Strong to severe thunderstorms producing damaging winds and heavy rainfall very quickly moved east during the early morning hours into the mid morning hours.
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.
Strong to severe thunderstorms producing damaging winds and heavy rainfall very quickly moved east during the early morning hours into the mid morning hours.
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 May 25, 2:59 AM CST, 1 hour 4 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Huntsville AL 359 AM CDT Sat May 25 2024 ...New NEAR TERM, SHORT TERM, LONG TERM... .NEAR TERM... (Today) Issued at 359 AM CDT Sat May 25 2024 As an outflow boundary moves in from the west this morning, an unorganized line of storms has formed in the Mississippi Valley. Guidance from CAMs shows the line weakening as it moved into our area and dissipating. However, development behind it is likely due to lingering stratiform rainfall creating a temperature- driven boundary. Threats through this afternoon will include the following: Heavy rainfall/localized flooding (medium confidence) Damaging winds(medium confidence) hail (low confidence) and a tornado or two (very low). Tornadoes remain a very low confidence threat throughout the day. In the morning to early afternoon hours, we remain capped with sufficient shear in place. However, there is a low chance this cap can be overcome and allow an increased low level streamwise vorticity to support a potential tornado threat. As we move into the afternoon hours, wind shear decreases significantly and the possible tornado threat decreases as well. Therefore, it is a conditional threat depending on if the cap is able to erode while there is enough environmental wind shear to support the formation of one or two tornadoes. Heavy rainfall and damaging winds will be our primary concerns through tonight. Any storms that form are forecast to move slowly and have a potential for backbuilding. PWATs in these storms are forecast to be around 1.7-1.75", which is exceeding the 90th percentile sounding climatology per BMX. Model soundings support DCAPE values around 800-1,000 J/kg this morning into the late afternoon/evening hours, supporting a damaging wind threat. As we move into the afternoon hours, low level lapse rates increase to around 8.0 C/km as atmospheric mixing occurs, supporting the potential for strong downdrafts. Due to the high PWATs and possible waterloading, hail has been kept as a low confidence threat. While this morning's storms are more unorganized linear clusters and we are able to time them, this afternoon's storms will likely be a different story for timing. Their timing depends on where the secondary boundary sets up, however, we are currently thinking this will be somewhere around 12-14Z (7-9 AM CDT). After this secondary cluster, we will be looking at more of a pop up microburst situation through the evening hours. On the other hand, there is also a low chance that redevelopment does not occur and we are able to get through the day without any strong to severe storms throughout the TN Valley. We will be closely monitoring this mesoscale-driven situation. Storm total rainfall through tonight is forecast to be less than an inch, however, higher amounts are likely in areas that receive rainfall during these sporadic, additional rounds. && .SHORT TERM... (Tonight through Tuesday) Issued at 359 AM CDT Sat May 25 2024 The potential for microbursts will continue into the evening hours before subsiding with the loss of diurnally driven instability around sunset. Overnight, a break in rainfall will take place for most of the TN Valley. However, low chances (around 30% or less) have been kept in due to lingering showers. Sunday into Monday, high sfc pressure off the southern coast of Florida will cause southerly winds to advect moisture from the Gulf to the Tennessee Valley. This will support increased dew points and subsequently an increased heat risk (to be discussed at the end of this short term section) ahead of a cold front. A slight risk (level 2/5) is in place for most of the area (primarily north of the TN River). Timing continues to shift later, however, it is looking like storms will move in from the NW around 1 AM CDT and continue southeastward through noon. These storms will bring risks of damaging winds (medium confidence), heavy rainfall/localized flash flooding (medium confidence), hail (medium confidence), and one or two tornadoes (low confidence). Forecast soundings currently have us capped overnight, however, there is sufficient shear in place as well as low level streamwise vorticity to support a relatively higher tornado risk if that cap is broken. Steep mid level lapse rates (7-8 C/km) and MUCAPE around 1700-1900 J/kg will also support a hail risk. DCAPE around 900-1100 J/kg also exists in these model soundings, accompanied by sufficient shear to warrant a damaging wind risk. We will continue to monitor this system closely. As mentioned previously, high dew points will contribute to an increased, moderate heat risk with high temperatures forecast to reach the low 90s Sunday. During this time, heat will affect individuals most sensitive to heat, especially those without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration. Max heat indices during this period will be around 95-99 degrees F. Overnight Monday into Tuesday, dry weather returns (PoPs 10% or less) as high pressure filters in from the northwest and lows drop into the 60s before rising back into the low to mid 80s during Tuesday afternoon. && .LONG TERM... (Tuesday night through Friday) Issued at 359 AM CDT Sat May 25 2024 Sfc high pressure allows for dry weather to settle over the region through the mid week. Upper level shortwaves will allow a very low chance of showers (10% or less) during this time, however, confidence is low in this occurring. High temperatures during this period are forecast to be in the 80s with overnight lows in the 50s/60s. && .AVIATION... (06Z TAFS) Issued at 1155 PM CDT Fri May 24 2024 There have been no significant changes to previous aviation forecast reasoning, as VFR conditions persist across the region early this morning, with lgt SSE flow and patchy BR/FG forming in a few locations. Between 6-9Z, storms currently in progress across eastern AR are predicted to grow into a forward propagating MCS that should spread east-southeastward through northern AL in the hours around sunrise. Due to increasing confidence in this scenario, we have introduced TEMPO groups for MVFR cigs/vsby at MSL/9-13Z and HSV/10-14Z. AWWs for lightning/strong winds and perhaps some hail may be required during this timeframe. VFR conditions will return by mid-morning; however, additional but more isolated TSRA could redevelop across the region by 20-21Z near a mesoscale boundary in the wake of the morning MCS and linger thru 2Z before dissipating. && .HUN WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... AL...None. TN...None. && NEAR TERM...HC SHORT TERM....HC LONG TERM....HC AVIATION...70
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Huntsville AL
322 AM CDT Sat May 25 2024
ALZ009-TNZ097-250845-
Jackson AL-Franklin TN-
322 AM CDT Sat May 25 2024
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTHEASTERN JACKSON AND
SOUTHEASTERN FRANKLIN COUNTIES THROUGH 345 AM CDT...
At 322 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 9
miles northwest of Stevenson, or 12 miles west of Bridgeport, moving
northeast at 20 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...
Bridgeport, Stevenson, Anderson, Bass, Russell Cave National
Monument, Long Island, and Sherwood.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
&&
LAT...LON 3483 8594 3504 8605 3514 8587 3499 8586
3499 8561 3486 8559
TIME...MOT...LOC 0822Z 238DEG 16KT 3498 8593
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
30Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Huntsville AL
418 AM CDT Sat May 25 2024
TNZ076-096-097-250945-
Franklin TN-Moore TN-Lincoln TN-
418 AM CDT Sat May 25 2024
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT MOORE...NORTHEASTERN LINCOLN AND
NORTHWESTERN FRANKLIN COUNTIES THROUGH 445 AM CDT...
At 418 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Lynchburg, moving northeast at 15 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...
Winchester, Lynchburg, Decherd, Estill Springs, Tims Ford Lake, Lexie
Crossroads, Mulberry, Harmony, Hurdlow, and Lois.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
&&
LAT...LON 3541 8625 3539 8628 3538 8625 3537 8627
3534 8624 3535 8622 3533 8620 3536 8616
3536 8613 3534 8603 3531 8600 3530 8594
3510 8635 3525 8656 3534 8647 3532 8642
3535 8641 3536 8633 3541 8628
TIME...MOT...LOC 0918Z 230DEG 14KT 3522 8635
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
HCSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Huntsville AL
423 AM CDT Sat May 25 2024
ALZ006-009-TNZ096-097-251015-
Madison AL-Jackson AL-Franklin TN-Lincoln TN-
423 AM CDT Sat May 25 2024
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTHWESTERN JACKSON...
NORTHEASTERN MADISON...SOUTHEASTERN LINCOLN AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES
THROUGH 515 AM CDT...
At 423 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
New Market, or near Moores Mill, moving northeast 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...
Winchester, Moores Mill, Hazel Green, Decherd, Cowan, Huntland,
Sewanee, New Market, Tims Ford Lake, and Lincoln.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
&&
LAT...LON 3530 8595 3529 8592 3522 8586 3502 8586
3470 8645 3499 8658 3531 8595
TIME...MOT...LOC 0923Z 230DEG 21KT 3491 8646
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
HCSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Huntsville AL
427 AM CDT Sat May 25 2024
ALZ001>005-251015-
Lawrence AL-Lauderdale AL-Franklin AL-Limestone AL-Colbert AL-
427 AM CDT Sat May 25 2024
...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT LAUDERDALE...COLBERT...FRANKLIN
AND LAWRENCE COUNTIES THROUGH 515 AM CDT...
At 427 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from near Collinwood to near Hackleburg. Movement
was east 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...
Florence, Muscle Shoals, Russellville, Sheffield, Tuscumbia, Moulton,
Rogersville, Phil Campbell, Killen, and Town Creek.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
&&
LAT...LON 3501 8811 3500 8718 3430 8731 3433 8813
TIME...MOT...LOC 0927Z 278DEG 29KT 3510 8780 3433 8791
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
HCSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Huntsville AL
446 AM CDT Sat May 25 2024
TNZ097-251015-
Franklin TN-
446 AM CDT Sat May 25 2024
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTHERN FRANKLIN COUNTY THROUGH
515 AM CDT...
At 446 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Estill Springs, or near Winchester, moving northeast at 30 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...
Winchester, Decherd, Estill Springs, Tims Ford Lake, Woods Reservoir,
Arnold AFB, and Alto.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
&&
LAT...LON 3534 8603 3531 8600 3532 8598 3528 8591
3516 8622 3525 8628 3526 8628 3527 8627
3528 8628 3535 8622 3533 8620 3536 8617
3535 8616 3536 8616
TIME...MOT...LOC 0946Z 229DEG 25KT 3528 8613
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
HCThe Northeast Alabama radar (KHTX), 125 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 10:01 UTC.
11 thunderstorm wind. Local standard time, as filed.
A tree was blown down on a house.
Powerlines were reported down on Greenwood Circle.
Trees were reported down on powerlines on NE McCrary road.
A tree was blown down across Burwell Road.
A large tree branch was knocked down in the NSSTC parking lot at the University of Alabama in Huntsville.
A large tree branch was blown down across Bradford Drive Northwest.
A large tree limb was blown down on the southeast side of the intersection of Research Park Blvd and U.S. Highway 72.
A utility pole was snapped bringing power lines down onto a house at the 800 block of Brickell Road.
Trees were knocked down onto power lines on Tuxedo Drive.
A tree was knocked down which partially blocked the roadway along Ryland Pike Road.
A large tree and power line was down on Brandon Street in Southeast Huntsville.
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, May 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: 1188346, 1188347, 1188348, 1188350, 1189825, 1189827, 1189828, 1189832, 1189835, 1189838, 1189841.