A Mesoscale Convective System (MCS) comprised of strong to severe thunderstorms moved southeast from central Tennessee into northern Alabama during the mid-afternoon hours on the 29th. Additional clusters of storms that developed ahead of this MCS merged with this activity in a moderately unstable atmosphere.
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 HUN wrote it up.
A Mesoscale Convective System (MCS) comprised of strong to severe thunderstorms moved southeast from central Tennessee into northern Alabama during the mid-afternoon hours on the 29th. Additional clusters of storms that developed ahead of this MCS merged with this activity in a moderately unstable atmosphere. This ended up producing a more defined MCS as it moved into Alabama, producing a large area of damaging winds in southeastern Jackson and northeastern DeKalb counties.
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 Jul 29, 12:57 PM CST, 2 hours 25 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Huntsville AL 157 PM CDT Mon Jul 29 2024 ...New NEAR TERM, SHORT TERM... .NEAR TERM... (Tonight) Issued at 157 PM CDT Mon Jul 29 2024 Diurnally driven showers and storms that popped up this afternoon should gradually come to an end with the loss of daytime heating tonight. Another mild night is expected across the Tennessee Valley with overnight lows only forecast to drop into the low to mid 70s. Winds should remain just light enough to limit fog potential overnight, but would not be surprised to see some very isolated pockets of fog, especially in the sheltered valleys. && .SHORT TERM... (Tuesday through Wednesday) Issued at 157 PM CDT Mon Jul 29 2024 Something to keep an eye on tonight is the development of a MCS across southern IN this evening. Latest CAMs bring this system south and east along an instability gradient from IN down into middle TN and then northeast AL. Confidence is low in both timing and placement, but there is at least of possibility to reach the local forecast shortly after daybreak. The good news is that this MCS will arrive at a low favorable time for severe weather with instability at its minimum for the day and very low shear. However, an associated outflow boundary will likely set up somewhere in northeast Alabama. This will be the focus for additional storms by the afternoon when SBCAPE between 2500-3000 J/kg, which will support the potential development of some stronger storms. The main concern will be gusty winds and locally heavy rainfall. Outside the storms potential across northeast AL, dangerous heat makes its return. An upper level ridge begins to shift east towards the Southeast. As a result, temperatures will rise into the mid to upper 90s, especially along and west of I-65 where impacts from the MCS will not be felt. Therefore, a Heat Advisory has been issued from noon to 7pm on Tuesday for max heat index values between 105-109F. Another hot and humid day is forecast on Wednesday. Given low chances (15-30%) of showers and storms, primarily across northeast AL, another heat advisory will likely be needed, but this decision will be made in a future forecast update. && .LONG TERM... (Thursday through Sunday) Issued at 143 AM CDT Mon Jul 29 2024 Unseasonably hot/humid wx conditions will be the story going past the middle of the work week. Strong upper ridge pattern out of the Plains states will continue to nudge into much of the region thru Thu. This will translate into afternoon highs continuing in the mid/upper 90s, with max heat indices in the 105-110F range, mainly along/west of the I-65 corridor. Similar conditions will continue into Fri, although the upper ridge will begin to retrograde back to the west. This will translate into scattered mainly afternoon showers/tstms returning to the forecast Fri, as a slightly more active NW flow regime develops. Nevertheless, highs in the mid/upper 90s coupled with max heat indices around 105-109F will be possible for much of the area. Heat Advisories will likely be continued Thu/Fri. The upper ridge continues to then drift back to the west this weekend, as lower heights develop over much of the region and a weak frontal boundary approaches from the NW. This will maintain isolated/scattered mainly afternoon showers/tstms in the forecast, with highs more in the lower/mid 90s. Lows thru the latter half of the forecast period look to trend predom in the lower/mid 70s. && .AVIATION... (18Z TAFS) Issued at 1259 PM CDT Mon Jul 29 2024 Scattered showers and storms will be in the vicinity of both terminals thru much of the afternoon, with IFR conds possible in any direct impacts from storms at the terminals. Convection will dissipate shortly after sunset this evening. Another round of more organized storms will arrive after daybreak tomorrow, mainly affecting HSV and locations to the East, but reductions in visibility AOB 3SM are likely during the 30/12-16Z timeframe tomorrow. After this time, isolated to widely scattered showers and storms will be possible through the end of the TAF period. && .HUN WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... AL...Heat Advisory from noon to 7 PM CDT Tuesday for ALZ001>007-016. TN...Heat Advisory from noon to 7 PM CDT Tuesday for TNZ096. && NEAR TERM...GH SHORT TERM....GH LONG TERM....09 AVIATION...12
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Huntsville AL
253 PM CDT Mon Jul 29 2024
TNZ076-097-292045-
Franklin TN-Moore TN-
253 PM CDT Mon Jul 29 2024
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT MOORE AND NORTHERN FRANKLIN
COUNTIES THROUGH 345 PM CDT...
At 252 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 8
miles northwest of Tullahoma, or 9 miles east of Shelbyville, moving
southeast at 25 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph and penny size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is
possible.
Locations impacted include...
Winchester, Lynchburg, Decherd, Estill Springs, Tims Ford Lake, Lexie
Crossroads, Harmony, Hurdlow, Lois, and Marble Hill.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.
&&
LAT...LON 3541 8625 3539 8628 3538 8625 3537 8627
3534 8624 3535 8622 3533 8620 3536 8616
3534 8603 3531 8600 3532 8598 3528 8591
3526 8590 3509 8632 3513 8632 3515 8635
3513 8636 3535 8640 3536 8633 3541 8628
TIME...MOT...LOC 1952Z 319DEG 22KT 3548 8629
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.75 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
12Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Huntsville AL
334 PM CDT Mon Jul 29 2024
ALZ005>008-016-292115-
Marshall AL-Madison AL-Morgan AL-Limestone AL-Cullman AL-
334 PM CDT Mon Jul 29 2024
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT WESTERN MARSHALL...SOUTHERN
MADISON...SOUTHEASTERN LIMESTONE...NORTHEASTERN CULLMAN AND
NORTHEASTERN MORGAN COUNTIES THROUGH 415 PM CDT...
At 334 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Triana, or 9 miles southwest of Redstone Arsenal, moving southeast at
35 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and pea size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is
possible.
Locations impacted include...
Southern Huntsville, Decatur, Madison, Hartselle, Guntersville, Arab,
Redstone Arsenal, Priceville, Owens Cross Roads, and Grant.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
&&
LAT...LON 3452 8702 3471 8689 3461 8633 3460 8632
3460 8629 3458 8616 3421 8641 3426 8644
3426 8649 3425 8650 3425 8652 3423 8652
3421 8656
TIME...MOT...LOC 2034Z 295DEG 30KT 3455 8679
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
AMPSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Huntsville AL
335 PM CDT Mon Jul 29 2024
ALZ006-TNZ096-292045-
Madison AL-Lincoln TN-
335 PM CDT Mon Jul 29 2024
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTHWESTERN MADISON AND
SOUTHWESTERN LINCOLN COUNTIES THROUGH 345 PM CDT...
At 335 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 8
miles southwest of Fayetteville, moving east at 25 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph and pea size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is
possible.
Locations impacted include...
Hazel Green, New Market, Lincoln, Elkwood, Mcburg, Dellrose,
Coldwater, Belleview, Fisk, and Taft.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.
&&
LAT...LON 3491 8673 3519 8683 3521 8673 3491 8638
TIME...MOT...LOC 2035Z 279DEG 24KT 3507 8668
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
KTWSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Huntsville AL
355 PM CDT Mon Jul 29 2024
ALZ007-016-292130-
Morgan AL-Cullman AL-
355 PM CDT Mon Jul 29 2024
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTHEASTERN CULLMAN AND SOUTH
CENTRAL MORGAN COUNTIES THROUGH 430 PM CDT...
At 355 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Cullman, moving southeast at 15 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph and pea size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is
possible.
Locations impacted include...
Cullman, Hanceville, Good Hope, Holly Pond, Baldwin, Vinemont,
Baileyton, West Point, Eva, and Phelan.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.
&&
LAT...LON 3425 8699 3438 8686 3425 8652 3420 8655
3419 8655 3415 8659 3412 8660 3412 8663
3409 8666 3408 8669 3409 8669 3408 8670
3405 8668 3406 8670 3403 8670 3401 8674
TIME...MOT...LOC 2055Z 302DEG 14KT 3426 8686
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
AMPSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Huntsville AL
358 PM CDT Mon Jul 29 2024
ALZ005>007-292145-
Madison AL-Morgan AL-Limestone AL-
358 PM CDT Mon Jul 29 2024
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT SOUTHWESTERN MADISON...
SOUTHEASTERN LIMESTONE AND EAST CENTRAL MORGAN COUNTIES THROUGH 445
PM CDT...
At 358 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Tanner, or near Athens, moving southeast at 25 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph and pea size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is
possible.
Locations impacted include...
Huntsville, Madison, Athens, Redstone Arsenal, Triana, Marshall Space
Flight Center, University Of Alabama In Huntsville, Huntsville
International Airport, Tanner, and Mooresville.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.
&&
LAT...LON 3471 8704 3486 8692 3470 8653 3448 8672
TIME...MOT...LOC 2058Z 303DEG 21KT 3475 8691
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
AMPSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Huntsville AL
409 PM CDT Mon Jul 29 2024
ALZ004-005-007-292145-
Lawrence AL-Morgan AL-Limestone AL-
409 PM CDT Mon Jul 29 2024
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT SOUTHEASTERN LIMESTONE...WESTERN
MORGAN AND EAST CENTRAL LAWRENCE COUNTIES THROUGH 445 PM CDT...
At 409 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Trinity, or 8 miles northwest of Decatur, moving southeast at 25 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and pea size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is
possible.
Locations impacted include...
Decatur, Hartselle, Priceville, Trinity, Hillsboro, Mooresville,
Neel, Caddo, and Basham.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.
&&
LAT...LON 3438 8695 3461 8725 3476 8712 3461 8678
3456 8679
TIME...MOT...LOC 2109Z 306DEG 20KT 3465 8712
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
AMPThe Northeast Alabama radar (KHTX), 37 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 21:19 UTC.
10 thunderstorm wind. Local standard time, as filed.
A tree was reported down on Chruch Street. Time estimate from radar.
A tree was reported down on CR 237. Time was estimated from radar.
Eight hundred customers were reported without power across Jackson county due to downed trees and powerlines.
One inch tree limbs were reported broken off of treess and some shingles were blown off a roof at this location off of Church Street.
A tree was reported down at the intersection of Moody Ridge road and Snodgrass road. Time was estimated from radar.
A tree was reported down at the intersection of Windsor and Hood Avenue.
Two hundred customers were reported without power from Flat Rock south southwest to near the DeKalb/Jackson county line due to downed trees and powerlines.
One inch tree limbs were reported broken off trees and shingles blown off a roof at this location.
A tree fell on a car on highway 75 just north of highway 40 near Henegar.
Six hundred customers were reported without power in the Sylvania and Geraldine communities due to downed trees and powerlines.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Alabama in 2024Every state in 2024This day in weather historyWarnings in Alabama, July 2024
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: 1206197, 1206198, 1206546, 1206200, 1206223, 1206219, 1206543, 1206544, 1206545, 1206547.