Probably the closest video to the storm your going to see.. To the east of US-31, the damage quickly diminished from EF-2 intensity to EF-1 and EF-0. A long-track, destructive tornado continues plowing east, south of Birmingham, where a tornado emergency, the most severe alert for twisters, is in effect until 6:30 p.m. An hour later, the city of Newnan tweeted: The city experienced heavy damage in and around the historic downtown area due to tonights weather.. December 16, 2012 Tony Lyza. 3:45 p.m.: Birmingham ABC affiliate reporter: multiple people pulled from their homes and hospitalized southeast of the city. One fatality occurred at the destroyed mobile home seen at about :27 seconds in. Just before noon, the Storm Prediction Center has issued a particularly dangerous situation tornado watch for central and eastern Mississippi, western and northern Alabama, southern middle Tennessee, and northwest Georgia until 8 p.m. central time. Cinder block construction homes in the surrounding neighborhood were completely destroyed, and in a few cases debris was swept away from the site. Know how to get there quickly.. National Outlooks His girlfriend, Ashley Harrison, who was huddle in a closet with him was ripped from his arms. The storm cut an 80-mile path of destruction through the heart of Tuscaloosa, killing 44 people, including six University of Alabama students. 4:43 p.m. - A large supercell beginning in Mississippi dropped an EF-4 tornado packing winds of up to 190 m.p.h. The greatest risk exists across portions of Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee, where the moderate and high-risk categories are drawn. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. The weather service said numerous homes were damaged -- some significantly -- on River Run Road and the adjacent side streets. On one road after another, pieces of buildings, furniture, appliances and trees were strewn about and vehicles came to rest in awkward positions . On April 27, 2011, a devastating tornado tore through Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The mayor of Tuscaloosa estimated the cost of clearing the debris to be between $70 and $100 million. At least five people were killed as destructive tornadoes slammed north central Alabama on March 25. One of the survivors, Kelly Dobbs, made it through the collapse of a Hackleburg pharmacy where she worked that day, summing up the fine line between devastation and survival. Severe Thunderstorm Warnings @abc3340 @spann @TaylorSarallo #alwx pic.twitter.com/t5Aq29BkMX, 3:15 p.m.: Severe damage about 50 miles northeast of Birmingham. The Bethel Baptist Church also sustained significant damage to its roof, though the main structure of the building was still intact. By the time the tornado lifted northeast of Birmingham, it had left behind a path of destruction of 80.7 miles (129.9km) through Greene, Tuscaloosa and Jefferson counties. The Autauga tornado was a dreaded long-track tornado, with a path that was 82 miles long. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Past the coal yard, the tornado weakened to EF2 intensity, but still was able to destroy numerous pier and beam foundations homes and several industrial warehouses in McDonald Chapel. The frame of a manufactured home was thrown 250 yards and into a field. As of 7 p.m., there were no tornado warnings in effect over Alabama but scattered storms continued, some severe. Regional Highs/Lows/Rainfall, Forecasts It is surrounded by a larger zone, which includes Memphis, Nashville, and Jackson, Miss.., where the threat is rated at level 4 out of 5, and there is also a serious risk for severe weather. More damage continued to the northeast along County Road 140, where two people were killed in separate homes at the eastern end of the road. Please try another search. A confirmed tornado, about 30 miles southwest of Birmingham, was sweeping to the northeast at 40 mph and headed in the direction of Birminghams southern suburbs. Similar damage was seen in northwest Elmore County as the tornado neared the Coosa River. Rapidly intensifying, the tornado moved towards the southern and eastern portions of Tuscaloosa at around 5:10p.m. CDT (22:10 UTC). Instigating the severe weather is a high-altitude weather disturbance that ejected east out of the southern Rockies early Wednesday after passing through the Four Corners region. Average tornado warning lead time is around 10 minutes at best, meaning its vital to have a plan in place before you need it. Its just destruction in those areas, Brown said. Vehicles were also moved, albeit only several feet. NWS @spann more of Eagle Point pic.twitter.com/PGOJPvbcO7, @spann My dad's house in Eagle Point. Randy Robbins, a survivor of the Tuscaloosa storm, made it through, with the storm ripping his jeans, watch, glasses, and shirt from his body, leaving only his boxers, a silver cross necklace and his iPhone remaining in his right hand. Although not a main damage indicator, there was also evidence of vehicles being moved, but only a couple of feet. in Greene County. This individual was pulled from the debris alive. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Kay Ivey said in a statement that she has received reports of loss of life., Significant and dangerous weather continues to impact portions of Alabama, and I urge all folks in the path of these tornadoes and storm systems to remain on high alert, she said. Tell your friends, neighbors, and relatives about the severe weather threat, and what they need to do to get ready. The following detailed information was obtained fromNWS survey teamdamage experts. A tornado watch means conditions are favorable for twisters to form, but not a guarantee. Housing type, which includes large numbers of mobile homes, and the structure of communities, coupled with population density, puts more people in harms way, while trees and thick vegetation, along with rain-wrapped storms, frequently make it impossible to see a tornado coming. One fatality was reported in Coweta County, home to Newnan, according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution. Tornado moving from west of Tuscaloosa, appearing to follow 15th St to the East, and then making its way towards what appeared to be the DCH and University Mall area. That means being able to shelter in a basement, storm cellar or interior room, away from windows, on the lowest floor of a site-built location at a moments notice. 4:30 p.m.: New tornado warning south of Tuscaloosa and flash flood warnings through Tuscaloosa and Birmingham. Severe Storms, Image of the Day Local Climatology The swarm of storms came after roughly 50 tornadoes tore through the region last week. The tornado continued northeastward out of the Concord area and into the Pleasant Grove community. (The National Weather Service in Birmingham issued an update on Jan. 18, saying damage near the Independence community in Autauga County led to the path length being extended from the previous 76 miles.). 6:23 p.m. - The earlier supercell that devastated Tuscaloosa and Jefferson counties, ignited back into an EF-4 tornado. Its the first time in three decades that two top-tier high-risk notices have been issued in the month of March, the category marking the highest tier on a five-step scale. Meanwhile, the Weather Service issued a special bulletin cautioning the environment in eastern Mississippi and northwest Alabama would be turning more favorable for tornadic storms through the afternoon. At least one death occurred here. Local Climate Data, Warnings and Other Products 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. It was a devastating F4 that pushed 18 miles through Tuscaloosa County. This was the third tornado to strike the city of Tuscaloosa in the past decade, and the second in two weeks. But even the interlude between the two waves produced damage. The tornado weakened slightly as it moved across County Road 57 but still damaged several homes. #alwx #tornado @spann pic.twitter.com/qTVTJ1kHBe, 3:10 p.m.: Long-track tornado in Alabama nears border with Georgia. Graphical Forecasts April 27, 2011. Here are the longest tornado tracks on record in Alabama. The tornado maintained its strength as it continued through the neighborhood of Alberta City, leveling and sweeping away numerous block-foundation homes, and completely flattening two more apartment buildings and a shopping center along University Boulevard. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Its made up of cold air and counterclockwise spin at high altitudes nestled within a dip in the jet stream. Show more Show more. See all of AL.coms April 27, 2011 anniversary coverage here. #alwx pic.twitter.com/U6DpeZeXIq, 6:00 p.m.: Tornado emergency extended into Columbiana and Wilsonville, about 30 miles southeast of Birmingham. The tornadic storms occurred amid an intensifying storm system unleashing all modes of severe weather from Mississippi to Kentucky to western South Carolina. Similar devastation to homes and businesses was noted along both sides of CR 45 near 1st St E. and locations to the northeastward. To get the best experience possible, please download a compatible browser. Even a decade later, it seems hard to believe. Share. The supercell that produced the Tuscaloosa/Birmingham tornado may have had potentially record-breaking longevity as that particular storm traveled more than 280 miles across five states from Mississippi to North Carolina, with damage reported . The Weather Service reported the storm had recently produced tree damage. Spann also called for Alabamians to be a hero to call or text others to make sure theyre aware of the severe weather threat. Multiple locations were found. The tornado weakened more as it neared Highway 77 and dissipated shortly after crossing County Road 114. At least 30 people were injured as the tornado carved a 10-mile (16-kilometer) path through Birmingham's northern suburbs, an area severely damaged by a much larger tornado a decade ago. The tornado outbreak of April 27, 2011 cemented itself in the consciousness of every Alabamian who experienced it. "Just as cities and towns from all over Alabama came together to support Tuscaloosa in the aftermath of the devastating April 27, 2011 tornado, the City of Tuscaloosa will support the City of Selma on their road to recovery," Mayor Walt Maddox said when the drive was . The tornado crossed McFarland Blvd, where destroyed additional stores and restaurants. Light poles were damaged along Interstate 65, and a Days Inn and several other commercial buildings sustained major damage along US 31 before the tornado began to rapidly narrow and weaken. Acquired May 7, 2011, this natural-color image shows part of a tornado track near the town of Berry, Alabama. In Florence, in the northwest corner of the state, a police officer was struck by lighting while setting up street barricades. The South is even more vulnerable, research shows. The Old Kingston-Lake Martin tornado was one of 14 tornadoes that hit Alabama on Jan. 12. At 5:15, The tornado Entered Alabama, the tornado turned slightly to the north hitting double springs, the tornado ground scoured up to 6 feet, suggesting the windspeed to be 297 mph, Bare slabs were left with slightly cracked roads and slabs. The tornado reached EF4 strength as it approached U.S. 43.As it approached Hackleburg, moving parallel to U.S. 43, the tornado further . 6:25 p.m.: Tornado warning discontinued for twister that tracked south of Tuscaloosa and Birmingham. University of Alabama Tuscaloosa 301 ROSE ADMIN BLDG TUSCALOOSA AL US 35487-0001 (205)348-5152: Sponsor Congressional District: 07: Primary Place of Performance: University of Alabama Tuscaloosa 801 University Blvd. Other Research [7] Shortly thereafter, at 3:09p.m. CDT (20:09 UTC), the National Weather Service office in Jackson, Mississippi issued the first tornado warning on the supercell that would eventually produce the TuscaloosaBirmingham tornado.[8]. Winter Weather, Special Programs *Note: This story was updated to reflect the adjusted path of the Autauga tornado, which upon further analysis from the National Weather Service had a path length of 82.31 miles. Storms ranged from momentary supercells that laid waste to trees and power lines, to mile-wide behemoths leaving paths of more than a hundred miles through several counties. The Storm Prediction Center said it would like issue a new tornado watch for the northern two-third of Alabama into the nighttime hours. 3:05 p.m. - A wicked EF-5 tornado slammed into Hackleburg, destroying subdivisions, Hackleburg High School and the Wrangler Plant. We dug out, Dobbs said. He checked on his family and is still going forward to help inform viewers. The trail of damage stretched 80.3 miles (129.2 kilometers) long and as much as 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) wide. StormReady The forecast continued to emphasize the risk of strong/violent and very damaging tornadoes, as confidence increased even further regarding the risk for an extreme, high-end tornado outbreak. On May 2, 2011, the Advanced Land Imager (ALI) on NASA's Earth Observing-1 (EO-1) satellite captured this natural-color image of the . Coverage of the April 27, 2011 Tuscaloosa, Alabama tornado. Storms will swarm during much of the day before winding down and exiting east late Thursday night. The tornado continues to loft massive amounts of debris into the air, which is being detected by radar. As it crossed Hurricane Creek, it tore apart a large metal railroad trestle, and a 34-tonne (74,957lb) metal truss support structure was thrown 100ft (30m) up on a nearby hill. Yall please stay safe and vigilant!. At least three manufactured homes were obliterated, the weather service said, with their frames thrown up to 100 yards along County Road 43. The tornado entered Tuscaloosa County just north of CR 60, west northwest of Ralph, and moved northeast causing tree damage and minor structural damage consistent with an EF2 rating and winds of 125 mph. The trail left by the EF5 tornado in Mississippi is much shorter than a similar trail that cuts across northwestern Alabama. ON TV: Witness: Tornado Swarm 2011 airs Sunday, May 29, 9 p.m. ET/PT >>. @NWSBirmingham @spann #alwx pic.twitter.com/0QhnzMfgRZ. It then crossed Interstate 65 and reached the Pine Level community, where several homes had roof damage and a manufactured home was rolled off its foundation and onto County Road 68 East. [17] A four-sided brick home in the area also had its roof torn off, but none of its exterior walls collapsed. Several vehicles were picked up and thrown, and one pickup truck had its cab separated from the bed. He was thrown 100 yards into the field next to his home. It continued on, with wind speeds reaching 210 mph, leaving a trail of devastation in Phil Campbell and Tanner. Meteorologists have rated the tornado that took seven lives in Autauga. The tornado warning for Shelby and Talladega Counties has been cancelled. View annotated composite image. 4.1K. #alwx #tornado #ohatchee pic.twitter.com/bPorzsebOY. The tornado then struck the suburb of Fultondale, damaging homes and businesses in town. Tree trunks were snapped relatively close to the ground, and the bark was ripped from them. [10][18], The National Weather Service determined the path length of this violent tornado to be 80.68 miles (129.84km) with a maximum damage path width of 1.5 miles (2.4km), or 2,600 yards (2,400m). Satellite view of the long-track, tornadic supercell marching across Central Alabama. All-Hazards Awareness Booklet Social media footage provides ground truth: Awful, awful, awful damage in Centreville, AL. The warning is in effect until 4:15 p.m. (or 5:15 p.m. local time). Just downstream, several manufactured homes in a cluster were shredded and thrown considerable distances, the weather service said. Additionally, wind rowing of debris was evident throughout the Pleasant Grove community which is characteristic of a storm of thismagnitude. Severe Storms. The weather service said the tornado touched down in Autauga County and remained on the ground until it reached Chambers County on Alabamas eastern border with Georgia. It turns out another tornado from Thursday would also qualify as a long-track storm: The EF-1 twister that left a 30.4-mile-long track through parts of Lawrence, Morgan and Limestone counties in northwest Alabama. This article was published more than1 year ago. Regional Weather Roundup US Dept of Commerce Acquired May 2, 2011, this natural-color image shows a tornado track through Tuscaloosa, Alabama, in the wake of a series of violent storms in the U.S. Southeast. Incredibly sad looking at this radar data and seeing the debris signature triple in size after passing over/near #Columbiana Alabama #tornadooutbreak pic.twitter.com/ge7gY5iLWE, 5:30 p.m.: Tornado emergency for areas about 40 miles south of Birmingham. It also was similar to the path. (NASA) Recent images of the April 27 storm damage path have been captured by NASA's Terra satellite, part of NASA's Earth Observing Satellite system, or EOS. Alabama saw 62 tornadoes. He also recommended having multiple ways to receive storm warnings and not to rely on tornado sirens, which often cannot be heard indoors. Among the dead are a family of three that lived in a wood-frame house in the small town of Ohatchee, along with a man and a woman who lived in mobile homes in Ohatchee and Wellington, respectively, county coroner Pat Brown told The Washington Post. The tornado reached a maximum path width of 1.5 miles (2.4km) during its track through Tuscaloosa, and once again when it crossed Interstate 65 north of Birmingham, and attained estimated winds of 190mph (310km/h) shortly after passing through the city. The deadly weather system was part of a three-day outbreak that was the worst of its kind in U.S. history. NASA Earth Observatory image created by Jesse Allen and Robert Simmon, using EO-1 ALI data provided courtesy of the NASA EO-1 team. The tornado continued northeast, causing sporadic EF-1 timber damage as it crossed U.S. Highway 280. 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