A line of strong to severe thunderstorms dropped southeast through north Alabama during the early morning hours of the 15th. Several trees were knocked down due to the high winds, especially in Morgan 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 HUN wrote it up.
A line of strong to severe thunderstorms dropped southeast through north Alabama during the early morning hours of the 15th. Several trees were knocked down due to the high winds, especially in Morgan County. One brief EF-0 tornado also occurred in DeKalb County.
Heavy rainfall from thunderstorms repeatedly moving across portions of North Central and Northwestern Madison County resulted in flash flooding and water rescues. People drove their cars into the water in the wee hours of the morning, resulting in stalled vehicles and emergency services needed to assist people back to dry land. Later that morning, runoff from the heavy rainfall caused area creeks to swell and impact nearby roads and residential areas in further downstream on Indian Creek tributaries.
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 15, 2:51 AM CST, 3 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Huntsville AL 351 AM CDT Fri Mar 15 2024 ...New NEAR TERM, SHORT TERM, LONG TERM... .NEAR TERM... (Today) Issued at 351 AM CDT Fri Mar 15 2024 This evening into the early hours of Saturday morning, strong to severe thunderstorms, which accompanied a passing upper level system have moved north and east of the area. These storms (from reports we have received) produced up to quarter sized hail and rainfall amounts of around an inch across parts of the area. A brief break in the action has come to an end, as another area of more numerous showers and thunderstorms near from the NW. This line, creeping to the ESE was moving over parts of far NW Alabama as of this writing. A somewhat more stabilized lower atmosphere after the earlier activity, should help temper an overall severe potential in comparison to the earlier storms. We still cannot rule out a few strong to severe storms early this morning, as the line traverses the Tennessee Valley. The main threat will be locally heavy rainfall. Additional new rainfall totals range from over an inch to near 2.5 inches (heavier amounts west and lighter amounts east). The higher amounts of rain falling in areas that have received good dose earlier could have ponding of water and a small risk for flash flooding. Shower coverage should taper off from NW-SE during the mid and late morning. This afternoon, depending upon how much sun breaks through could result in redevelopment of more showers and possible storms. This occurring looks unlikely at this time. Otherwise, a slightly cooler day with highs in the mid to upper 60s - definitely cooler than the lower 80s most of the area experienced on Thursday. && .SHORT TERM... (Tonight through Monday) Issued at 351 AM CDT Fri Mar 15 2024 Late in the afternoon and this evening, a cold front should sweep in NW-SE manner across the area. The passage of this front should end rain chances in a similar manner in the early evening, as drier air filters in. Temperatures will take a turn downward, cooling into the mid 40s to around 50 by daybreak Saturday. Under decreasing clouds, more seasonably mild conditions with highs in the mid 60s. A disturbance riding along the front that moved to our south this morning, which will become stationary to our south will bring an increase in clouds, and lower end rain chances on Sunday. The best rain chances will occur near and south of the Tennessee River. Highs to start the new week should warm into lower 60s. These showers will come to an end Sun evening, as yet a strong cold front drives southward across the area. This front will bring colder air to the area, with lows tumbling into the mid/upper 30s. Under mostly sunny skies, highs on Monday will only rise to around 50. Monday is also the first day of astronomical spring, which begins late in the evening. && .LONG TERM... (Monday night through Thursday) Issued at 351 AM CDT Fri Mar 15 2024 The impact of the airmass change will be really felt Mon night, was lows chilling into the low/mid 20s. Given that our growing season is starting, more frost and/or freeze warnings will likely be needed early next week. Highs on Tuesday under sunny skies will again be chilly, in the mid to upper 50s. Not as cold Tue night with lows in the mid/upper 30s. Highs on Wednesday should warm back into the mid 60s. Another weak system nearing from the west will bring more clouds and lower end chances of showers on Thursday. Highs then should range in the mid/upper 60s. && .AVIATION... (06Z TAFS) Issued at 1259 AM CDT Fri Mar 15 2024 An initial round of convection related to a warm front will continue to progress northeastward and away from the terminals early in the TAF period, leaving a bkn layer of MVFR stratus and lgt SSE flow in its wake. However, a slow-moving outflow boundary and band of heavy TSRA will sag southeastward during the early morning hours, reaching MSL/09Z and HSV/10Z. Prevailing cig/vsby conds will quickly fall into the IFR range (if not lower) as this line drifts slowly southeastward, with the most significant impacts (and potential for AWW issuance) coming from 9-13Z/MSL and 10-14Z/HSV. Light-moderate rain and embedded TSRA will occur for several hours (thru 20Z) in the wake of the outflow boundary, accompanied by persistent low cigs/vsby. As the coverage of precip decreases arnd 20Z, both vsby and cig conds will begin to improve. However, a low stratus layer will remain intact thru the end of the period, even in the wake of a frontal wind shift to NW arnd 00Z. && .HUN WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... AL...None. TN...None. && NEAR TERM...RSB SHORT TERM....RSB LONG TERM....RSB AVIATION...70
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Huntsville AL
1123 PM CDT Thu Mar 14 2024
ALZ005-006-150500-
Madison AL-Limestone AL-
1123 PM CDT Thu Mar 14 2024
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTHERN MADISON AND EAST
CENTRAL LIMESTONE COUNTIES THROUGH MIDNIGHT CDT...
At 1123 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Harvest, or 8 miles north of Madison, moving east at 30 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects.
Locations impacted include...
Northern Huntsville, Madison, Moores Mill, Meridianville, Hazel
Green, Alabama A And M University, New Market, Harvest, Toney, and
Capshaw.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
&&
LAT...LON 3481 8636 3471 8680 3487 8688 3499 8659
3499 8646
TIME...MOT...LOC 0423Z 247DEG 24KT 3483 8675
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
RSBPreliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Huntsville AL
1127 PM CDT Thu Mar 14 2024
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
1025 PM Hail Russellville 34.51N 87.73W
03/14/2024 E1.00 inch Franklin AL Public
&&Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Huntsville AL
1136 PM CDT Thu Mar 14 2024
ALZ006-009-TNZ096-097-150500-
Madison AL-Jackson AL-Franklin TN-Lincoln TN-
1136 PM CDT Thu Mar 14 2024
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTHWESTERN JACKSON...
NORTHEASTERN MADISON...SOUTHEASTERN LINCOLN AND SOUTHWESTERN FRANKLIN
COUNTIES THROUGH MIDNIGHT CDT...
At 1136 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
New Market, or 8 miles east of Moores Mill, moving northeast at 40
mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and nickel 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...
Moores Mill, Huntland, New Market, Tims Ford Lake, Lexie Crossroads,
Princeton, Plevna, Harmony, Jericho, and Elora.
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 3522 8626 3507 8598 3472 8633 3483 8651
TIME...MOT...LOC 0436Z 213DEG 33KT 3485 8637
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.88 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
RSBSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Huntsville AL
1201 AM CDT Fri Mar 15 2024
TNZ076-096-097-150530-
Franklin TN-Moore TN-Lincoln TN-
1201 AM CDT Fri Mar 15 2024
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT MOORE...NORTHEASTERN LINCOLN AND
NORTHWESTERN FRANKLIN COUNTIES THROUGH 1230 AM CDT...
At 1201 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Petersburg, or 9 miles north of Fayetteville, moving northeast 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...
Fayetteville, Lynchburg, Estill Springs, Tims Ford Lake, Mulberry,
Chestnut Ridge, Howell, Belleville, Lois, and Mimosa.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
&&
LAT...LON 3539 8628 3538 8625 3537 8627 3534 8624
3535 8622 3528 8613 3515 8664 3529 8670
3533 8660 3537 8659 3535 8654 3536 8649
3533 8646 3532 8642 3535 8641 3536 8633
3540 8629
TIME...MOT...LOC 0501Z 246DEG 23KT 3528 8659
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
RSBSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Huntsville AL
1215 AM CDT Fri Mar 15 2024
ALZ006-009-TNZ097-150600-
Madison AL-Jackson AL-Franklin TN-
1215 AM CDT Fri Mar 15 2024
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTHWESTERN JACKSON...
NORTHEASTERN MADISON AND SOUTHERN FRANKLIN COUNTIES THROUGH 100 AM
CDT...
At 1215 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Moores Mill, moving east at 35 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...
Northern Huntsville, Moores Mill, Meridianville, Hazel Green,
Skyline, New Market, Alabama A And M University, Hytop, Bass, and
Maysville.
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 3489 8587 3472 8653 3490 8661 3499 8637
3499 8632 3501 8632 3514 8599
TIME...MOT...LOC 0515Z 248DEG 31KT 3484 8649
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.75 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
RSBPreliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Huntsville AL
217 AM CDT Fri Mar 15 2024
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0715 PM Tstm Wnd Dmg 3 SSE Red Bay 34.40N 88.12W
03/14/2024 Franklin AL Emergency Mngr
Tree down on power lines. Time estimated
from radar.
&&The Columbus AFB radar (KGWX), 102 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 08:54 UTC.
30 thunderstorm wind, 2 flash flood, 1 tornado. Local standard time, as filed.
A tree was knocked down in the Riverton Rose community. Time estimated by radar.
A tree was knocked down on Morris Road near Pulaski Pike. Time estimated by radar.
Multiple trees were knocked down with blockage near Norris Mill and Bowles Bridge Roads. Time estimated by radar.
Trees were knocked down with road blockage near Moss Chapel Road at U.S. Highway 31. Time estimated by radar.
Power lines were knocked down near Norris Mill Road and Oak Ridge Lane. Time estimated by radar.
Trees were knocked down near Ray Road and Tunsel Road. Time estimated by radar.
Trees were knocked down with complete blockage near Flint Pointe Circle SW and Ferncrest Street SW. Time estimated by radar.
Trees were knocked down with road blockage near Guy Roberts Road. Time estimated by radar.
Metal roofing was damaged at a hangar at the Hartselle Airport. Time estimated by radar.
Several trees were knocked down and minor roof damage indicated in social media photos. The damage occurred from Guy Roberts Road, across Barkley Bridge Road to the Powell Road and Garner Road intersection. Roof metal strewn through a field at the intersection of Powell Road and Huckaby Bridge Road. Report from social media.
A tree was knocked down near Barkley Bridge Road and Powell Road. Time estimated by radar.
Trees were knocked down with blockage near Nance Ford Road and Lee Road. Time estimated by radar.
Trees were knocked down with road blockage near Mt. Zion Road and Nat Key Road. Time estimated by radar.
Trees were knocked down with complete road blockage near Cedar Cove Road. Time estimated by radar.
A tree was knocked down with complete road blockage. Time estimated by radar.
Trees were knocked down on Cedar Creek Road. Time estimated by radar.
A barn was damaged on Community Lane. Time estimated by radar.
Trees were knocked down near Sample Road and Gum Springs Road. Time estimated by radar.
A tree was knocked down with partial road blockage near Eva Road at Chapman Drive. Time estimated by radar.
Flash flooding resulted in a water rescue of a female along Carters Gin Road. Depth of water between 8 and 12 inches.
Multiple trees were knocked down in the Crane Hill area. Time estimated by radar.
Social media photos indicated trees were snapped and uprooted, and metal roofing was tossed in Laceys Spring. Time estimated by radar.
Trees were knocked down with blockage near McCutcheon Road. Time estimated by radar.
Trees were knocked down with complete road blockage on Bess Thompson Road. Time estimated by radar.
Trees were knocked down on Hough Road. Time estimated by radar.
Trees were knocked down on River Loop Road. Time estimated by radar.
Trees were knocked down near Airport Road. Time estimated by radar.
Trees were knocked down on Gum Pond Road. Time estimated by radar.
Wind damaged a car port, power pole and knocked down a tree. Time estimated by radar.
Video and photographs from social media indicated damage to a chicken barn with metal pieces tossed near CR 72 in the Ten Broeck area. Time estimated by radar.
Damage was reported to two barn structures, with metal roofing blown off and a wall caved in. Time estimated by radar.
This tornado touched down just south of County Road 72 in Tenbroeck, Alabama. There was damage to the roof of a chicken house where roof panels were peeled off the structure. The structure is oriented from west to east with the roof panel damage oriented south to north indicating winds opposite of the primary storm motion. A second area of damage was to a pole barn that was pushed over along with the roof breaking off of its 4x4 support beams. The roof materials were spread to the east northeast which would have been away from the storm motion. A third area of damage was to a small barn which had several roof panels blown off. The structure was also leaning from west to east. The tornado lifted just south of the small barn with no other damage found.
Flash flooding near Indian Creek Road at Blake Bottom Road with residential properties flooded. Depth of water unknown.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Alabama in 2024Every state in 2024This day in weather historyThe tornado archive for Alabama, 2024Warnings in Alabama, March 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: 1167437, 1167438, 1167439, 1167440, 1167441, 1167442, 1167443, 1167444, 1167447, 1167449, 1167450, 1167452, 1167453, 1167455, 1167456, 1167457, 1167459, 1167460, 1167462, 1165915, 1167463, 1167464, 1167465, 1167466, 1167467, 1167468, 1167469, 1167470, 1167472, 1167473, 1167475, 1167377, 1165916.