Tornadoes and Damaging Winds in Alabama, March 3, 2023

Name: Tornadoes and Damaging Winds in Alabama, March 3, 2023
Start: 2023-03-03T08:00
End: 2023-03-03T16:00
Location: Alabama

March 3, 2023 · NWS HUN · 46 events in 11 counties and zones

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it; 11 filed by county or forecast zone are drawn at its center, in a lighter ring. 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: 5
Injuries: 4
Property damage: $790,000
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 46

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 HUN wrote it up.

A prolonged damaging gradient wind event combined with an intense squall line during the daylight hours of the 3rd to produce widespread wind damage and impacts to the region. Numerous power outages resulted from power poles being snapped and power lines being brought down. All told, thousands were without power in north Alabama for at least for a couple of hours, and in some cases lasting into the next two to three days. Hundreds of reports of trees or limbs being knocked down were received, in many cases on homes, vehicles and other structures. Sadly, two people were killed outside their homes from fallen trees while picking up debris after the line of thunderstorms went through and additional high winds developed. Other minor injuries were also reported including one utility worker who was working to restore power.

A powerful low pressure system intensified rapidly as it moved northeast from Texas through Arkansas, southeast Missouri into western Kentucky. In doing so, very windy conditions developed across the Tennessee Valley ahead of an associated cold front and squall line. South winds increased to 35-45 mph, with gusts of 55-60 mph at times. An intense squall line moved in from Mississippi during the mid morning hours, sweeping east across the rest of the area through the midday hours. Peak wind gusts of 50-60 mph were reported frequently, with one gust up to 77 mph at Pryor Field in Decatur (Morgan County) and 69 mph at the Huntsville International Airport (Madison County). Also, at least two tornadoes were spawned by the line in Jackson County. Behind the line of thunderstorms, the sky cleared out rapidly, but southwest winds intensified as well, with 35-45 mph sustained winds, gusting at 55-65 mph. The winds finally subsided quickly near sunset, but not after additional damage occurred.

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 Huntsville, AL wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Mar 3, 6:15 AM CST, 1 hour 45 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Mar 3, 6:15 AM CST, 1 hour 45 minutes before

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Huntsville AL
615 AM CST Fri Mar 3 2023

...New AVIATION...

.NEAR TERM...
(Today)
Issued at 400 AM CST Fri Mar 3 2023

The final day of an active weather period is shaping up for the
Tennessee Valley, as a powerful low pressure system continues to
intensify early this morning across central AR. Currently, showers
and embedded thunderstorms can be seen across northern TN and KY
ahead of a stationary boundary that will be forced north this
morning. A QLCS can be seen ahead of a cold front soon approaching
the western MS state line, and this initial line of storms should
begin to lift north through Memphis and into western KY through
the early morning hours. As the sfc low ejects northeast, rapid
intensification is expected to occur. Guidance shows a 5-10mb
pressure drop between 12-18z, taking the sfc low sub 980mb by the
afternoon. What will this mean for us? A deepening low will lead
to a tighter pressure gradient, and non-thunderstorm winds will
quickly pick up across the area later this morning.

First things first - the gradient winds. We want to stress that
this will be an extremely rare, abnormally windy day outside of
the thunderstorm activity expected later this morning. 850mb
winds will increase to 70kts as 500mb winds exceed 110kts,
indicating very strong mid to upper level steering flow. Sustained
sfc winds will reach 30-40mph later this morning and through much
of the afternoon hours, with gusts as high as 50-60mph (and
perhaps higher) at times. With recent heavy rainfall, the ground
has softened and this will make trees more susceptible to being
blown down/uprooted. Any loose outdoor furniture, trampolines,
decorations will be at risk of being blown away, so be sure to
secure these items early this morning if not done so already. Some
power outages, perhaps even widespread, seem reasonable as well
given these winds will be similar to those of a tropical storm or
even on the lower end of hurricane force winds. Please do not take
the straight line wind threat lightly today, as this will likely
be our primary source of widespread impacts today.

Next, the severe threat. Hi-res as well as global guidance
continues to show a slower time of arrival for storms this morning
and early afternoon. The current line of storms will shift north
and should mostly miss our area, while a second line develops
along the cold front early this morning. 06z soundings across
eastern LA/southern MS show a capping inversion around 3km, and
very favorable lapse rates above that. Strong curvature in
hodographs highlights the damaging wind and tornado threat with
this system, with 0-1km SRH between 400-500m2/s2 and bulk shear
upwards of 70kts. The shear profiles are extremely favorable for
severe weather, the main question will be how much instability
will be available to support deep, robust convection that won't
be overpowered by such a strong shear profile. The slower timing
will allow a window for better sfc heating than previously
forecast, which has been a concerning trend. Model soundings
indicate we will warm up later this morning behind the warm front,
enough to overcome any capping inversion. Models indicate SBCAPE
values between 1000-1500J/kg which would be sufficient for severe
storms with all severe types possible. The greatest of these
threats will be damaging winds and tornadoes, and within any
surges of the line it may be hard to differentiate the source of
the damage. A strong tornado or two could develop if the
convective mode becomes more broken/discrete or we see a strong
surge within a QLCS, where the ingestion of streamwise vorticity
can be maximized. These storms will be moving northeast as fast
as 60mph, so the time to react to warnings will be shorter than
what we usually see. Overall, expect the line of strong to severe
storms to enter NW AL near 10am and exit NE AL by 2pm.

With the fast movement of these storms, widespread flash flooding
will be less of a concern today, but any rainfall that does occur
will likely fall as runoff. Brief ponding on roadways may lead to
periods of hazardous travel, especially in poor drainage areas.
Otherwise, highs will remain above normal today, topping in the
low to mid 70s.

&&

.SHORT TERM...
(Tonight through Monday)
Issued at 400 AM CST Fri Mar 3 2023

High pressure will build in later tonight behind the cold front,
and drier air will bring an end to the cloud cover. Northerly
winds should begin to die down as they veer to the north during
the early morning hours, and overnight lows will drop to the lower
40s across the area. Overall, a beautiful weekend will shape up as
broad ridging takes place over the eastern CONUS and sfc high
pressure slowly shifts northeast into the upper Appalachians.
Highs will top out in the low to mid 60s on Saturday, climbing
into the upper 60s/lower 70s on Sunday as 850mb flow returns to
the south. The warming trend will continue through Monday, as WAA
increases ahead of a weak mid-lvl disturbance. Look for highs in
the mid 70s with increasing cloud cover on Monday. Overnight lows
will warm each night as well, beginning in the lower 40s Saturday
night rising to the upper 40s/lower 50s Sunday night.

&&

.LONG TERM...
(Monday night through Thursday)
Issued at 400 AM CST Fri Mar 3 2023

A cold front will bring back chances for rain late Monday into
Tuesday, although pretty big timing differences still exist among
global models. Will keep with the NBM 20-30PoP during this time.
The remainder of the week looks unsettled, but models continue to
diverge regarding placement and timing of a later week
disturbance. For now, there is no big signal for a severe weather
event, and there are some indications we could be in for a colder
pattern change by the weekend.

&&

.AVIATION...
(12Z TAFS)
Issued at 615 AM CST Fri Mar 3 2023

MVFR cigs have prevailed across the area this morning as gradient
winds begin to increase. SSE winds sustained at 20-30kts with
gusts as high as 45-50kts will be possible today, and have added
wind shear to both terminals given increasing wind speeds aloft.
The main timing for storms will come between 16-18z at MSL and
17-19z, and have included TEMPO groups in both TAFs to account for
this. Rain should come to an end quickly after these timeframes,
but strong gradient winds will linger into the early evening
hours. VFR conditions will return later this afternoon, and skies
should begin clearing through the overnight hours as winds become
calmer.

&&

.HUN WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
AL...High Wind Warning until 6 PM CST this evening for ALZ001>010-016.

TN...High Wind Warning until 6 PM CST this evening for TNZ076-096-097.

&&

NEAR TERM...25
SHORT TERM....25
LONG TERM....25
AVIATION...25

The radar

The Northeast Alabama radar (KHTX), 46 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 15:51 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

33 thunderstorm wind, 6 strong wind, 5 high wind, 2 tornado. Local standard time, as filed.

Strong Wind, Madison

When: March 3, 8:00 AM CST to 4:00 PM CST
Where: Madison forecast zone
Measured: 48 kt (55 mph) estimated gust
Deaths: 1 direct, 0 indirect
Injuries: 1 direct, 0 indirect
Reported by: Utility Company
Coordinates: 34.763, -86.550 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Windy conditions developed ahead of and immediately behind a line of severe thunderstorms. Sustained wind speeds of 25-35 mph gusted frequently from 40-55 mph at times. One individual was killed while picking up debris in their yard after the line of thunderstorms. A utility worker was electrocuted while working to restore power and was transported to a hospital. Additional power poles and lines were knocked down, but it is too difficult to determine exact numbers separated from the severe thunderstorms. Thus, those numbers are posted within the severe thunderstorm entry for this day.

High Wind, Lauderdale

When: March 3, 8:00 AM CST to 4:00 PM CST
Where: Lauderdale forecast zone
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) measured gust
Deaths: 1 direct, 0 indirect
Injuries: 1 direct, 0 indirect
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 34.901, -87.654 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Very windy conditions developed ahead of and immediately behind a line of severe thunderstorms. Sustained wind speeds of 30-40 mph gusted frequently from 45-60 mph at times, peaking at 63 mph at the Northwest Alabama Regional Airport in nearby Muscle Shoals. One individual was killed while picking up debris in their yard after the line of thunderstorms. Numerous trees and power poles and lines were knocked down.

High Wind, Colbert

When: March 3, 8:00 AM CST to 4:00 PM CST
Where: Colbert forecast zone
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) measured gust
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 34.700, -87.805 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Very windy conditions developed ahead of and immediately behind a line of severe thunderstorms. Sustained wind speeds of 30-40 mph gusted frequently from 45-60 mph at times, peaking at 63 mph at the Northwest Alabama Regional Airport in Muscle Shoals. Numerous trees and power poles and lines were knocked down.

High Wind, Franklin

When: March 3, 8:00 AM CST to 4:00 PM CST
Where: Franklin forecast zone
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) measured gust
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 34.442, -87.844 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Very windy conditions developed ahead of and immediately behind a line of severe thunderstorms. Sustained wind speeds of 30-40 mph gusted frequently from 45-60 mph at times, peaking at 63 mph at the Northwest Alabama Regional Airport in nearby Muscle Shoals. Numerous trees and power poles and lines were knocked down.

Strong Wind, Cullman

When: March 3, 8:00 AM CST to 4:00 PM CST
Where: Cullman forecast zone
Measured: 43 kt (49 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.132, -86.868 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Windy conditions developed ahead of and immediately behind a line of severe thunderstorms. Sustained wind speeds of 25-35 mph gusted frequently from 40-50 mph at times. Numerous trees and power lines were knocked down.

Strong Wind, Lawrence

When: March 3, 8:00 AM CST to 4:00 PM CST
Where: Lawrence forecast zone
Measured: 44 kt (51 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $52,000
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 34.522, -87.311 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Windy conditions developed ahead of and immediately behind a line of severe thunderstorms. Sustained wind speeds of 25-35 mph gusted frequently from 40-55 mph at times. Numerous trees and power lines were knocked down. No less than 12 locations reported trees down and 3 locations with power lines down associated with winds that occurred after the thunderstorms departed. Roofs collapsed at a residence in Moulton and in Courtland.

High Wind, Limestone

When: March 3, 8:00 AM CST to 4:00 PM CST
Where: Limestone forecast zone
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) measured gust
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 34.810, -86.981 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

High Wind, Morgan

When: March 3, 8:00 AM CST to 4:00 PM CST
Where: Morgan forecast zone
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) measured gust
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 34.454, -86.853 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Strong Wind, Jackson

When: March 3, 8:00 AM CST to 4:00 PM CST
Where: Jackson forecast zone
Measured: 41 kt (47 mph) measured gust
Deaths: 1 direct, 0 indirect
Reported by: AWOS
Coordinates: 34.779, -85.999 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Windy conditions developed ahead of and immediately behind a line of severe thunderstorms. Sustained wind speeds of 25-35 mph gusted frequently from 40-50 mph at times. Trees and power lines were knocked down as a result of the winds.

Strong Wind, Marshall

When: March 3, 8:00 AM CST to 4:00 PM CST
Where: Marshall forecast zone
Measured: 40 kt (46 mph) measured gust
Deaths: 1 direct, 0 indirect
Reported by: AWOS
Coordinates: 34.367, -86.307 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Strong Wind, Dekalb

When: March 3, 8:00 AM CST to 4:00 PM CST
Where: Dekalb forecast zone
Measured: 40 kt (46 mph) measured gust
Deaths: 1 direct, 0 indirect
Reported by: AWOS
Coordinates: 34.460, -85.804 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Thunderstorm Wind, Franklin

When: March 3, 9:50 AM CST
Where: Franklin County, 0.69 mi N of Red Bay
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 34.440, -88.130

Numerous locations reporting trees and power lines down near Red Bay.

Thunderstorm Wind, Franklin

When: March 3, 10:03 AM CST
Where: Franklin County, Dempsey
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Injuries: 1 direct, 0 indirect
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.480, -87.950

Trees were knocked down. One minor injury reported.

Thunderstorm Wind, Franklin

When: March 3, 10:30 AM CST
Where: Franklin County, 1.14 mi E of Reedtown
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.500, -87.730

Numerous locations reporting trees and power lines down near Russellville.

Thunderstorm Wind, Lawrence

When: March 3, 10:30 AM CST to 11:15 AM CST
Where: Lawrence County, 3.73 mi SW of Mt Hope to 3.64 mi WNW of Five Pts
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Injuries: 1 direct, 0 indirect
Property damage: $15,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.416, -87.531

Thunderstorm winds knocked down trees and power lines at numerous locations across the county from west-southwest to east-northeast. No less than 15 locations reported trees being knocked down and 4 with power lines down. A minor injury was reported on CR 443 in Hillsboro when a tree fell onto an RV.

Thunderstorm Wind, Lawrence

When: March 3, 10:31 AM CST
Where: Lawrence County, 1.38 mi S of Hatton
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.550, -87.420

Trees were knocked down near the intersection of Highway 101 and CR 131.

Thunderstorm Wind, Colbert

When: March 3, 10:34 AM CST
Where: Colbert County, 1.24 mi ESE of (Msl)muscle Shoals A
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) measured gust
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 34.744, -87.599

Recorded at the Northwest Alabama Regional Airport.

Thunderstorm Wind, Lawrence

When: March 3, 10:41 AM CST
Where: Lawrence County, 0.89 mi NE of Lemon Hill
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.740, -87.410

Trees were knocked down and blocking the road at the intersection of Highway 101 and CR 406.

Thunderstorm Wind, Lawrence

When: March 3, 10:52 AM CST
Where: Lawrence County, 1.79 mi NE of Masterson Mill
Measured: 56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.550, -87.260

Power lines and poles were knocked down near 2008 CR 241.

Thunderstorm Wind, Lawrence

When: March 3, 10:52 AM CST
Where: Lawrence County, 1.49 mi SSW of Mountain Home
Measured: 56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.560, -87.280

Power lines and poles were knocked down between mile markers 18 and 24 on Highway 33.

Thunderstorm Wind, Lawrence

When: March 3, 10:53 AM CST
Where: Lawrence County, 0.65 mi W of Moulton
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.481, -87.291

Minor awning damage was reported to some businesses on Main Street.

Thunderstorm Wind, Lawrence

When: March 3, 10:53 AM CST
Where: Lawrence County, 1.38 mi N of Moulton
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.500, -87.280

Trees were knocked down on CR 170 just off of Highway 157.

Thunderstorm Wind, Lawrence

When: March 3, 10:55 AM CST
Where: Lawrence County, 0.89 mi NE of Lemon Hill
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 34.740, -87.410

Trees were knocked down and blocking the road at Highway 101 at CR 406.

Thunderstorm Wind, Lawrence

When: March 3, 11:00 AM CST
Where: Lawrence County, 5.31 mi WNW of Five Pts
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.490, -87.140

Trees were knocked down near CR 87 at CR 331.

Thunderstorm Wind, Morgan

When: March 3, 11:08 AM CST
Where: Morgan County, 2.07 mi N of Pumpkin Center
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.500, -87.080

Multiple trees were knocked down on Kirby Bridge Road west of Hartselle and north of Danville.

Thunderstorm Wind, Morgan

When: March 3, 11:10 AM CST
Where: Morgan County, 2.38 mi WSW of Basham
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.510, -87.060

Multiple trees were knocked down between Decatur and Basham.

Thunderstorm Wind, Morgan

When: March 3, 11:12 AM CST
Where: Morgan County, 0.9 mi SE of Basham
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.510, -87.010

Trees were knocked down on Herring Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Limestone

When: March 3, 11:18 AM CST
Where: Limestone County, 1.12 mi SW of Orrville
Measured: 67 kt (77 mph) measured gust
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 34.658, -86.943

Recorded at Pryor Field.

Thunderstorm Wind, Limestone

When: March 3, 11:19 AM CST
Where: Limestone County, 2.66 mi ENE of Athens
Measured: 56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $4,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.820, -86.940

A power pole and lines were knocked down at 3025 U.S. Highway 31.

Thunderstorm Wind, Limestone

When: March 3, 11:20 AM CST
Where: Limestone County, 2.26 mi ESE of Mooresville
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.612, -86.847

Multiple trees were knocked down on Swancott at Pryor Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Madison

When: March 3, 11:21 AM CST
Where: Madison County, 2.91 mi WSW of Fletcher Chapel
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $3,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.721, -86.720

Trees were knocked down on power lines along Eastview Drive between Highland Drive and Slaughter Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Madison

When: March 3, 11:22 AM CST
Where: Madison County, 0.75 mi NE of Madison
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.707, -86.760

Trees were knocked down on Browns Ferry Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Limestone

When: March 3, 11:23 AM CST
Where: Limestone County, 0.62 mi SW of Parker
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.715, -86.829

Roof damage was reported near the intersection of Bowers Road and Powell Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Limestone

When: March 3, 11:25 AM CST
Where: Limestone County, 1.49 mi SSE of Capshaw
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.750, -86.790

A tree and power lines were knocked down at this location.

Thunderstorm Wind, Cullman

When: March 3, 11:25 AM CST to 12:15 PM CST
Where: Cullman County, 1.97 mi WNW of Trade to 4.48 mi SSE of Joppa
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $48,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.081, -87.112

No less than 50 reports of trees being knocked down were received during or just after a line of severe thunderstorms moved through the county from west-southwest to east-northeast. Power lines were knocked down at least 10 locations.

Thunderstorm Wind, Madison

When: March 3, 11:28 AM CST
Where: Madison County, 0.54 mi SW of Madison Co Jet Port
Measured: 58 kt (67 mph) measured gust
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 34.644, -86.786

Recorded at the Huntsville International Airport.

Thunderstorm Wind, Madison

When: March 3, 11:28 AM CST to 12:06 PM CST
Where: Madison County, 0.46 mi WSW of Madison Co Jet Port to 4.43 mi ESE of Greenfield
Measured: 58 kt (67 mph) measured gust
Property damage: $610,000
Reported by: Utility Company
Coordinates: 34.647, -86.787

According to Huntsville Utilities alone, 59 power poles were knocked down or damaged, 110 power lines were downed, and 64 trees were knocked down. These are likely conservative estimates for the entire county.

Thunderstorm Wind, Cullman

When: March 3, 11:30 AM CST
Where: Cullman County, 1.85 mi WSW of Cullman
Measured: 43 kt (49 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.170, -86.860

A tree was knocked down across the road on Rosemont Avenue.

Thunderstorm Wind, Madison

When: March 3, 11:34 AM CST
Where: Madison County, 1.7 mi W of Fletcher Chapel
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 34.730, -86.700

Multiple trees were knocked down in Research Park.

Thunderstorm Wind, Cullman

When: March 3, 11:45 AM CST
Where: Cullman County, 2.29 mi W of Cullman
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.180, -86.870

Widespread trees were knocked down across the city of Cullman.

Thunderstorm Wind, Marshall

When: March 3, 12:08 PM CST
Where: Marshall County, 1.44 mi SSE of Scant City
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $15,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.350, -86.424

A roof was blown off of a building near the intersection of Brashers Chapel Road and Alta Vista Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Jackson

When: March 3, 12:13 PM CST
Where: Jackson County, 0.72 mi SSW of Hytop
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.911, -86.086

Structural damage was reported on Hytop Road.

Tornado, Jackson

When: March 3, 12:39 PM CST to 12:43 PM CST
Where: Jackson County, 1.06 mi NW of Section to 0.99 mi NNE of Dutton
Rating: EF1
Path length: 5.04 mi
Path width: 105 yd
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 34.589, -85.995

A tornado began south of Section where trees were uprooted and continued northward where it overturned a manufactured home, damaged underpinning and roofs of manufactured homes, and downed powerlines. The tornado then continued to uproot and snap trees as it tracked into Dutton, AL. A home had minor roof damage off of Hodge Road and County Road 124. The tornado removed metal roofing on a chicken house off of County Road 19 and then lifted.

Tornado, Jackson

When: March 3, 12:47 PM CST to 12:50 PM CST
Where: Jackson County, 0.62 mi E of Pisgah to 0.79 mi WNW of Roslie
Rating: EF1
Path length: 3.17 mi
Path width: 50 yd
Reported by: NWS Employee
Coordinates: 34.678, -85.839

A tornado tracked from County Road 88 where several trees were uprooted. Another tree was uprooted on County Road 61. Then, the tornado lifted on County Road 126 after producing minor roof damage to chicken houses.

Thunderstorm Wind, Jackson

When: March 3, 12:48 PM CST
Where: Jackson County, 0.57 mi E of Central
Measured: 56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $3,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.670, -85.790

Siding was blown off of a house and an electrical connection was pulled from this residence.

Thunderstorm Wind, Dekalb

When: March 3, 1:22 PM CST
Where: Dekalb County, 1.14 mi E of Pleasant Hill
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.430, -85.830

Reports across the county of trees being knocked down.

The people who died

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

Event	Date	Age	Sex	Where	Kind
Strong Wind, Madison	2023-03-03	63	Male	Under Tree	Direct
High Wind, Lauderdale	2023-03-03	43	Male	Under Tree	Direct
Strong Wind, Jackson	2023-03-03	63	Male	Under Tree	Direct
Strong Wind, Marshall	2023-03-03	63	Male	Under Tree	Direct
Strong Wind, Dekalb	2023-03-03	63	Male	Under Tree	Direct

What these are

Strong Wind: Non-thunderstorm winds below high wind criteria that nonetheless caused damage or casualties.
High Wind: Sustained non-thunderstorm winds of 40 mph or more for an hour, or gusts of 58 mph or more.
Thunderstorm Wind: Winds from a thunderstorm of 50 knots (58 mph) or more, or lower winds that caused damage or casualties. Measured gusts are marked MG, estimated EG.
Tornado: A violently rotating column of air in contact with the ground and extending from a thunderstorm, filed with its path, width and Fujita or Enhanced Fujita rating from the damage survey.

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

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in Alabama in 2023 Every state in 2023 This day in weather history The tornado archive for Alabama, 2023 Warnings in Alabama, March 2023

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: 1090837, 1090839, 1090840, 1090841, 1090847, 1090848, 1090849, 1090850, 1090856, 1090857, 1090858, 1087383, 1087384, 1087385, 1090876, 1087386, 1087890, 1087387, 1087388, 1087389, 1087390, 1087391, 1087393, 1087394, 1087395, 1087396, 1087397, 1087891, 1087398, 1087399, 1087400, 1087401, 1087404, 1087405, 1090845, 1087892, 1090855, 1087407, 1087408, 1087409, and more.