Tornadoes and Damaging Wind in Alabama, May 22 to 25, 2026

Name: Tornadoes and Damaging Wind in Alabama, May 22 to 25, 2026
Start: 2026-05-22T14:49
End: 2026-05-25T18:49
Location: Alabama

May 22 to 25, 2026 · NWS TAE · 3 events in 3 counties and zones

Scattered thunderstorms occurred ahead of a frontal boundary on May 22-25. However, on May 25, a mesoscale convective system developed west of the area and enhanced the low level wind field.

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it. 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: 0
Injuries: 0
Property damage: $550,000
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 3

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 TAE wrote it up.

Scattered thunderstorms occurred ahead of a frontal boundary on May 22-25. However, on May 25, a mesoscale convective system developed west of the area and enhanced the low level wind field. This resulted in two tornadoes across the tri-state area. One tornado affected the Villa Tasso area in Walton county in Florida, and the other tornado affected Houston and Henry counties in Alabama. Both tornadoes were rated EF1.

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 Tallahassee, FL wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at May 22, 1:26 PM CST, 1 hour 23 minutes earlier. Its key messages:

Issued at 318 PM EDT Fri May 22 2026
A HIGH RISK of rip currents at area beaches into the Memorial Day weekend. Beachgoers are urged to consult lifeguards on surf conditions and discouraged to enter the surf if red or double red flags are flying.
Hot afternoon temperatures are expected through this weekend. Inland high temperatures will most commonly reach the 90 to 95 degree range. Moderate heat-related impacts are expected, affecting those who are sensitive to heat, and some health systems and industries.
Scattered to numerous afternoon and evening showers and storms will be possible each day. Gusty winds, frequent lightning, and locally heavy rainfall are the main concerns with stronger storms.

Area forecast discussion, May 22, 1:26 PM CST, 1 hour 23 minutes before

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Tallahassee FL
326 PM EDT Fri May 22 2026

...New SHORT TERM, LONG TERM, MARINE, FIRE WEATHER, HYDROLOGY...

.KEY MESSAGES...
Issued at 318 PM EDT Fri May 22 2026

- A HIGH RISK of rip currents at area beaches into the Memorial
  Day weekend. Beachgoers are urged to consult lifeguards on surf
  conditions and discouraged to enter the surf if red or double
  red flags are flying.

- Hot afternoon temperatures are expected through this weekend.
  Inland high temperatures will most commonly reach the 90 to 95
  degree range. Moderate heat-related impacts are expected,
  affecting those who are sensitive to heat, and some health
  systems and industries.

- Scattered to numerous afternoon and evening showers and storms
  will be possible each day. Gusty winds, frequent lightning, and
  locally heavy rainfall are the main concerns with stronger
  storms.

&&

.SHORT TERM & LONG TERM...
(This Evening through Saturday)
Issued at 318 PM EDT Fri May 22 2026

Moist southerly flow continues today as our forecast area sits
between a ridge of high pressure along the atlantic coastline, and a
shortwave enhancing more organized thunderstorm activity to our
west. The majority of organized activity is expected to diminish as
it pushes east into the panhandle this evening, with some activity
lingering a bit later into SE Alabama and SW Georgia. Cloud cover is
currently keeping daytime temperatures suppressed a bit this
afternoon, with seabreeze convection having form along the inland
big bend then pushing northward.

Saturday is expected to be more active, with the suppression of high
pressure sliding east, and some upper level enhancement in place.
SPC currently has our Georgia counties under a marginal risk. That
said, we can still expect some overall expanded thunderstorm
coverage, and the chance for a few strong to severe storms
still possible outside of the SPC marginal risk.

PWATS will remain elevated under continued southerly flow and a
similar setup next week, making any storms rather efficient
rainmakers. Temperatures will be staying slightly lower with highs
generally in the mid to upper 80s, though heat indicies are still
expected to be in the mid 90s to near 100.

&&

.AVIATION...
(18Z TAFS)
Issued at 1252 PM EDT Fri May 22 2026

Thunder will be the main aviation concern this TAF period. Have a
combo of prevailing VCTS with aftn tempo groups at all terminals
to acct for isolated convection off the seabreeze and a larger
storm cluster moving east near the I-65 corridor. Storms gradually
wane after sunset with southerly winds going lgt/calm. Some MVFR
stratus overspreads DHN/ABY late tonight, followed by an early
start to convection at ECP/DHN as soon as 12Z. Intro'd PROB30
groups for thunder everywhere to conclude this period.

&&

.MARINE...
Issued at 318 PM EDT Fri May 22 2026

Gentle to moderate southeasterly winds will continue for the next
several days with seas around 1-2 feet. Daily chances for showers
and storms continue, especially during the overnight and early
morning hours.

&&

.FIRE WEATHER...
Issued at 318 PM EDT Fri May 22 2026

Winds will weaken over the weekend to around 10 mph, which will
yield good dispersions each day. Scattered to numerous showers and
storms are expected each afternoon, which may produce gusty,
erratic winds, frequent lightning, and locally heavy rain.

&&

.HYDROLOGY...
Issued at 318 PM EDT Fri May 22 2026

Scattered to numerous showers and storms are expected each day.
Given the deep moisture with PWATs at or above the 95th percentile,
locally heavy rain will be possible in storms. This could lead to
localized flooding concerns, particularly in urban, low-lying, or
poor drainage areas. Most likely rainfall totals over the next 7
days will range from 0.5 to 1.5 inches across the FL counties with
1.5 to 2.5 inches across southeast Alabama and south Georgia. Higher
amounts are possible in localized areas. This rain will also help to
recharge our river systems, which are still quite low. This rain is
extremely beneficial for the area as severe to exceptional drought
continues. For the latest on drought impacts, please visit
www.weather.gov/tae/DroughtInformationStatement.

&&

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not requested. However, spotters are always
encouraged to safely report significant weather conditions when they
occur by calling the office or tweeting us @NWSTallahassee.

&&

.PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS...
Tallahassee   71  88  71  90 /  10  50  10  50
Panama City   73  86  73  87 /  50  50  20  30
Dothan        69  85  68  87 /  40  80  30  80
Albany        69  86  68  88 /  40  70  50  80
Valdosta      70  90  69  90 /  20  70  40  80
Cross City    73  92  72  92 /  20  40  30  80
Apalachicola  75  85  75  86 /  30  40  20  30

&&

.TAE WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
FL...High Rip Current Risk until 2 AM EDT /1 AM CDT/ Saturday for
     FLZ108-112-114-115.

GA...None.
AL...None.
GM...None.
&&

SHORT TERM...Humphreys
LONG TERM....Humphreys
AVIATION...IG3
MARINE...Humphreys
FIRE WEATHER...Humphreys
HYDROLOGY...Humphreys

In the hours before

Local storm report, May 22, 2:22 PM CST, 27 minutes before

Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Tallahassee FL
422 PM EDT Fri May 22 2026

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0330 PM     Tstm Wnd Dmg     2 NNW Byne Crossroads   31.72N 84.24W
05/22/2026                   Lee                GA   911 Call Center

            Lee county dispatch reports tree down near
            Hwy 32 and Palmyra Rd.

&&

Local storm report, May 22, 2:23 PM CST, 26 minutes before

Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Tallahassee FL
423 PM EDT Fri May 22 2026

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0330 PM     Tstm Wnd Dmg     2 SW Philema            31.73N 84.05W
05/22/2026                   Lee                GA   911 Call Center

            Lee County dispatch reports a tree down near
            Hwy 32 and Philema Rd.

&&

Local storm report, May 22, 2:31 PM CST, 18 minutes before

Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Tallahassee FL
431 PM EDT Fri May 22 2026

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0401 PM     Tstm Wnd Dmg     Sycamore                31.67N 83.63W
05/22/2026                   Turner             GA   911 Call Center

            Tree reported down on powerline in Sycamore.

&&

RH

Special weather statement, May 22, 2:32 PM CST, 17 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Tallahassee FL
432 PM EDT Fri May 22 2026

GAZ124-126-222115-
Lee GA-Terrell GA-
432 PM EDT Fri May 22 2026

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTHWESTERN LEE AND TERRELL
COUNTIES THROUGH 515 PM EDT...

At 431 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 8
miles south of Dawson, moving north at 20 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph and half inch 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...
Dawson, Smithville, Sasser, Bronwood, Parrott, Bridges Crossroad,
Herod, Yeomans, Clarks Mill, Dawson Municipal A/P, Graves, Oakville,
Olivers Mill, Chickasawhatchee, Doverel, and Armena.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

&&

LAT...LON 3187 8434 3192 8434 3191 8419 3162 8431
      3162 8454 3168 8454 3171 8455 3192 8453
      3192 8445 3196 8444
TIME...MOT...LOC 2031Z 195DEG 19KT 3166 8444

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.50 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

42-DVD

Local storm report, May 22, 2:37 PM CST, 12 minutes before

Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Tallahassee FL
437 PM EDT Fri May 22 2026

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0340 PM     Tstm Wnd Dmg     Tifton                  31.45N 83.51W
05/22/2026                   Tift               GA   Emergency Mngr

            A few trees reported down in Tift county.

&&

RH

Local storm report, May 22, 2:49 PM CST, 0 minutes before

Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Tallahassee FL
449 PM EDT Fri May 22 2026

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0410 PM     Tstm Wnd Dmg     Ocilla                  31.60N 83.25W
05/22/2026                   Irwin              GA   911 Call Center

            Irwin County dispatch reports a tree down on
            a car in Ocilla.

&&

The radar

The Ft Rucker radar (KEOX), 58 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 20:49 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

2 tornado, 1 thunderstorm wind. Local standard time, as filed.

Thunderstorm Wind, Coffee

When: May 22, 2:49 PM CST
Where: Coffee County, Elba
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 31.410, -86.070

A tree was blown down in Elba.

Tornado, Houston

When: May 25, 6:22 PM CST to 6:42 PM CST
Where: Houston County, 1.13 mi WNW of Cowarts to 2.97 mi ENE of Kinsey
Rating: EF1
Path length: 7.7 mi
Path width: 200 yd
Continued into: Henry, Al (TAE)
Property damage: $50,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 31.203, -85.319

The tornado initially touched down just north of U.S. 84 near Cowarts in Houston County, damaging trees and outbuildings. A pool screen was damaged at a home along Omussee Road, with additional tree and minor damage to homes. The tornado damaged the WDHN television station as it crossed Highway 52, breaking windows and damaging the roof. The tornado continued north-northeast downing trees and causing minor structural damage before moving into Henry County at County Road 22 and Buckhead Drive. The most severe damage was along County Road 15 where two homes were heavily damage. One home was destroyed. This home separated from the concrete foundation, slid, and then collapsed. The damage is consistent with an EF1 tornado with maximum winds of approximately 105 mph.

Tornado, Henry

When: May 25, 6:42 PM CST to 6:49 PM CST
Where: Henry County, 3.66 mi SSE of Headland Municipal Arpt to 2.33 mi E of Headland Municipal Arpt
Rating: EF1
Path length: 3.39 mi
Path width: 200 yd
Property damage: $500,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 31.311, -85.286

What these are

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 2026 Every state in 2026 This day in weather history The tornado archive for Alabama, 2026 Warnings in Alabama, May 2026

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: 1338453, 1338482, 1338483.