wind, Walker

When: April 4, 4:36 PM CST
Where: Walker County, 2.76 mi N of Saragossa
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 33.940, -87.400

A few trees were blown down across the northern portion of the county.

Heavy Rain, Walker

When: April 4, 5:15 PM CST to 8:00 PM CST
Where: Walker County, 0.29 mi ENE of Jasper to 0.24 mi WNW of Jasper
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 33.831, -87.275

Heavy rainfall caused minor flooding in the city of Jasper, as well as other locations around Walker County.

Heavy Rain, Lamar

When: April 4, 5:16 PM CST to 7:16 PM CST
Where: Lamar County, 0.69 mi S of Millport to 1.03 mi S of Millport
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 33.560, -88.080

Minor flooding was reported in Millport.

Thunderstorm Wind, Walker

When: April 4, 5:18 PM CST
Where: Walker County, 4.41 mi NE of Marigold
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 33.960, -87.210

A few trees were blown down around Curry.

Hail, Walker

When: April 4, 5:20 PM CST
Where: Walker County, 1.38 mi S of Jasper Walker Co Arp
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 33.850, -87.270

Thunderstorm Wind, Walker

When: April 4, 5:23 PM CST
Where: Walker County, 0.9 mi SW of Corona
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 33.710, -87.440

A few trees were blown down in and around Oakman.

Heavy Rain, Fayette

When: April 4, 5:36 PM CST to 5:39 PM CST
Where: Fayette County, 0.69 mi N of Fayette
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 33.690, -87.830

Poor drainage caused at least 18 inches of water to collect on roadways in Fayette.

Thunderstorm Wind, Tuscaloosa

When: April 4, 5:38 PM CST
Where: Tuscaloosa County, 4.04 mi NW of Moores Bridge
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 33.490, -87.831

A tree was blown down on Moccasin Branch Road.

Heavy Rain, Jefferson

When: April 4, 5:50 PM CST to 8:50 PM CST
Where: Jefferson County, 0.69 mi SSE of Kimberly to 0.7 mi SSE of Kimberly
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 33.761, -86.814

Measured rainfall of 2.3 inches led to minor flooding on Highway 31 between Morris and Kimberly.

Thunderstorm Wind, Pickens

When: April 4, 5:51 PM CST
Where: Pickens County, 0.9 mi NE of Benevola
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 33.110, -87.960

A few trees were blown down near Benevola.

Thunderstorm Wind, Tuscaloosa

When: April 4, 5:53 PM CST
Where: Tuscaloosa County, 2.7 mi NE of Cloverdale
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 33.260, -87.620

Several large tree limbs were broken off.

Thunderstorm Wind, Tuscaloosa

When: April 4, 5:59 PM CST
Where: Tuscaloosa County, 1.24 mi ENE of Moores Bridge
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 33.459, -87.761

A tree was downed and totally blocked Pine Lake Road at New River Road.

Heavy Rain, Marion

When: April 4, 6:00 PM CST to 6:01 PM CST
Where: Marion County, 4.18 mi SSW of Wiginton
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 34.229, -87.910

Heavy rainfall produced 6 to 8 inches of water over the roadways.

Thunderstorm Wind, Jefferson

When: April 4, 6:05 PM CST
Where: Jefferson County, 2.02 mi WSW of Partridge Xrds
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 33.758, -86.962

A large oak tree was blown down near the community of Corner.

Thunderstorm Wind, Tuscaloosa

When: April 4, 6:08 PM CST
Where: Tuscaloosa County, 1.38 mi N of Cloverdale
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 33.250, -87.649

A tree was blown down over Mount Olive Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Sumter

When: April 4, 6:10 PM CST
Where: Sumter County, 0.54 mi NE of Cuba
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 32.435, -88.373

A tree fell on a power pole on 6th Ave East and Stevens Street.

Thunderstorm Wind, Sumter

When: April 4, 6:16 PM CST
Where: Sumter County, 4.31 mi NNW of York
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 32.540, -88.340

A tree was reported down across County Road 19 just north of York.

Thunderstorm Wind, Sumter

When: April 4, 6:16 PM CST
Where: Sumter County, 3.97 mi SW of Soctum Hill
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 32.362, -88.181

Trees were reported down across several roads in southern Sumter County, including County Road 52, County Road 10, and County Road 27.

Thunderstorm Wind, Blount

When: April 4, 6:17 PM CST
Where: Blount County, Oneonta
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $8,000
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 33.950, -86.470

A tree was reported down on a house in Oneonta.

Thunderstorm Wind, Sumter

When: April 4, 6:19 PM CST
Where: Sumter County, 1.5 mi NNW of Livingston
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 32.600, -88.190

Trees were reported down in Livingston.

Thunderstorm Wind, Jefferson

When: April 4, 6:20 PM CST
Where: Jefferson County, 0.73 mi NNE of Fairfield Hgts
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 33.459, -86.965

Several trees were blown down across Oakman Parrish Road and Pine Street.

Thunderstorm Wind, Tuscaloosa

When: April 4, 6:28 PM CST
Where: Tuscaloosa County, 1.14 mi N of Abernant
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 33.296, -87.197

Several trees were knocked down on Johns Road and Abernant Ball Park Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Etowah

When: April 4, 6:34 PM CST
Where: Etowah County, 1.12 mi NE of Whitesboro
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.180, -86.055

A tree was blown down and blocked a roadway in Mountainboro. There were also trees reported down on Duck Springs Road and on Sardis Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Etowah

When: April 4, 6:37 PM CST
Where: Etowah County, 2.86 mi SSE of Tumlin Gap
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 33.990, -86.188

A tree was reported down on Rock Hollow Road and a tree fell on a power line in the Ivalee Community.

Thunderstorm Wind, Etowah

When: April 4, 6:40 PM CST
Where: Etowah County, 0.5 mi WNW of Attalla
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 34.022, -86.088

Numerous trees and powerlines were knocked down in and around the city of Attalla.

Thunderstorm Wind, Etowah

When: April 4, 6:40 PM CST
Where: Etowah County, 1.29 mi ENE of Duck Spgs
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 34.134, -85.978

Several trees were blown down in the Little Wills Creek Campground.

Thunderstorm Wind, Etowah

When: April 4, 6:42 PM CST
Where: Etowah County, 0.91 mi SE of Crudup
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.071, -86.009

A tree was blown down on Fairview Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Etowah

When: April 4, 6:54 PM CST
Where: Etowah County, 2.53 mi NNE of Ballplay
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 34.085, -85.806

A tree was knocked down on Gowens Road. Another tree was blown down on Fords Valley Road in the community of Ballplay.

Thunderstorm Wind, Etowah

When: April 4, 6:55 PM CST
Where: Etowah County, 117.84 mi SW of Altoona
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 32.655, -87.544

A few trees were blown down along Highway 61 between Greensboro and Newburn.

Thunderstorm Wind, Cherokee

When: April 4, 6:56 PM CST
Where: Cherokee County, 0.51 mi WSW of Cedar Bluff
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.218, -85.609

A tree fell on a house on Russell Street.

Thunderstorm Wind, Jefferson

When: April 4, 6:57 PM CST
Where: Jefferson County, 1.12 mi NW of Mountain Brook
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 33.510, -86.765

Several trees were blown down on Altamont Road in Birmingham and on South View Drive in Vestavia Hills.

Thunderstorm Wind, Cherokee

When: April 4, 6:57 PM CST
Where: Cherokee County, 0.66 mi W of Richardson
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 34.202, -85.741

Trees were blown down on Highway 273 near Yellow Creek.

Thunderstorm Wind, Etowah

When: April 4, 6:59 PM CST
Where: Etowah County, 1.81 mi SSE of Rainbow City
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $8,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 33.925, -86.022

Several trees were knocked down in and around the town of Southside. Two of the trees fell on houses.

Thunderstorm Wind, Marengo

When: April 4, 7:05 PM CST
Where: Marengo County, 4.87 mi ESE of Levy
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 32.360, -87.740

Several trees were blown down in the northern portion of Marengo County.

Thunderstorm Wind, Marengo

When: April 4, 7:05 PM CST
Where: Marengo County, Sweet Water
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 32.100, -87.870

A few trees were downed in and around Sweet Water.

Thunderstorm Wind, Shelby

When: April 4, 7:09 PM CST
Where: Shelby County, 1.16 mi NE of Genery
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 33.309, -86.903

A tree was blown down at Shades Crest Road and Morgan Road.

Hail, Shelby

When: April 4, 7:13 PM CST
Where: Shelby County, 0.67 mi NE of Pelham
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 33.285, -86.811

Thunderstorm Wind, Perry

When: April 4, 7:13 PM CST
Where: Perry County, 2.91 mi W of Sprott
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 32.670, -87.270

A few trees were downed in the northern portion of Perry County.

Thunderstorm Wind, Talladega

When: April 4, 7:19 PM CST
Where: Talladega County, 2.18 mi S of Lincoln
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 33.589, -86.125

Trees were downed on McCaig Road at Highway 77.

Thunderstorm Wind, Shelby

When: April 4, 7:24 PM CST
Where: Shelby County, 0.36 mi S of Saginaw
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 33.215, -86.781

Power lines were knocked down on Ozley Road and on Little Rock Drive.

Hail, Shelby

When: April 4, 7:29 PM CST
Where: Shelby County, 0.99 mi NNW of Dargin
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 33.163, -86.778

The hail was reported on Carrington Lane off of Highway 12.

Thunderstorm Wind, Shelby

When: April 4, 7:33 PM CST
Where: Shelby County, 1.58 mi SW of Shelby
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 33.101, -86.595

A tree was blown down on Ferry Road at Mt Dixie Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Shelby

When: April 4, 7:35 PM CST
Where: Shelby County, 3.17 mi ESE of Columbiana
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 33.161, -86.550

Trees and powerlines were blown down on County Road 28 and on County Road 61.

Thunderstorm Wind, Shelby

When: April 4, 7:41 PM CST
Where: Shelby County, 1.38 mi NW of Mostellers
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 33.115, -86.545

A large tree was blown down on Oaks Drive and Highway 145.

Thunderstorm Wind, Shelby

When: April 4, 7:42 PM CST
Where: Shelby County, 2.5 mi WNW of Wilsonville
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 33.241, -86.521

A tree fell on a house on Blue Springs Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Talladega

When: April 4, 7:44 PM CST
Where: Talladega County, 0.72 mi N of Eastaboga
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 33.610, -86.020

A tree was blown down and it blocked Mudd Street in Eastaboga.

Thunderstorm Wind, Calhoun

When: April 4, 7:47 PM CST
Where: Calhoun County, 0.68 mi NNW of Anniston
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 33.659, -85.835

Numerous trees were blown down throughout Calhoun County.

Thunderstorm Wind, Dallas

When: April 4, 7:51 PM CST
Where: Dallas County, 3.2 mi SSW of Selma Selfield Arpt
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $9,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 32.385, -86.965

Several trees were blown down in around Selma, including one on Highway 22 and one on Highway 140 near Mt Carmel Church. Several trees and powerlines were blown down along Highway 41. A grass fire was caused by the downed powerlines.

Thunderstorm Wind, Shelby

When: April 4, 7:52 PM CST
Where: Shelby County, 2.87 mi SW of Creswell
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 33.297, -86.400

Powerlines were knocked down on Klein Road at Sun Valley Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Chilton

When: April 4, 7:53 PM CST
Where: Chilton County, 1.02 mi NE of Clanton
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 32.839, -86.636

Trees were blown down in Clanton on Highway 22 between 10th and 11th Streets.

Thunderstorm Wind, Talladega

When: April 4, 7:57 PM CST
Where: Talladega County, 0.58 mi E of Fayetteville
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 33.150, -86.410

Several trees were blown down in and around Fayetteville.

Thunderstorm Wind, Talladega

When: April 4, 8:02 PM CST
Where: Talladega County, 0.58 mi W of Mignon
Measured: 53 kt (61 mph) measured gust
Reported by: AWOS
Coordinates: 33.180, -86.260

Thunderstorm Wind, Talladega

When: April 4, 8:02 PM CST
Where: Talladega County, 2.21 mi NNW of Oldfield
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 33.228, -86.239

Numerous trees were knocked down around Sylacauga, including the Oak Grove and Tallasahatchie areas.

Thunderstorm Wind, Coosa

When: April 4, 8:05 PM CST
Where: Coosa County, 2.22 mi NE of Stewartsville
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $20,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 33.100, -86.220

A mobile home suffered major roof damage. The top of a tree fell on a boat and destroyed it.

Thunderstorm Wind, Cleburne

When: April 4, 8:08 PM CST
Where: Cleburne County, 0.58 mi W of Heflin
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 33.650, -85.590

Trees were blown down in and around Heflin.

Thunderstorm Wind, Elmore

When: April 4, 8:18 PM CST
Where: Elmore County, 0.69 mi S of Deatsville
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 32.610, -86.400

Winds were estimated.

Thunderstorm Wind, Lowndes

When: April 4, 8:26 PM CST
Where: Lowndes County, 1.23 mi ESE of Mt Willing
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $8,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 32.062, -86.701

Several trees were blown down across Lowndes County, one in which fell on a house. Also, the roof was ripped off of a mobile home just south of Mount Willing.

Thunderstorm Wind, Elmore

When: April 4, 8:31 PM CST
Where: Elmore County, Millbrook
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 32.480, -86.370

Winds were estimated.

Thunderstorm Wind, Elmore

When: April 4, 8:37 PM CST
Where: Elmore County, 3.76 mi E of Wetumpka
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $7,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 32.556, -86.156

A tree fell on a trailer on Wigwam Way in Wetumpka.

Thunderstorm Wind, Montgomery

When: April 4, 8:40 PM CST
Where: Montgomery County, 1.75 mi W of Mitylene
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 32.382, -86.210

Wind gusts were estimated near the intersection of US Highway 80 and US Highway 231.

Thunderstorm Wind, Randolph

When: April 4, 8:50 PM CST
Where: Randolph County, 2.07 mi N of Christiana
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 33.400, -85.600

Several trees were blown down in the western portion of Randolph County. Some trees totally blocked roadways.

Thunderstorm Wind, Randolph

When: April 4, 8:55 PM CST
Where: Randolph County, 1.35 mi WNW of Wedowee
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 33.310, -85.490

A tree fell on a mobile home in Wedowee. Several trees were also knocked down in central Randolph County.

Heavy Rain, Pike

When: April 4, 9:00 PM CST to 11:00 PM CST
Where: Pike County, 0.99 mi NW of Corcoran to 2.18 mi WNW of Corcoran
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 31.840, -85.982

Heavy rainfall caused minor flooding on US Highway 231 in Troy.

Hail, Randolph

When: April 4, 9:01 PM CST
Where: Randolph County, 0.56 mi W of Roanoke
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 33.150, -85.360

One inch hail was reported in Roanoke, Wadley, and Corinth in Randolph County.

Hail, Randolph

When: April 4, 9:02 PM CST
Where: Randolph County, 1.16 mi W of Roanoke
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 33.150, -85.370

Hail, Randolph

When: April 4, 9:02 PM CST
Where: Randolph County, 2.15 mi SSW of Malone
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 33.170, -85.560

Thunderstorm Wind, Macon

When: April 4, 9:20 PM CST
Where: Macon County, 1.88 mi WSW of Tuskegee Institute
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 32.410, -85.750

Winds were estimated just southwest of Tuskegee.

Hail, Lee

When: April 4, 9:30 PM CST
Where: Lee County, 2.15 mi SSW of Auburn
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 32.590, -85.480

Thunderstorm Wind, Lee

When: April 4, 9:31 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

Several trees were blown down in and around Auburn.

Thunderstorm Wind, Pike

When: April 4, 9:40 PM CST
Where: Pike County, 0.69 mi N of Troy
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $7,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 31.810, -85.970

Numerous trees were blown down around Troy. One tree fell on a house.

Thunderstorm Wind, Chambers

When: April 4, 9:41 PM CST
Where: Chambers County, 0.58 mi W of Langdale
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 32.820, -85.180

Shingles and gutters were blown off of a home in Valley. A pine tree was also blown over.

Thunderstorm Wind, Pike

When: April 4, 9:50 PM CST
Where: Pike County, 2.35 mi NNW of Brundidge Muni Arpt
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 31.761, -85.816

Several trees were blown down across the eastern portion of Pike County. State Route 93 reportedly had trees and limbs that covered the roadway.

Thunderstorm Wind, Lee

When: April 4, 9:55 PM CST
Where: Lee County, 1.35 mi WNW of Smiths Station
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 32.540, -85.100

Powerlines were knocked down.

Thunderstorm Wind, Russell

When: April 4, 10:08 PM CST
Where: Russell County, Seale
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 32.300, -85.170

Trees were blown down in and around Seale.

Hail, Russell

When: April 4, 10:09 PM CST
Where: Russell County, 0.69 mi N of Ft Mitchell
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 32.340, -85.020

Thunderstorm Wind, Russell

When: April 4, 10:20 PM CST
Where: Russell County, 0.58 mi W of Phenix City
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $7,000
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 32.470, -85.010

A tree fell on a home in Phenix City.

Thunderstorm Wind, Barbour

When: April 4, 10:23 PM CST
Where: Barbour County, 0.59 mi E of Clayton Muni Arpt
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $8,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 31.880, -85.470

Several trees were blown down in the western portion of Barbour County. One tree landed on a home, causing considerable damage.

Thunderstorm Wind, Barbour

When: April 4, 10:44 PM CST
Where: Barbour County, 0.69 mi N of Eufaula
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 31.890, -85.150

Several trees were blown down on Highway 431.

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.
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.
Heavy Rain: Rainfall totals unusual for the place and season that did not produce a flood.

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

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in Alabama in 2011 Every state in 2011 This day in weather history Warnings in Alabama, April 2011

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: 297832, 297869, 297871, 298844, 298837, 298838, 298848, 298853, 298865, 298863, 298862, 298860, 301002, 298866, 301254, 298870, 298873, 298871, 298872, 299999, 300010, 301244, 300016, 300019, 301241, 300024, 300033, 300035, 301246, 300954, 300996, 301005, 301000, 300952, 301009, 300992, 301242, 301251, 301256, 301250, and more.