A east-west zone of deep moisture across north Alabama on February 22nd was located along the northern periphery of a 500mb ridge across Florida. A digging short wave trough over the Southwest United States produced several downstream impulses which produced localized heavy rainfall across Marion County.
Every event with a place to put it. Tap one for its entry below.
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.
The episode as NWS BMX wrote it up.
A east-west zone of deep moisture across north Alabama on February 22nd was located along the northern periphery of a 500mb ridge across Florida. A digging short wave trough over the Southwest United States produced several downstream impulses which produced localized heavy rainfall across Marion County. On the next day, the upper trough tracked northeast into Texas and produced a band of severe storms across Central Alabama.
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 Feb 22, 6:20 AM CST, 2 hours 40 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Birmingham AL 620 AM CST Fri Feb 22 2019 .UPDATED... Aviation Discussion. && .SHORT TERM... Through Tonight. An upper level trough is moving through the Desert Southwest this morning, while an upper level ridge continues to extend from the Atlantic, across Florida and into the Southeast. This will keep the maintain storm track just to our north. At the surface, a stalled front/surface trough stretches across southern portions of the area, from near Alex City to Selma. Radar this morning has been much quieter than this time yesterday, although there are some showers around. A band of showers moving northeast has persisted for much of the night just north of the stalled front. Just to our northwest, upper level impulses tracking around the upper level ridge and max moisture transport meet, and a large area of moderate to heavy rainfall extends across northern MS and into the Tennessee Valley. The southern edge of this activity is clipping far northwest Central Alabama. This morning, in response to the stalled front lifting northward, expect the current band of showers extending from near Demopolis to Anniston to slowly lift northward. Given the shallow nature of the front (the 925-850mb front is near the AL/TN border), lifting along it is limited. However, with moist conditions, the weak lift will be enough for continued scattered shower development along the front through the day. The main focus for moderate to heavy rainfall today will continue to be locations near and north of the Highway 278 corridor. With saturated soil conditions and area creeks/streams near capacity, any rainfall could quickly lead to flood problems. Have extended the Flood Watch through today and tonight, now expiring at 6AM Saturday. The counties in the watch remain the same. Will have to watch for scattered shower and storm development across the south this afternoon. There is a lack of forcing, with upper level heights remaining the same or even rising slightly. If the skies can clear, surface instabilities near 1000-1200 J/kg are not out of the question, as temperatures near 80F with dewpoints in the low to mid 60s. Deep layer shear values of 50kts could be enough to sustain updrafts for a few strong storms. Given the lack of overall forcing and drier air aloft will only carry chance pops and not mention any severe storms in the HWO. Tonight, surface ridging pushing lee of the Appalachians sets up a wedge across Georgia and into eastern Alabama. This will help erode the lingering surface trough, and the main rain area will constrict slightly, back to the northwest. Isentropic lift over the wedge does not look particularly strong at this time, but it could lead to increased light rain late tonight especially across the east. Otherwise, patchy fog outside of rain areas is possible. .LONG TERM... Saturday and Saturday night. A vigorous upper-level trough (currently digging into the Southern Rockies from the Pacific Northwest) & associated dynamical forcing will eject from the Desert Southwest into the Great Plains Saturday morning. As vertical stretching occurs the mid-level disturbance will strengthen whilst phasing with the sub-tropical branch of the jet stream. As a result, downstream surface cyclogenesis is expected near northeast NM/southeast CO while a strong mid-level jet streak begins to develop (500mb winds >100 kts). This system will move northeastward throughout the day & continue to strengthen as it approaches the mid-Mississippi River Valley (MRV) Saturday evening. By then the surface low should be situated near eastern KS/western MO, with a ~532 decameter mid-level low & associated strong vorticity maximum overhead. A trailing surface front/dry line will extend southward into the ArkLaTex & northwestern Gulf. Across the Gulf Coast & Southeast CONUS, a broad SE/S surface wind field will promote advective components that will provide dewpoints into the mid/upper 60s across central Alabama & northwestward across the lower MRV as a surface warm front lifts northward. However, warm sector conditions could be limited across our northeastern counties as a surface high across the northeast CONUS will force cold air wedging & limit surface dewpoints/temperatures for much of the day. Nonetheless, as this Gulf airmass interacts with deep-layer forcing during diurnal boundary layer destabilization, convective initiation is expected along & near the surface front/dry line feature to our west. This will push eastward into MS in the afternoon with the anticipation of squall line/QLCS evolution, as well as the opportunity for discrete showers & thunderstorms ahead of it. Given broad hodograph curvature & abundant low/mid-level wind shear values, severe convective weather is expected across this region before eventually entering the picture across our northwest areas ~6 PM Saturday evening. Uncertainty remains with some atmospheric conditions for our area, specifically with buoyancy & depends on environmental conditions such as antecedent cloud cover/depth & any pre-frontal rain showers. Forecast soundings vary with vertical depth/structure of CAPE profiles, though all tend to agree that SBCAPE values ~500-750 J/kg despite losing diabatic heating after ~21Z. Wind profiles maintain ample shear variables supportive of supercell thunderstorms & tornadoes (300-400 m2/s2 0-1km SRH, 50-60 kts 0-6km bulk shear). Thus, the severe threat will ultimately depend on the evolution of the QLCS & possible development of discrete and/or embedded supercells & whether surface based parcels are ingested. If so, the tornado threat will stay on the table as well as damaging wind gusts given any downward transport of 40-50 knot winds in the 925-850mb layer. Hail likelihood should remain low given small/skinny CAPE in the hail growth zone, though if some stronger updrafts develop this could certainly pose a low-end threat as well. Deep-layer forcing, although mostly to our northwest during the event anyway, will begin to further move out of the region into the upper Ohio Valley & Great Lakes Region after ~09Z. This along with shear vectors becoming more parallel to the orientation of the QLCS should signal the end of the severe threat as it approaches the southeast forecast area. For now will maintain the Slight Risk area generally in the same spatial & temporal areas as previous forecasts, as well as previous wording in the HWO. Believe the greatest threat for severe weather will stay north of the I-59 corridor & favor the northwest third of the forecast area ~6-10 PM. Severe threats will carry over into the overnight period as the system heads southeastward though should become less probable. Antecedent saturated soils also factor in with not trimming back the Slight Risk area as it will not require as much kinetic wind energy to bring down trees across the area. Not expecting any major impacts with regards to flash flooding with this system due to its transient nature though ongoing river flooding will be an issue into the coming days. Those impacted by river flooding should continue to refer to our river products for more detailed information. Will continue to monitor changes in the evolution of the system in the next 24-36 hours & update as necessary. Interests across Central Alabama should check back periodically for forecast updates & maintain multiple ways to receive any warnings on Saturday & Saturday night. Sunday through Thursday. Improved weather & a much needed dry/drier period looks to move into the region as a stable continental airmass & zonal split-flow aloft encompasses much of the CONUS & the Southern Gulf Coast after Sunday morning. Expect this to stick around through at least mid-week before some rain showers possibly impact the area on Wednesday as a shortwave trough moves along the Gulf Coast. Otherwise the overall weather theme for next week should remain mostly tame with no significant storm systems currently expected. Would hopefully start to see some improvement with any lingering river flooding concerns during this time. 40/Sizemore && .AVIATION... 12Z TAF Discussion. Low clouds cover the area this morning, with a broken band of showers extending northeast to southwest, bisecting the area, close to northern terminals. The line of showers will gradually shift northward this morning as a weak, shallow surface front moves northward. With weak lift associated with the front and larger scale lift just to our north, cannot rule out at least vicinity showers through the day at northern terminals. Cigs will remain low, with periods of IFR cigs this morning. Cigs improve to MVFR this afternoon. At MGM and TOI, with a lack of forcing, chance of showers is lower and dependent on whether skies clear at all this afternoon. Cigs also should improve to VFR this afternoon across the south. Cannot rule out thunder, but chances are too low areawide to include at any particular terminal. Tonight, cigs fall back to IFR/MVFR, with patchy fog possible. Do not expect winds greater than 6-7kts at any time during the forecast period. 14 && .FIRE WEATHER... A prolonged period of rainfall will continue through the end of the week, with a strong storm system expected to move through Central Alabama Saturday night. Very wet conditions are expected, especially across the northern half of the area. Drier conditions return to the area for at least a couple days to start next week. There are no fire weather concerns at this time. && .PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS... Gadsden 63 55 72 50 60 / 60 60 50 80 0 Anniston 68 56 74 53 63 / 50 40 40 80 0 Birmingham 67 60 75 52 62 / 50 50 50 80 0 Tuscaloosa 70 63 77 50 63 / 50 40 50 80 0 Calera 70 61 76 52 63 / 50 40 40 70 0 Auburn 77 59 77 57 66 / 30 30 20 70 10 Montgomery 80 65 81 58 68 / 30 20 30 70 10 Troy 80 64 81 59 68 / 20 20 20 60 10 && .BMX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES/... Flood Watch through late tonight for the following counties: Bibb...Blount...Calhoun...Cherokee...Clay...Cleburne...Etowah... Fayette...Jefferson...Lamar...Marion...Pickens...Shelby...St. Clair...Talladega...Tuscaloosa...Walker...Winston. &&
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Birmingham AL 406 AM CST Fri Feb 22 2019 ALZ011>015-017>050-231315- 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- 406 AM CST Fri Feb 22 2019 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for the counties served by the National Weather Service office in Birmingham. .DAY ONE...through Tonight. Areas of locally heavy rainfall will remain possible today and tonight. Therefore, the flood potential remains high. Any heavy rain on already saturated grounds will only enhance the flood potential. The main flood threat area will be near and north of an Aliceville to Calera to Wedowee line. Elsewhere, minor flooding is possible if showers and storms move over the same areas more than once. Central Alabama rivers will experience hefty rises the next several days. River stages will reach into the Minor and Moderate flood levels. Check the latest river flood products for specific information. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday. Severe thunderstorms will be possible on Saturday. The hazardous threats include tornadoes, damaging winds, and hail. At this time, the threat appears to begin around 6 PM in the west and may continue through 3 AM in the east. These threats are greatest near and north of a line from Demopolis to Calera to Centre. Outside these areas, some thunderstorms can be expected but should be weaker in intensity. Central Alabama rivers will experience hefty rises the next several days. River stages will reach into the Minor and Moderate flood levels. Check the latest river flood products for specific information. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Activation of storm spotters and emergency management may be needed through Saturday.
The Birmingham radar (KBMX), 78 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 15:01 UTC.
6 tornado, 5 thunderstorm wind, 4 flood. Local standard time, as filed.
Heavy rainfall over a several day period produced flooding along the Coosa River. Many tributaries connected to the Coosa River also flooded, resulting in many road closures around the city of Lincoln.
Heavy rainfall over a several day period produced flooding along the Black Warrior River. Many tributaries connected to the Black Warrior River also flooded, resulting in road closures around the city of Fosters.
Heavy rainfall over a several day period led to many creeks to overflow their banks, including Bull Mountain Creek.
Heavy rainfall over a several day period led to many creeks to overflow their banks, including Woods Creek.
Several trees uprooted and power lines downed near Highway 75 and Woodhaven Blvd.
Several trees uprooted near Kemp Chapel Church on Highway 19.
Several uprooted trees on Red Bridge Drive in the city of Hamilton.
National Weather Service meteorologists surveyed damage in southwest Pickens County and determined that it was consistent with an EF0 tornado, with maximum sustained winds near 75 mph.
The tornado touched down over open pasture just east of Nancy Clark Road, and caused damage along an east-west treeline between two pastures. The tornado then tracked just northeast, roughly a half mile north of and parallel to Highway 32, crossing largely open pasture land which was punctuated by fence lines and thin tree lines. As it crossed Ziegler Road, the tornado snapped five power poles and also uprooted a few hardwood trees. The tornado lifted several hundred yards east of Ziegler Road.
Several uprooted trees near Shiloh Church Road.
National Weather Service meteorologists surveyed damage in southeast Lamar County and determined that it was consistent with an EF1 tornado, with maximum sustained winds near 105 mph.
The tornado touched down southwest of Crawford Road in the Kingville community and traveled northeast. At the initial point of touchdown, a large area of uprooted and snapped trees were observed along County Road 49. In this area, near the intersection of County Road 20 and County Road 49, a manufactured home was lofted and displaced to the northeast approximately 75 feet. Maximum winds at this location were 105 mph. The tornado continued northeast towards western Fayette County, just south of Highway 18. Along the path, several uprooted trees and many snapped limbs were observed. The damage path become more narrow as the tornado continued northeast and crossed into Fayette County, near Twin Lake Road.
Several trees uprooted near the intersection of Highway 43 and Highway 187.
National Weather Service meteorologists surveyed damage in far western Fayette County and determined that it was consistent with an EF1 tornado, with maximum sustained winds near 95 mph.
This tornado was a continuation of a tornado in Lamar County. The tornado entered Fayette County near Twin Lake Road and lifted shortly after entering the county. It produced mostly tree damage.
National Weather Service meteorologists surveyed damage in northeast Fayette County and determined that it was consistent with an EF0 tornado, with maximum sustained winds near 80 mph.
The tornado touched down in a wooded area between Victor Road and County Road 44 in northeast Fayette County. It traveled north-northeast and paralleled Highway 13 as it crossed into southwest Walker County. The tornado uprooted numerous softwood trees.
National Weather Service meteorologists surveyed damage in southwest Walker County and determined that it was consistent with an EF0 tornado, with maximum sustained winds near 80 mph.
This tornado is a continuation of a tornado from Fayette County. The tornado crossed into Walker County near the intersection of County Road 24 and County Road 13 and tracked northeast. The tornado uprooted numerous softwood trees before it lifted just east of County Road 13.
National Weather Service meteorologists surveyed damage in eastern Coosa County and determined that it was consistent with an EF1 tornado, with maximum sustained winds near 95 mph.
The tornado touched down initially in a grove of pine trees just east of County Road 40 in Coosa County, uprooting about a half dozen mature trees. It then traveled east-northeastward to Nixburg Road, where several pines were uprooted, and a quarter of the metal roofing was peeled off a home. The tornado continued across a wooded area in the Little Sam Jack Creek basin and then crossed County Road 30 and County Road 101. Numerous pines were uprooted or snapped in this area, and a few hardwoods were uprooted. The tornado path then crossed Alabama Highway 22, where several pines and a hardwood were uprooted. One of the pines caused major damage to the corner of a manufactured home, and one uprooted hardwood grazed the front of another home causing minor damage. The tornado dissipated in the woods somewhere between Alabama Highway 22 and Alabama Highway 9.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Alabama in 2019Every state in 2019This day in weather historyThe tornado archive for Alabama, 2019Warnings in Alabama, February 2019
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: 809761, 809764, 809613, 809755, 809788, 809768, 809776, 809789, 809780, 809790, 809784, 809791, 809803, 809805, 809814.