Hail and Damaging Winds in Alabama, July 5, 2012

Name: Hail and Damaging Winds in Alabama, July 5, 2012
Start: 2012-07-05T15:38
End: 2012-07-05T22:48
Location: Alabama

July 5, 2012 · NWS BMX · 53 events in 16 counties and zones

General thunderstorms from the morning of Thursday, July 5, produced an outflow boundary that moved south and became the focus for convection across south central Alabama during the late afternoon hours as the airmass became unstable. In addition, an outflow boundary from a decaying mesoscale convective system (MCS) moved into north central Alabama and triggered convection which lasted through…

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: None recorded
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 53

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.

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 Jul 5, 2:21 PM CST, 1 hour 17 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Jul 5, 2:21 PM CST, 1 hour 17 minutes before

AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BIRMINGHAM AL
321 PM CDT THU JUL 5 2012

.DISCUSSION...

FIRST ORDER OF BUSINESS IS WATCHING THE CLUSTER OF THUNDERSTORMS
HEADING SOUTHWARD OUT OF EASTERN KY. THERE ARE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM
WATCHES OUT NOT TOO FAR FROM THE CWA BORDER...AND A ROUGH AND
DIRTY TIMING PUTS THE LEADING EDGE OF THIS CLUSTER INTO OUR
NORTHEAST COUNTIES BETWEEN 7 AND 8 PM. I'VE HEDGED THE POPS HIGHER
IN THE NORTHEAST DUE TO THE POSSIBILITY OF THIS CLUSTER OF STORMS
GETTING INTO CENTRAL ALABAMA. ELSEWHERE AND OTHERWISE...STORMS
WILL BE MORE ISOLATED.

THE CENTER OF THE BIG UPPER LEVEL RIDGE THAT BROUGHT THE HEAT
WAVE TO OUR AREA OVER THE WEEKEND AND EARLY THIS WEEK HAS SHIFTED
BACK NORTHWESTWARD. THIS RIDGE IS FORECAST TO STAY TO OUR NORTH
THROUGH THE END OF THE WEEK...KEEPING US ON THE TROPICAL
EASTERLIES SIDE OF THINGS. THIS GENERALLY ALLOWS FOR AT LEAST
CLIMATOLOGICAL POPS...WITH TEMPS LOWER THAN THEY HAVE BEEN BUT
STILL AROUND/SOMEWHAT ABOVE NORMAL.

BY LATE IN THE WEEKEND INTO THE EARLY PART OF NEXT WEEK...THE
MODELS ARE IN GENERAL AGREEMENT OF A BROAD TROUGH DEVELOPING EAST
OF THE MS RIVER. THIS WOULD MODERATE TEMPS EVEN MORE...AND KEEP AT
LEAST A CHANCE OF POPS EACH AFTERNOON/EVENING.

/61/

&&

.AVIATION...
18Z TAF DISCUSSION.

OTHER THAN AN ISOLATED SHOWER THAT MOVED THROUGH TCL ABOUT AN HOUR
AGO...CURRENTLY NO THUNDERSTORM ACTIVITY IS AFFECTING ANY TAF SITE.
THE BOUNDARY THAT TRIGGERED SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS THIS MORNING
WILL CONTINUE TO MOVE SOUTHWARD THROUGHOUT THE REST OF THE
AFTERNOON. THIS WILL LIKELY BE THE FOCUS FOR CONVECTION FOR THIS
AFTERNOON...ESPECIALLY FOR MGM AND TOI. STILL THINKING THAT THESE
SITES WILL HAVE THE GREATEST CHANCE FOR THUNDERSTORMS.
MEANWHILE...AN OUTFLOW FROM AN MCS TO THE NORTHEAST IS SLOWLY MOVING
TOWARD NORTHEAST ALABAMA. THIS BOUNDARY WILL TRIGGER SHOWERS AND
THUNDERSTORMS ACROSS THE NORTHERN TAF SITES. SINCE THESE
THUNDERSTORMS WILL BE DIURNALLY DRIVEN...WILL KEEP VCTS FOR THE
NORTHERN TAF SITES...AS CONFIDENCE IS NOT HIGH ENOUGH AS TO WHERE
THESE THUNDERSTORMS WILL ACTIVE MOVE. MOST OF THE ACTIVITY IS
EXPECTED TO DISSIPATE BY 04Z TONIGHT. HAVE KEPT PATCHY MVFR VIS FOR
THE NORMAL TAF SITES FOR NOW...SINCE VISIBILITIES WILL GREATLY
DEPEND ON WHERE THE THUNDERSTORMS DEVELOP AND MOVE.

73

&&

.PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS...
GADSDEN     73  96  74  94  74 /  50  30  20  20  20
ANNISTON    74  94  73  92  73 /  50  30  20  20  20
BIRMINGHAM  76  96  75  94  75 /  50  30  20  20  20
TUSCALOOSA  76  97  75  95  74 /  40  30  20  20  20
CALERA      75  95  75  94  74 /  40  30  20  20  20
AUBURN      75  93  74  94  74 /  40  30  20  20  20
MONTGOMERY  75  93  74  93  74 /  40  30  20  20  20
TROY        73  91  72  92  72 /  40  20  20  20  20

&&

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

&&

Hazardous weather outlook, Jul 5, 11:36 AM CST, 4 hours 2 minutes before

HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BIRMINGHAM AL
1236 PM CDT THU JUL 5 2012

ALZ011>015-017>050-061745-
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-
1236 PM CDT THU JUL 5 2012

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

.DAY ONE...THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT.

ISOLATED SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS WILL BE POSSIBLE FOR ALL OF CENTRAL
ALABAMA FROM 2 PM UNTIL 8 PM. THE MAIN THREATS FROM THESE STORMS
WILL BE DAMAGING STRAIGHT LINE WINDS AND HAIL.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...FRIDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY.

NO HAZARDOUS WEATHER IS EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

ACTIVATION OF STORM SPOTTERS AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT MAY BE
NEEDED THIS AFTERNOON.

In the hours before

Special weather statement, Jul 5, 1:59 PM CST, 1 hour 39 minutes before

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BIRMINGHAM AL
259 PM CDT THU JUL 5 2012

ALZ019-052030-
CALHOUN AL-
259 PM CDT THU JUL 5 2012

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR CENTRAL CALHOUN COUNTY UNTIL 330
PM CDT...

AT 256 PM CDT...THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE WAS TRACKING A STRONG
THUNDERSTORM 7 MILES SOUTHEAST OF GLENCOE...OR 7 MILES NORTHWEST OF
JACKSONVILLE...MOVING SOUTH AT 10 MPH.

PEA SIZE HAIL AND WIND GUSTS UP TO 50 MPH ARE EXPECTED WITH THIS
STORM...ALONG WITH HEAVY RAIN AND FREQUENT DANGEROUS LIGHTNING.

LOCATIONS IN OR NEAR THE PATH OF THIS STORM INCLUDE...
  JACKSONVILLE...
  ALEXANDRIA...
  WEAVER...
  SULPHUR SPRINGS...
  WELLINGTON...

TORRENTIAL RAIN...WHICH MAY FLOOD LOW LYING AREAS SUCH AS DITCHES AND
UNDERPASSES...IS ALSO LIKELY. DO NOT DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE ON A FLOODED
ROADWAY.

&&

LAT...LON 3397 8573 3375 8573 3375 8595 3392 8596
      3392 8594 3391 8593 3391 8590 3394 8590
      3396 8584 3394 8574 3397 8574
TIME...MOT...LOC 1959Z 359DEG 10KT 3388 8584

MA

Special weather statement, Jul 5, 2:21 PM CST, 1 hour 17 minutes before

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BIRMINGHAM AL
321 PM CDT THU JUL 5 2012

ALZ036-037-052100-
COOSA AL-TALLAPOOSA AL-
321 PM CDT THU JUL 5 2012

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR NORTHWESTERN TALLAPOOSA AND
NORTHEASTERN COOSA COUNTIES UNTIL 400 PM CDT...

AT 319 PM CDT...STORM SPOTTERS REPORTED A STRONG THUNDERSTORM NEAR
GOODWATER...MOVING SOUTHEAST AT 5 MPH.

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

LOCATIONS IN OR NEAR THE PATH OF THIS STORM INCLUDE...
  KELLYTON...
  HILLABEE CREEK...
  HACKNEYVILLE...

&&

LAT...LON 3296 8606 3310 8606 3310 8602 3309 8598
      3311 8597 3311 8590 3296 8583
TIME...MOT...LOC 2021Z 330DEG 5KT 3305 8598

MA

Special weather statement, Jul 5, 2:57 PM CST, 41 minutes before

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BIRMINGHAM AL
357 PM CDT THU JUL 5 2012

ALZ028-036-037-052130-
CLAY AL-COOSA AL-TALLAPOOSA AL-
357 PM CDT THU JUL 5 2012

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR NORTHWESTERN TALLAPOOSA...
NORTHEASTERN COOSA AND SOUTHWESTERN CLAY COUNTIES UNTIL 430 PM CDT...

AT 352 PM CDT...THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE WAS TRACKING A STRONG
THUNDERSTORM NEAR GOODWATER...MOVING SOUTHWEST AT 10 MPH.

HAIL UP TO ONE-HALF INCH IN DIAMETER AND WIND GUSTS UP TO 50 MPH ARE
EXPECTED WITH THIS STORM...ALONG WITH HEAVY RAIN AND FREQUENT
DANGEROUS LIGHTNING.

LOCATIONS IN OR NEAR THE PATH OF THIS STORM INCLUDE...
  GOODWATER...
  KELLYTON...
  PARKDALE...
  HATCHET...
  BRADFORD...

TORRENTIAL RAIN...WHICH MAY FLOOD LOW LYING AREAS SUCH AS DITCHES AND
UNDERPASSES...IS ALSO LIKELY. DO NOT DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE ON A FLOODED
ROADWAY.

&&

LAT...LON 3287 8607 3296 8630 3319 8610 3313 8592
TIME...MOT...LOC 2057Z 040DEG 7KT 3308 8606

MA

Special weather statement, Jul 5, 3:09 PM CST, 29 minutes before

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BIRMINGHAM AL
409 PM CDT THU JUL 5 2012

ALZ048-052200-
RUSSELL AL-
409 PM CDT THU JUL 5 2012

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR NORTHEASTERN RUSSELL COUNTY UNTIL
500 PM CDT...

AT 406 PM CDT...THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE WAS TRACKING A STRONG
THUNDERSTORM NEAR PHENIX CITY...MOVING SOUTH AT 5 MPH.

HAIL UP TO ONE-HALF INCH IN DIAMETER AND WIND GUSTS UP TO 50 MPH ARE
EXPECTED WITH THIS STORM...ALONG WITH HEAVY RAIN AND FREQUENT
DANGEROUS LIGHTNING.

LOCATIONS IN OR NEAR THE PATH OF THIS STORM INCLUDE...
  FORT MITCHELL...
  UCHEE CREEK...
  FORT MITCHELL ACTIVITY CENTER...

TORRENTIAL RAIN...WHICH MAY FLOOD LOW LYING AREAS SUCH AS DITCHES AND
UNDERPASSES...IS ALSO LIKELY. DO NOT DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE ON A FLOODED
ROADWAY.

&&

LAT...LON 3224 8492 3230 8516 3251 8504 3251 8500
      3250 8499 3246 8499 3244 8496 3241 8497
      3239 8497 3233 8500 3231 8494 3225 8489
TIME...MOT...LOC 2109Z 018DEG 4KT 3243 8496

MA

Special weather statement, Jul 5, 3:26 PM CST, 12 minutes before

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BIRMINGHAM AL
426 PM CDT THU JUL 5 2012

ALZ027-036-052215-
COOSA AL-TALLADEGA AL-
426 PM CDT THU JUL 5 2012

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SOUTHERN TALLADEGA AND NORTHERN
COOSA COUNTIES UNTIL 515 PM CDT...

AT 424 PM CDT...THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE WAS TRACKING A STRONG
THUNDERSTORM NEAR STEWARTVILLE...MOVING SOUTHWEST AT 5 MPH.

HAIL UP TO ONE-HALF INCH IN DIAMETER AND WIND GUSTS UP TO 50 MPH ARE
EXPECTED WITH THIS STORM...ALONG WITH HEAVY RAIN AND FREQUENT
DANGEROUS LIGHTNING.

LOCATIONS IN OR NEAR THE PATH OF THIS STORM INCLUDE...
  STEWARTVILLE...

TORRENTIAL RAIN...WHICH MAY FLOOD LOW LYING AREAS SUCH AS DITCHES AND
UNDERPASSES...IS ALSO LIKELY. DO NOT DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE ON A FLOODED
ROADWAY.

&&

LAT...LON 3298 8626 3309 8638 3316 8622 3313 8617
      3310 8617 3310 8612 3310 8611
TIME...MOT...LOC 2126Z 046DEG 5KT 3309 8623

MA

Special weather statement, Jul 5, 3:31 PM CST, 7 minutes before

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BIRMINGHAM AL
431 PM CDT THU JUL 5 2012

ALZ047-052215-
LEE AL-
431 PM CDT THU JUL 5 2012

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR EASTERN LEE COUNTY UNTIL 515 PM
CDT...

AT 429 PM CDT...THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE WAS TRACKING A STRONG
THUNDERSTORM NEAR BEANS MILL...OR 8 MILES EAST OF OPELIKA...MOVING
SOUTH AT 5 MPH.

HAIL UP TO THE SIZE OF PENNIES AND WIND GUSTS UP TO 50 MPH ARE
EXPECTED WITH THIS STORM...ALONG WITH HEAVY RAIN AND FREQUENT
DANGEROUS LIGHTNING.

LOCATIONS IN OR NEAR THE PATH OF THIS STORM INCLUDE...
  BLEECKER...
  GRIFFEN MILL...
  BEAUREGARD...

TORRENTIAL RAIN...WHICH MAY FLOOD LOW LYING AREAS SUCH AS DITCHES AND
UNDERPASSES...IS ALSO LIKELY. DO NOT DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE ON A FLOODED
ROADWAY.

&&

LAT...LON 3247 8515 3247 8533 3244 8533 3245 8544
      3271 8529 3270 8512
TIME...MOT...LOC 2131Z 011DEG 6KT 3263 8525

MA

The radar

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

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

37 thunderstorm wind, 16 hail. Local standard time, as filed.

Hail, Russell

When: July 5, 3:38 PM CST
Where: Russell County, 1.36 mi WSW of Girard
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 32.440, -85.020

Hail, Blount

When: July 5, 4:05 PM CST
Where: Blount County, 0.9 mi NE of Cleveland
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 33.990, -86.570

Thunderstorm Wind, Lee

When: July 5, 4:22 PM CST
Where: Lee County, 1.88 mi WSW of Prince Xrd
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 32.490, -85.280

A few trees were reported down across southern Lee County.

Thunderstorm Wind, Blount

When: July 5, 4:30 PM CST
Where: Blount County, 0.69 mi S of Blountsville
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.070, -86.580

Trees were reported down, blocking roadways in Blountsville.

Thunderstorm Wind, Blount

When: July 5, 4:30 PM CST
Where: Blount County, 1.38 mi N of Blountsville
Measured: 60 kt (69 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.100, -86.580

Several trees were reported down between Blountsville and Oneonta.

Thunderstorm Wind, Blount

When: July 5, 4:38 PM CST
Where: Blount County, 2.15 mi NNE of Rosa
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.010, -86.510

Trees were reported down in the Rosa area, blocking a roadway.

Thunderstorm Wind, Lee

When: July 5, 4:47 PM CST
Where: Lee County, 2.15 mi SSW of Auburn
Measured: 51 kt (59 mph) measured gust
Reported by: AWOS
Coordinates: 32.590, -85.480

Thunderstorm Wind, Lee

When: July 5, 4:47 PM CST
Where: Lee County, 2.15 mi SSW of Auburn
Measured: 51 kt (59 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 32.590, -85.480

Trees and powerlines were reported down along Interstate 85, near exit 57.

Hail, Lee

When: July 5, 4:52 PM CST
Where: Lee County, 2.15 mi SSW of Auburn
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 32.590, -85.480

Hail, Blount

When: July 5, 5:00 PM CST
Where: Blount County, 0.51 mi N of Hendrix
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.037, -86.451

Thunderstorm Wind, Blount

When: July 5, 5:00 PM CST to 5:15 PM CST
Where: Blount County, 0.98 mi SW of Clarence to 1.6 mi WNW of Hoods Xrds
Measured: 60 kt (69 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.072, -86.444

Numerous trees were reported down in a broken swath the began in the Royal Community and continued southward through Murphree Valley.

Thunderstorm Wind, Lee

When: July 5, 5:03 PM CST
Where: Lee County, 2.15 mi SSW of Auburn
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 32.590, -85.480

Trees and powerlines were downed across the city of Auburn.

Hail, St. Clair

When: July 5, 5:11 PM CST
Where: St. Clair County, 1.12 mi ENE of St Clair Spgs
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 33.776, -86.382

Thunderstorm Wind, St. Clair

When: July 5, 5:18 PM CST
Where: St. Clair County, 2.74 mi SE of Caldwell
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 33.796, -86.332

Trees and powerlines were reported down near the intersection of Highway 23 and Highway 31.

Hail, Lee

When: July 5, 5:18 PM CST
Where: Lee County, 2.15 mi SSW of Auburn
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 32.590, -85.480

Thunderstorm Wind, St. Clair

When: July 5, 5:23 PM CST
Where: St. Clair County, 2.79 mi N of Odenville
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 33.720, -86.406

Trees were reported down near Low Gap Church.

Hail, St. Clair

When: July 5, 5:38 PM CST
Where: St. Clair County, 3.27 mi E of Caldwell
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 33.824, -86.313

Hail, St. Clair

When: July 5, 5:48 PM CST
Where: St. Clair County, 3.5 mi N of Whitney
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 33.920, -86.310

Hail, Shelby

When: July 5, 5:49 PM CST
Where: Shelby County, 2.37 mi NNW of Shelby Spgs
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 33.160, -86.720

Thunderstorm Wind, St. Clair

When: July 5, 5:52 PM CST
Where: St. Clair County, 3.5 mi N of Whitney
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 33.920, -86.310

Several tree limbs were blown down near Horse Pens Forty.

Thunderstorm Wind, St. Clair

When: July 5, 5:53 PM CST
Where: St. Clair County, 0.69 mi N of Wattsville
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 33.680, -86.280

Trees were reported down in the Wattsville Community.

Hail, Shelby

When: July 5, 5:54 PM CST
Where: Shelby County, 2.97 mi ESE of Varnons
Measured: 1.5 in hail
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 33.170, -86.720

Thunderstorm Wind, Macon

When: July 5, 5:58 PM CST
Where: Macon County, 3.45 mi N of Tuskegee Moton Arpt
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates: 32.520, -85.680

Powerlines were downed at the intersection of Pistol Range Road and Highway 81, south of Notasulga.

Hail, Shelby

When: July 5, 6:00 PM CST
Where: Shelby County, 1.31 mi SE of Vincent
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 33.368, -86.402

Thunderstorm Wind, Shelby

When: July 5, 6:05 PM CST
Where: Shelby County, 0.8 mi ENE of Dargin
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 33.154, -86.757

Several trees were reported down near Concord Baptist Church, two miles west of Highway 31 on County Road 22.

Hail, Chilton

When: July 5, 6:20 PM CST
Where: Chilton County, 1.5 mi NNW of Falakto
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 32.820, -86.610

Thunderstorm Wind, Bibb

When: July 5, 6:22 PM CST
Where: Bibb County, 1.68 mi ESE of Lawley
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 32.863, -86.942

Trees and powerlines were reported down in the Randolph and Lawley communities.

Thunderstorm Wind, Shelby

When: July 5, 6:30 PM CST
Where: Shelby County, 3.26 mi SSE of Harpersville
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: NWS Employee
Coordinates: 33.290, -86.420

Several trees were reported down along Klein Road, as well as a wooden business sign.

Hail, Shelby

When: July 5, 6:35 PM CST
Where: Shelby County, 0.88 mi S of Westover
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 33.337, -86.547

Thunderstorm Wind, Talladega

When: July 5, 6:35 PM CST
Where: Talladega County, 0.81 mi ENE of Childersburg
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 33.275, -86.357

A tree was reported down blocking Fairmont Road, as well as Cheaha Trail, in Childersburg.

Thunderstorm Wind, Cherokee

When: July 5, 6:55 PM CST
Where: Cherokee County, 2.82 mi NNE of Bomar
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.140, -85.570

Trees and powerlines were reported down on County Road 450, just north of the intersection of County Road 22 and County Road 16.

Thunderstorm Wind, Shelby

When: July 5, 7:09 PM CST
Where: Shelby County, 2.52 mi E of Pelham
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 33.281, -86.776

Powerlines were reported down on Kelly Drive.

Thunderstorm Wind, Cherokee

When: July 5, 7:12 PM CST
Where: Cherokee County, 2.15 mi SSW of Watson
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.300, -85.580

A tree was reported down across County Road 114, near Alabama Highway 35.

Thunderstorm Wind, Shelby

When: July 5, 7:25 PM CST
Where: Shelby County, 1.16 mi E of Calera
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: State Official
Coordinates: 33.100, -86.750

Two large trees fell onto a driveway within the city limits of Calera.

Thunderstorm Wind, Cherokee

When: July 5, 7:27 PM CST
Where: Cherokee County, 1.72 mi E of Blaine
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.150, -85.600

Trees were reported down, blocking County Road 40.

Thunderstorm Wind, Cherokee

When: July 5, 7:31 PM CST
Where: Cherokee County, 1.5 mi NNW of Round Mtn
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.240, -85.690

Trees were reported down across County Road 136.

Thunderstorm Wind, Autauga

When: July 5, 7:32 PM CST
Where: Autauga County, 0.66 mi NNW of Statesville
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 32.479, -86.855

A large tree was reported down, blocking a road in Statesville.

Thunderstorm Wind, Cherokee

When: July 5, 7:35 PM CST
Where: Cherokee County, 1.38 mi N of Key
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.120, -85.530

The tin on two barns was blown away near County Road 113 and County Road 34.

Thunderstorm Wind, Cherokee

When: July 5, 7:37 PM CST
Where: Cherokee County, 2.95 mi ENE of Gnatville
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 33.990, -85.620

A security light was blown down with powerlines on County Road 31.

Hail, Dallas

When: July 5, 7:50 PM CST
Where: Dallas County, Selma Selfield Arpt
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 32.430, -86.950

Thunderstorm Wind, Etowah

When: July 5, 8:00 PM CST
Where: Etowah County, 1.6 mi WNW of Ballplay
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 34.058, -85.846

Trees were reported down along Coats Bend Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Blount

When: July 5, 8:32 PM CST
Where: Blount County, 3.02 mi SSW of Bright Star
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.127, -86.442

Trees were reported down in Snead.

Thunderstorm Wind, Blount

When: July 5, 8:47 PM CST
Where: Blount County, 2.82 mi SSW of Champion
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 33.890, -86.440

Trees were reported down in the Highland Lakes Area.

Thunderstorm Wind, St. Clair

When: July 5, 8:55 PM CST
Where: St. Clair County, 3.97 mi SW of Springville
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 33.723, -86.509

A tree was reported down blocking one lane on Interstate 59 at mile marker 152.

Hail, St. Clair

When: July 5, 9:00 PM CST
Where: St. Clair County, 1.38 mi S of Eden
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 33.560, -86.320

Thunderstorm Wind, St. Clair

When: July 5, 9:09 PM CST
Where: St. Clair County, 0.86 mi SSE of Pell City
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: State Official
Coordinates: 33.568, -86.277

Trees were reported down within the city limits of Pell City.

Thunderstorm Wind, Winston

When: July 5, 9:35 PM CST
Where: Winston County, Ashridge
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: State Official
Coordinates: 34.230, -87.470

A few dozen trees were reported down in the Ashridge Area, including several that were down along Alabama Highway 195 near County Road 6.

Thunderstorm Wind, Winston

When: July 5, 9:45 PM CST
Where: Winston County, 2.37 mi SSW of Pleasant Hill
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.190, -87.470

Trees and powerlines were downed along County Road 55 and County Road 32.

Thunderstorm Wind, Winston

When: July 5, 9:45 PM CST
Where: Winston County, 3.64 mi SSW of Pleasant Hill
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.170, -87.470

The awning and stucco was removed at Mount Carmel Church on Highway 278.

Thunderstorm Wind, Winston

When: July 5, 9:55 PM CST
Where: Winston County, 0.69 mi N of Delmar
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.180, -87.600

A tree fell on a house in the Delmar area along County Road 28.

Thunderstorm Wind, Marion

When: July 5, 10:17 PM CST
Where: Marion County, 2.99 mi NNE of Boston
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 34.070, -87.750

Several small trees were reported down along Highway 129, between Highway 278 and downtown Brilliant.

Hail, St. Clair

When: July 5, 10:46 PM CST
Where: St. Clair County, 4.19 mi N of Whitney
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 33.930, -86.290

Thunderstorm Wind, Lamar

When: July 5, 10:48 PM CST
Where: Lamar County, 0.69 mi S of Crews
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 33.890, -88.130

Numerous trees were reported down.

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.

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

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in Alabama in 2012 Every state in 2012 This day in weather history Warnings in Alabama, July 2012

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: 406082, 406083, 406084, 406086, 406087, 406085, 406089, 406090, 406095, 406091, 406092, 406093, 406097, 406098, 406158, 406096, 406159, 406160, 406162, 406161, 406163, 406164, 406538, 406539, 406540, 406544, 406543, 406545, 406546, 406547, 406548, 406549, 406550, 406552, 406553, 406556, 406558, 406554, 406559, 406562, and more.