Columbiana, AL Natural Disasters and Weather Extremes
Hot Rankings
The chance of earthquake damage in Columbiana is about the same as Alabama average and is much lower than the national average. The risk of tornado damage in Columbiana is about the same as Alabama average and is much higher than the national average.
Earthquake Index, #409
| Columbiana, AL | 0.04 |
| Alabama | 0.08 |
| U.S. | 1.81 |
The earthquake index value is calculated based on historical earthquake events data using USA.com algorithms. It is an indicator of the earthquake level in a region. A higher earthquake index value means a higher chance of an earthquake.
Volcano Index, #1
| Columbiana, AL | 0.0000 |
| Alabama | 0.0000 |
| U.S. | 0.0023 |
The volcano index value is calculated based on the currently known volcanoes using USA.com algorithms. It is an indicator of the possibility of a region being affected by a possible volcano eruption. A higher volcano index value means a higher chance of being affected.
Tornado Index, #340
| Columbiana, AL | 249.82 |
| Alabama | 255.80 |
| U.S. | 136.45 |
The tornado index value is calculated based on historical tornado events data using USA.com algorithms. It is an indicator of the tornado level in a region. A higher tornado index value means a higher chance of tornado events.
Other Weather Extremes Events
A total of 2,913 other weather extremes events within 50 miles of Columbiana, AL were recorded from 1950 to 2010. The following is a break down of these events:
| Type | Count | Type | Count | Type | Count | Type | Count | Type | Count |
| Avalanche: | 0 | Blizzard: | 0 | Cold: | 6 | Dense Fog: | 0 | Drought: | 25 |
| Dust Storm: | 0 | Flood: | 200 | Hail: | 1,029 | Heat: | 3 | Heavy Snow: | 14 |
| High Surf: | 0 | Hurricane: | 1 | Ice Storm: | 4 | Landslide: | 0 | Strong Wind: | 31 |
| Thunderstorm Winds: | 1,439 | Tropical Storm: | 6 | Wildfire: | 0 | Winter Storm: | 8 | Winter Weather: | 7 |
| Other: | 140 | ||||||||
Volcanos Nearby
No volcano is found in or near Columbiana, AL.
Historical Earthquake Events
No historical earthquake events that had recorded magnitudes of 3.5 or above found in or near Columbiana, AL.
No historical earthquake events found in or near Columbiana, AL.
Historical Tornado Events
A total of 105 historical tornado events that had recorded magnitude of 2 or above found in or near Columbiana, AL.
| Distance (miles) | Date | Magnitude | Start Lat/Log | End Lat/Log | Length | Width | Fatalities | Injuries | Property Damage | Crop Damage | Affected County |
| 5.4 | 1973-05-27 | 4 | 33°05'N / 86°56'W | 33°15'N / 86°27'W | 30.20 Miles | 800 Yards | 1 | 63 | 25.0M | 0 | Shelby |
| 12.2 | 1973-03-16 | 2 | 33°17'N / 86°49'W | 33°18'N / 86°45'W | 4.30 Miles | 33 Yards | 0 | 5 | 250K | 0 | Shelby |
| 12.7 | 1994-03-27 | 2 | 33°18'N / 86°51'W | 33°23'N / 86°38'W | 12.00 Miles | 300 Yards | 0 | 53 | 5.0M | 0 | Shelby |
| Brief Description: A tornado began on the north side of Helena on the Bearden Farm moving northeastward crossing Alabama 261 near Pelham High School. The school suffered some damage. Continuing northeast, the tornado caused damage in a residential section before doing extensive damage to two mobile home parks on the west side of U.S. Highway 31 on the north side of Pelham. The tornado did extensive to businesses in the stretch from the U.S. 31/Alabama 119 intersection to the Alabama 119/Interstate 65 intersection. The tornado continued on its track going through primarily residential areas of Pelham and Indian Springs. The tornado dissipated just before reaching the Meadow Brook area about two miles west of U.S. Highway 280. Areas in the path of the tornado included sections of Chandalar, Green Park South mobile home park, South Gate Mobile Home Park, Indian Springs Village, Broken Bow, Broken Bow South, and Riverchase. | |||||||||||
| 13.0 | 1968-12-27 | 2 | 33°06'N / 86°51'W | 33°08'N / 86°46'W | 5.60 Miles | 33 Yards | 0 | 2 | 250K | 0 | Shelby |
| 13.9 | 1984-05-03 | 2 | 33°15'N / 86°23'W | 33°16'N / 86°22'W | 1.00 Mile | 200 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Shelby |
| 14.1 | 1953-05-01 | 2 | 33°02'N / 86°45'W | 1.50 Miles | 100 Yards | 0 | 2 | 25K | 0 | Chilton | |
| 14.4 | 1964-01-24 | 4 | 33°19'N / 86°26'W | 33°20'N / 86°23'W | 3.30 Miles | 100 Yards | 10 | 6 | 250K | 0 | Shelby |
| 14.5 | 1963-04-29 | 2 | 33°17'N / 86°50'W | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Shelby | |||
| 15.6 | 2008-02-06 | 2 | 33°00'N / 86°30'W | 33°06'N / 86°18'W | 14.00 Miles | 2000 Yards | 0 | 0 | 115K | 0K | Coosa |
| Brief Description: EVENT NARRATIVE: The tornado touched down in the Hidden Valley community along Lay Lake, about 2 miles northeast of Lay Dam. It then tracked northeastward, before producing its most significant damage just east of Marble Valley along County Road 56. Four large wooden power poles were snapped off. Two mobile homes were knocked off their foundations and rolled over. Hundreds of hardwood and softwood trees were either snapped off or uprooted along the path. The tornado then continued northeastward, eventually crossing into Talladega County. EPISODE NARRATIVE: A strong cold front and very intense upper level storm system moving across the Gulf Coast States brought numerous severe thunderstorms and several tornadoes to Central Alabama. | |||||||||||
| 17.6 | 2001-11-24 | 2 | 33°10'N / 86°19'W | 33°12'N / 86°17'W | 3.10 Miles | 400 Yards | 0 | 15 | 800K | 0K | Talladega |
| Brief Description: The F2 tornado began at 3:42 pm near the intersection of Forest Glen Rd. and Odens Mill Rd., in the Oak Grove Community. It traveled northeast crossing US 280 and ended at 3:45 pm near Shirtee Creek in the Odena Community. The Red Cross and the local Emergency Management Agency estimate that 15 people were injured, two critically. Forty to 50 homes were damaged with 7 of the homes sustaining significant damage. Ten mobile homes were totally destroyed. Several outbuildings and sheds were destroyed and numerous trees were blown down or uprooted along the entire path. The tornado path was 3.1 miles long and 400 yards wide at its widest point. Beg: 33 10.930/86 18.818 End: 33 12.502/86 16.176 | |||||||||||
| 19.6 | 1960-09-16 | 2 | 33°11'N / 86°16'W | 0.30 Mile | 33 Yards | 0 | 2 | 250K | 0 | Talladega | |
| 19.8 | 1962-03-21 | 2 | 33°09'N / 86°16'W | 0.50 Mile | 33 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Talladega | |
| 20.1 | 1984-05-03 | 2 | 33°16'N / 86°22'W | 33°19'N / 86°11'W | 11.00 Miles | 200 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Talladega |
| 20.4 | 1959-05-12 | 2 | 33°12'N / 87°00'W | 33°12'N / 86°55'W | 4.90 Miles | 100 Yards | 0 | 0 | 0K | 0 | Bibb |
| 20.8 | 1978-04-18 | 2 | 33°01'N / 86°19'W | 0.10 Mile | 80 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Coosa | |
| 21.0 | 1959-05-12 | 3 | 33°22'N / 86°57'W | 33°25'N / 86°49'W | 8.60 Miles | 440 Yards | 0 | 5 | 250K | 0 | Jefferson |
| 21.3 | 1967-05-06 | 3 | 33°27'N / 86°50'W | 33°28'N / 86°46'W | 4.30 Miles | 200 Yards | 1 | 25 | 2.5M | 0 | Jefferson |
| 21.5 | 1963-03-05 | 4 | 33°22'N / 86°58'W | 33°29'N / 86°45'W | 14.90 Miles | 667 Yards | 0 | 35 | 250K | 0 | Jefferson |
| 22.0 | 1980-03-20 | 2 | 33°10'N / 86°15'W | 33°12'N / 86°12'W | 3.80 Miles | 50 Yards | 0 | 6 | 250K | 0 | Talladega |
| 22.6 | 1980-04-25 | 2 | 33°20'N / 86°57'W | 33°25'N / 86°55'W | 6.20 Miles | 100 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Jefferson |
| 22.8 | 1963-05-27 | 2 | 33°28'N / 86°50'W | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Jefferson | |||
| 23.0 | 2004-11-24 | 2 | 32°53'N / 86°31'W | 33°00'N / 86°11'W | 18.70 Miles | 1400 Yards | 0 | 0 | 100K | 0 | Coosa |
| Brief Description: National Weather Service Meteorologist made a few trips to the damage areas across Autauga, Chilton and Coosa Counties. The damage was consistent with a very large tornado with a long damage path. The tornado damage was rated an F2, but the strength of the tornado may have been stronger but the tornado affected mostly rural areas. The F2 tornado first touched down between Jones and Bethel Grove generally producing only tree damage until it reached the county line. The tornado then traveled on a northeast heading into southern Chilton County between Pletcher and Billingsley. The tornado was fairly weak at this time, blowing down and snapping off several large trees in rural areas. As the tornado approached the west side of Interstate 65, the tornado increased to F2 intensity and caused considerable damage to several structures. Continuing northeast, the tornado weakened a bit as it crossed Interstate 65 in the vicinity of mile marker 202, approximately 3 miles south of the Clanton Exit. The tornado was still strong enough at this time to down several large trees and block the northbound lanes of traffic. After crossing the interstate, the tornado regained F2 intensity moving through the Cooper Community. The tornado produced extensive structural damage in Cooper. Several homes, businesses, mobile homes and out-buildings were damaged or destroyed. Hundreds of trees were blown down or snapped off in this area. The tornado moved across eastern Chilton County and went across Lake Mitchell. At Lake Mitchell, on the Chilton/Coosa County Line, numerous homes and mobile homes were destroyed generally between Blue Creek and Cargle Creek. The tornado crossed Lake Mitchell and moved into the Coosa Wildlife Management Area along Hatchet Creek. Hundreds of trees were splintered in this area. The tornado then moved through rural Coosa County crossing US 231 just south of the Hanover Community. The tornado dissipated shortly after US 231. The tornado damage path was 49.1 miles long and an astounding 1400 yards wide at its widest point. No injuries or fatalities were reported with this strong tornado. Begin: 32 35.77/86 53.11 End: 32 59.99/86 11.45 | |||||||||||
| 23.4 | 1968-11-17 | 3 | 32°54'N / 86°45'W | 32°49'N / 86°27'W | 18.30 Miles | 400 Yards | 1 | 24 | 2.5M | 0 | Chilton |
| 23.9 | 1989-03-05 | 2 | 33°16'N / 86°22'W | 33°26'N / 86°06'W | 20.00 Miles | 100 Yards | 0 | 2 | 2.5M | 0 | Talladega |
| 24.3 | 1953-04-06 | 3 | 33°19'N / 87°00'W | 0.50 Mile | 37 Yards | 0 | 12 | 3K | 0 | Jefferson | |
| 25.2 | 1976-01-13 | 2 | 33°31'N / 86°49'W | 0.30 Mile | 50 Yards | 0 | 1 | 250K | 0 | Jefferson | |
| 27.0 | 1973-05-27 | 4 | 33°15'N / 86°27'W | 33°27'N / 85°54'W | 34.60 Miles | 33 Yards | 0 | 17 | 25.0M | 0 | Talladega |
| 27.8 | 1977-04-04 | 5 | 33°31'N / 86°56'W | 33°36'N / 86°42'W | 14.70 Miles | 550 Yards | 22 | 130 | 25.0M | 0 | Jefferson |
| 27.9 | 1956-04-15 | 4 | 33°30'N / 86°58'W | 33°38'N / 86°38'W | 21.30 Miles | 200 Yards | 25 | 200 | 2.5M | 0 | Jefferson |
| 29.1 | 1968-11-17 | 3 | 32°49'N / 86°27'W | 32°52'N / 86°13'W | 14.00 Miles | 400 Yards | 0 | 0 | 2.5M | 0 | Coosa |
| 29.6 | 2002-11-10 | 2 | 33°20'N / 87°11'W | 33°24'N / 86°58'W | 12.30 Miles | 450 Yards | 0 | 0 | 500K | 0K | Jefferson |
| Brief Description: The Abernant Tornado first touched down in Tuscaloosa County in a wooded area west of County Road 99 around 10:22 pm. The tornado traveled east-northeast, damaging structures on Ridge Road before crossing into Jefferson County. The tornado entered Jefferson County at 10:29 pm, and damaged structures in the North Johns and Sumter areas before damaging a manufacturing facility just southwest of VisionLand Theme Park. The tornado crossed Interstate 59 and US Highway 11 where additional houses and businesses sustained minor damage. The tornado ended at this point at 10:43 pm. This F2 tornado had a path length of 15.2 miles, 2.9 miles in Tuscaloosa County and 12.3 miles in Jefferson County. The path width was about 450 yards. Three injuries were reported in Tuscaloosa County. Beg: 33 19.740/87 13.724 End: 33 22.873/86 58.362 | |||||||||||
| 29.7 | 1982-01-03 | 2 | 32°47'N / 86°25'W | 32°50'N / 86°21'W | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Coosa | ||
| 29.9 | 1957-11-18 | 2 | 33°36'N / 86°48'W | 33°38'N / 86°40'W | 8.20 Miles | 100 Yards | 1 | 35 | 2.5M | 0 | Jefferson |
| 30.0 | 1967-12-19 | 2 | 33°36'N / 86°48'W | 2.00 Miles | 33 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Jefferson | |
| 30.7 | 1982-01-03 | 2 | 32°44'N / 86°33'W | 32°47'N / 86°29'W | 0 | 6 | 250K | 0 | Chilton | ||
| 30.7 | 1973-05-27 | 3 | 33°34'N / 86°42'W | 33°43'N / 86°33'W | 13.50 Miles | 800 Yards | 1 | 44 | 25.0M | 0 | Jefferson |
| 30.8 | 1982-01-03 | 2 | 32°45'N / 86°31'W | 32°47'N / 86°25'W | 15.00 Miles | 140 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Chilton |
| 30.8 | 1965-11-27 | 2 | 33°36'N / 86°30'W | 33°36'N / 86°15'W | 14.50 Miles | 33 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | St. Clair |
| 31.0 | 1973-05-27 | 2 | 33°24'N / 87°05'W | 1.00 Mile | 500 Yards | 0 | 3 | 250K | 0 | Jefferson | |
| 31.1 | 1974-04-03 | 2 | 33°27'N / 87°03'W | 1.00 Mile | 800 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Jefferson | |
| 31.2 | 2001-11-24 | 2 | 33°16'N / 86°09'W | 33°22'N / 86°01'W | 9.10 Miles | 200 Yards | 0 | 0 | 230K | 0K | Talladega |
| Brief Description: The same thunderstorm that spawned the Sylacauga tornado produced another tornado in eastern Talladega County. This tornado was also rated an F2 on the Fujita scale and began at 3:59 pm 4 miles southeast of Winterboro in the Talladega National Forest. The tornado tracked northeast across Germany Mountain and ended at 4:09 pm, 1 mile southeast of Waldo. Several homes were damaged on Germany Mountain with one receiving significant damage. At least 6 mobile homes were totally destroyed and several outbuildings and barns were destroyed. Several trees were blown down or snapped off along the path. No injuries were reported. Beg: 33 17.453/86 08.146 End: 33 22.351/86 00.750 | |||||||||||
| 32.0 | 2004-11-24 | 2 | 32°39'N / 86°48'W | 32°49'N / 86°26'W | 22.30 Miles | 1400 Yards | 0 | 0 | 500K | 0 | Chilton |
| Brief Description: National Weather Service Meteorologist made a few trips to the damage areas across Autauga, Chilton and Coosa Counties. The damage was consistent with a very large tornado with a long damage path. The tornado damage was rated an F2, but the strength of the tornado may have been stronger but the tornado affected mostly rural areas. The F2 tornado first touched down between Jones and Bethel Grove generally producing only tree damage until it reached the county line. The tornado then traveled on a northeast heading into southern Chilton County between Pletcher and Billingsley. The tornado was fairly weak at this time, blowing down and snapping off several large trees in rural areas. As the tornado approached the west side of Interstate 65, the tornado increased to F2 intensity and caused considerable damage to several structures. Continuing northeast, the tornado weakened a bit as it crossed Interstate 65 in the vicinity of mile marker 202, approximately 3 miles south of the Clanton Exit. The tornado was still strong enough at this time to down several large trees and block the northbound lanes of traffic. After crossing the interstate, the tornado regained F2 intensity moving through the Cooper Community. The tornado produced extensive structural damage in Cooper. Several homes, businesses, mobile homes and out-buildings were damaged or destroyed. Hundreds of trees were blown down or snapped off in this area. The tornado moved across eastern Chilton County and went across Lake Mitchell. At Lake Mitchell, on the Chilton/Coosa County Line, numerous homes and mobile homes were destroyed generally between Blue Creek and Cargle Creek. The tornado crossed Lake Mitchell and moved into the Coosa Wildlife Management Area along Hatchet Creek. Hundreds of trees were splintered in this area. The tornado then moved through rural Coosa County crossing US 231 just south of the Hanover Community. The tornado dissipated shortly after US 231. The tornado damage path was 49.1 miles long and an astounding 1400 yards wide at its widest point. No injuries or fatalities were reported with this strong tornado. Begin: 32 35.77/86 53.11 End: 32 59.99/86 11.45 | |||||||||||
| 32.2 | 1961-12-11 | 2 | 33°02'N / 86°05'W | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Coosa | |||
| 32.2 | 1973-12-26 | 2 | 33°02'N / 86°05'W | 0.10 Mile | 27 Yards | 0 | 1 | 25K | 0 | Talladega | |
| 32.3 | 1973-03-16 | 2 | 32°42'N / 86°30'W | 32°48'N / 86°23'W | 9.70 Miles | 77 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Chilton |
| 32.4 | 1998-04-08 | 5 | 33°23'N / 87°14'W | 33°35'N / 86°52'W | 24.30 Miles | 1320 Yards | 32 | 258 | 200.0M | 2.2M | Jefferson |
| Brief Description: F76PH, M49PH, M78PH, F89PH, M89PH, F54PH, M37PH, F27PH, M48PH, M4PH, M7PH, F33PH, F72PH, F66PH, M72PH, F72PH, F83PH, M44MH, F16MH, F37MH, F63PH, M61PH, F76PH, M78PH, F77PH, M8PH, M50PH, F46PH, F47PH, F49PH, F81PH, F50PH A tornado, the second spawned from the same supercell, began in rural sections of eastern Tuscaloosa County 1.5 miles east of the Warrior River. The tornado moved through primarily rural and unpopulated areas of eastern Tuscaloosa County before crossing into extreme southwestern Jefferson County. The tornado remained in primarily unpopulated area until just before reaching Oak Grove community where three deaths occurred in a mobile home. The tornado destroyed the Oak Grove School and a number of other buildings including a fire department as it cross CR 23/54. The tornado moved into unpopulated area for a short while before crossing CR 54 (Lock 17 Road/Warrior River Road) where numerous houses and other structures were damaged and destroyed including another volunteer fire department building. Eleven deaths were reported in this area. The tornado crossed Rock Creek just west of Rock Creek Road, a steep, hilly unpopulated area. The tornado path then moved into a fairly densely populated area all the way until it dissipated in Pratt City. Areas affected included Pinedale Estates, McGregor Estates, Rockwood, Sylvan Springs, Wylam Heights, Edgewater, McDonald Chapel, Minor, West Ensley, and Pratt City. Pratt City is also within the city limits of Birmingham. Four deaths occurred in Sylvan Springs, two in Wylam Heights, nine in Edgewater, two in McDonald Chapel, and one in West Ensley. According to American Red Cross surveys, 608 homes were destroyed, 556 sustained major damage, and another 810 had minor damage. There were 1,164 families with homes that were unlivable. Forest service officials estimated 4,000 acres of timber was destoyed in Jefferson County and 1,000 acres in Tuscaloosa County. | |||||||||||
| 32.5 | 1958-04-29 | 2 | 33°38'N / 86°49'W | 0.50 Mile | 100 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Jefferson | |
| 32.6 | 1998-04-08 | 2 | 33°37'N / 86°29'W | 33°38'N / 86°15'W | 14.40 Miles | 200 Yards | 2 | 12 | 2.0M | 5K | St. Clair |
| Brief Description: The tornado began 2.3 miles north-northeast of Moody and just west of US 411. The tornado crossed US 411 where a large church and associated buildings, some recently constructed were destroyed. The tornado traveled on an east-northeast track moving through relatively rural areas. It affected a portion of CR 174 and then crossed US 231 just south of Wattsville. The tornado damaged a number of buildings in the Coal City area including a mobile home where two people were killed and three children were injured. The tornado ended in an open area just east of Coal City. Emergency Management for St. Clair County reported that 26 homes were destroyed, 30 homes suffered major damage, and 59 sustained minor damage. This included 42 mobile homes. M29MH, F33MH | |||||||||||
| 32.6 | 2001-11-24 | 2 | 33°39'N / 86°34'W | 33°41'N / 86°32'W | 5.90 Miles | 125 Yards | 0 | 1 | 200K | 0K | Jefferson |
| Brief Description: A tornado began weakly on the east side of the Cahaba River in Trussville and damaged a dugout and fencing at the Trussville Sports Complex. The tornado downed trees as it moved northeastward crossing Deerfoot Parkway near the intersection of Interstate 59 in Trussville at 1:31 pm. The tornado followed along Interstate 59 for a short distance downing trees and causing damage to houses especially on the east side of the Interstate. The tornado crossed into St. Clair County at Argo at approximately 1:36 pm. The tornado continued on a northeast track moving primarily through rural settings with property damage along the way including a number of houses and mobile homes. The tornado ended about 5.5 miles east of Springville around 1:52 pm. The tornado was rated an F2 and was on the ground for 16 miles with a width of about 125 yards. Only one injury was reported at Argo with this tornado. Beg: 33 37.990/86 35.939 End: 33 46.089/86 22.720 | |||||||||||
| 33.0 | 1976-03-12 | 2 | 32°44'N / 86°28'W | 0.10 Mile | 50 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Chilton | |
| 33.4 | 1953-01-08 | 2 | 33°25'N / 86°07'W | 33°27'N / 86°05'W | 3.00 Miles | 867 Yards | 0 | 0 | 3K | 0 | Talladega |
| 33.5 | 1973-05-27 | 4 | 32°50'N / 87°17'W | 33°05'N / 86°56'W | 26.70 Miles | 800 Yards | 5 | 47 | 25.0M | 0 | Bibb |
| 33.7 | 1952-02-13 | 3 | 33°36'N / 86°56'W | 1 | 26 | 250K | 0 | Jefferson | |||
| 33.7 | 1972-10-27 | 2 | 33°31'N / 86°55'W | 33°45'N / 86°49'W | 17.10 Miles | 50 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Jefferson |
| 33.8 | 1982-01-03 | 2 | 32°41'N / 86°34'W | 32°44'N / 86°33'W | 8.00 Miles | 80 Yards | 0 | 6 | 250K | 0 | Autauga |
| 34.3 | 2001-11-24 | 2 | 33°35'N / 86°17'W | 33°37'N / 86°14'W | 4.50 Miles | 100 Yards | 0 | 2 | 500K | 0K | St. Clair |
| Brief Description: A tornado rated an F2 began weakly on the west-southwest side of Pell City just behind the school at 3:10 pm. The tornado traveled on an east-northeast path downing a communication tower at the EMA/911 office and doing minor roof damage. The storm then crossed over downtown Pell City where a number of buildings sustained light to moderate roof damage along with awnings damaged and some windows broken. The tornado crossed US 231 and became very weak, possibly lifting for a little more than a mile, before slamming into a number of buildings in an industrial park. Some of the greatest destruction was done here. The tornado crossed Interstate 20 and ended after damaging a couple of houses on Sprayberry Road at approximately 3:17 pm. The tornado path was 4.5 miles long and approximately 100 yards wide at the widest. No deaths occurred in this tornado but there were two injuries, both classified as minor. Beginning: 33 34.926/86 17.647 Ending: 33 37.039/86 14.029 | |||||||||||
| 34.8 | 1971-03-06 | 2 | 33°41'N / 86°36'W | 33°43'N / 86°32'W | 4.90 Miles | 300 Yards | 0 | 2 | 25K | 0 | Jefferson |
| 35.0 | 1967-05-07 | 2 | 33°24'N / 86°06'W | 33°26'N / 86°01'W | 5.20 Miles | 33 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Talladega |
| 35.3 | 1963-03-17 | 3 | 32°56'N / 87°09'W | 32°57'N / 87°07'W | 2.70 Miles | 100 Yards | 0 | 4 | 0K | 0 | Bibb |
| 36.0 | 2002-11-10 | 2 | 33°19'N / 87°14'W | 33°20'N / 87°11'W | 2.90 Miles | 450 Yards | 0 | 3 | 300K | 0K | Tuscaloosa |
| Brief Description: The Abernant Tornado first touched down in Tuscaloosa County in a wooded area west of County Road 99 around 10:22 pm. The tornado traveled east-northeast, damaging structures on Ridge Road before crossing into Jefferson County. The tornado entered Jefferson County at 10:29 pm, and damaged structures in the North Johns and Sumter areas before damaging a manufacturing facility just southwest of VisionLand Theme Park. The tornado crossed Interstate 59 and US Highway 11 where additional houses and businesses sustained minor damage. The tornado ended at this point at 10:43 pm. This F2 tornado had a path length of 15.2 miles, 2.9 miles in Tuscaloosa County and 12.3 miles in Jefferson County. The path width was about 450 yards. Three injuries were reported in Tuscaloosa County. Beg: 33 19.740/87 13.724 End: 33 22.873/86 58.362 | |||||||||||
| 36.1 | 1985-08-16 | 2 | 33°29'N / 87°06'W | 33°32'N / 87°07'W | 3.00 Miles | 600 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Jefferson |
| 36.6 | 1963-04-29 | 2 | 33°30'N / 86°05'W | 0 | 4 | 25K | 0 | Talladega | |||
| 37.1 | 2000-04-03 | 2 | 33°23'N / 87°14'W | 33°25'N / 87°10'W | 4.70 Miles | 300 Yards | 0 | 0 | 75K | 0K | Jefferson |
| Brief Description: The tornado began at the intersection of CR 59 and CR 54 near the town of Kellerman. The tornado traveled in a northeast direction for approximately 11.1 miles. The tornado crossed the Tuscaloosa and Jefferson county line about 2 miles southeast of County Road 59, near Bull City, and dissipated about 2 miles southwest of Oak Grove. The damage path was about 300 yards wide at its widest point. One frame house and a church received mainly roof damage in the town of Kellerman. The path was very rural, and most of the damage was from downed and snapped trees. The terrain was hilly, with most of the downed trees located in the valleys. About one mile inside the Jefferson County line, a brick house sustained major damage, and two mobile homes were overturned. Segment 1: Beginning: 33 19.860/87 19.276 Ending: 33 23.086/87 13.918 Segment 2: Beginning: 33 23.086/87 13.918 Ending: 33 25.513/87 09.892 | |||||||||||
| 37.3 | 1984-04-22 | 2 | 32°56'N / 87°10'W | 1.00 Mile | 80 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Bibb | |
| 37.7 | 2001-11-24 | 2 | 33°41'N / 86°30'W | 33°46'N / 86°23'W | 10.10 Miles | 125 Yards | 0 | 0 | 300K | 0K | St. Clair |
| Brief Description: A tornado began weakly on the east side of the Cahaba River in Trussville and damaged a dugout and fencing at the Trussville Sports Complex. The tornado downed trees as it moved northeastward crossing Deerfoot Parkway near the intersection of Interstate 59 in Trussville at 1:31 pm. The tornado followed along Interstate 59 for a short distance downing trees and causing damage to houses especially on the east side of the Interstate. The tornado crossed into St. Clair County at Argo at approximately 1:36 pm. The tornado continued on a northeast track moving primarily through rural settings with property damage along the way including a number of houses and mobile homes. The tornado ended about 5.5 miles east of Springville around 1:52 pm. The tornado was rated an F2 and was on the ground for 16 miles with a width of about 125 yards. Only one injury was reported at Argo with this tornado. Beg: 33 37.990/86 35.939 End: 33 46.089/86 22.720 | |||||||||||
| 38.8 | 1970-04-02 | 2 | 32°40'N / 86°55'W | 32°42'N / 86°50'W | 5.60 Miles | 300 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Dallas |
| 38.9 | 1975-01-10 | 3 | 33°33'N / 86°19'W | 33°46'N / 86°07'W | 18.80 Miles | 150 Yards | 1 | 60 | 2.5M | 0 | St. Clair |
| 39.6 | 1964-04-28 | 3 | 33°36'N / 86°07'W | 0 | 1 | 25K | 0 | Talladega | |||
| 39.6 | 1964-07-09 | 2 | 33°36'N / 86°07'W | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Talladega | |||
| 39.6 | 1975-01-10 | 2 | 33°38'N / 87°03'W | 2.00 Miles | 100 Yards | 0 | 4 | 250K | 0 | Jefferson | |
| 39.7 | 1973-05-27 | 2 | 33°42'N / 86°24'W | 33°45'N / 86°16'W | 8.40 Miles | 500 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | St. Clair |
| 40.1 | 1976-08-15 | 2 | 33°45'N / 86°49'W | 0.50 Mile | 30 Yards | 0 | 0 | 3K | 0 | Jefferson | |
| 40.9 | 1993-05-03 | 2 | 33°17'N / 87°17'W | 33°20'N / 87°19'W | 6.00 Miles | 50 Yards | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | Tuscaloosa |
| Brief Description: A tornado touched down in the Brookwood community and moved north to the town of Kellerman. In Brookwood, twenty-five houses, and ten to twelve mobile homes were damaged. Several homes were destroyed. The most serious injury was to a woman who tried to run from her airborne mobile home. Two other people received minor injuries. | |||||||||||
| 41.0 | 1977-04-04 | 2 | 33°46'N / 86°28'W | 33°47'N / 86°25'W | 3.30 Miles | 80 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | St. Clair |
| 41.0 | 2000-04-03 | 2 | 33°19'N / 87°20'W | 33°23'N / 87°15'W | 6.40 Miles | 300 Yards | 0 | 0 | 15K | 0K | Tuscaloosa |
| Brief Description: The tornado began at the intersection of CR 59 and CR 54 near the town of Kellerman. The tornado traveled in a northeast direction for approximately 11.1 miles. The tornado crossed the Tuscaloosa and Jefferson county line about 2 miles southeast of County Road 59, near Bull City, and dissipated about 2 miles southwest of Oak Grove. The damage path was about 300 yards wide at its widest point. One frame house and a church received mainly roof damage in the town of Kellerman. The path was very rural, and most of the damage was from downed and snapped trees. The terrain was hilly, with most of the downed trees located in the valleys. About one mile inside the Jefferson County line, a brick house sustained major damage, and two mobile homes were overturned. Segment 1: Beginning: 33 19.860/87 19.276 Ending: 33 23.086/87 13.918 Segment 2: Beginning: 33 23.086/87 13.918 Ending: 33 25.513/87 09.892 | |||||||||||
| 41.8 | 1998-04-08 | 5 | 33°25'N / 87°21'W | 33°26'N / 87°12'W | 6.30 Miles | 1320 Yards | 0 | 1 | 30K | 600K | Tuscaloosa |
| Brief Description: A tornado, the second spawned from the same supercell, began in rural sections of eastern Tuscaloosa County 1.5 miles east of the Warrior River. The tornado moved through primarily rural and unpopulated areas of eastern Tuscaloosa County before crossing into extreme southwestern Jefferson County. The tornado remained in primarily unpopulated area until just before reaching Oak Grove community where three deaths occurred in a mobile home. The tornado destroyed the Oak Grove School and a number of other buildings including a fire department as it cross CR 23/54. The tornado moved into unpopulated area for a short while before crossing CR 54 (Lock 17 Road/Warrior River Road) where numerous houses and other structures were damaged and destroyed including another volunteer fire department building. Eleven deaths were reported in this area. The tornado crossed Rock Creek just west of Rock Creek Road, a steep, hilly unpopulated area. The tornado path then moved into a fairly densely populated area all the way until it dissipated in Pratt City. Areas affected included Pinedale Estates, McGregor Estates, Rockwood, Sylvan Springs, Wylam Heights, Edgewater, McDonald Chapel, Minor, West Ensley, and Pratt City. Pratt City is also within the city limits of Birmingham. Four deaths occurred in Sylvan Springs, two in Wylam Heights, nine in Edgewater, two in McDonald Chapel, and one in West Ensley. According to American Red Cross surveys, 608 homes were destroyed, 556 sustained major damage, and another 810 had minor damage. There were 1,164 families with homes that were unlivable. Forest service officials estimated 4,000 acres of timber was destoyed in Jefferson County and 1,000 acres in Tuscaloosa County. | |||||||||||
| 41.8 | 1977-03-29 | 2 | 32°37'N / 86°21'W | 32°42'N / 86°12'W | 10.50 Miles | 33 Yards | 0 | 2 | 250K | 0 | Elmore |
| 41.8 | 2004-11-24 | 2 | 32°36'N / 86°54'W | 32°39'N / 86°47'W | 8.00 Miles | 100 Yards | 0 | 0 | 30K | 0 | Autauga |
| Brief Description: National Weather Service Meteorologist made a few trips to the damage areas across Autauga, Chilton and Coosa Counties. The damage was consistent with a very large tornado with a long damage path. The tornado damage was rated an F2, but the strength of the tornado may have been stronger but the tornado affected mostly rural areas. The F2 tornado first touched down between Jones and Bethel Grove generally producing only tree damage until it reached the county line. The tornado then traveled on a northeast heading into southern Chilton County between Pletcher and Billingsley. The tornado was fairly weak at this time, blowing down and snapping off several large trees in rural areas. As the tornado approached the west side of Interstate 65, the tornado increased to F2 intensity and caused considerable damage to several structures. Continuing northeast, the tornado weakened a bit as it crossed Interstate 65 in the vicinity of mile marker 202, approximately 3 miles south of the Clanton Exit. The tornado was still strong enough at this time to down several large trees and block the northbound lanes of traffic. After crossing the interstate, the tornado regained F2 intensity moving through the Cooper Community. The tornado produced extensive structural damage in Cooper. Several homes, businesses, mobile homes and out-buildings were damaged or destroyed. Hundreds of trees were blown down or snapped off in this area. The tornado moved across eastern Chilton County and went across Lake Mitchell. At Lake Mitchell, on the Chilton/Coosa County Line, numerous homes and mobile homes were destroyed generally between Blue Creek and Cargle Creek. The tornado crossed Lake Mitchell and moved into the Coosa Wildlife Management Area along Hatchet Creek. Hundreds of trees were splintered in this area. The tornado then moved through rural Coosa County crossing US 231 just south of the Hanover Community. The tornado dissipated shortly after US 231. The tornado damage path was 49.1 miles long and an astounding 1400 yards wide at its widest point. No injuries or fatalities were reported with this strong tornado. Begin: 32 35.77/86 53.11 End: 32 59.99/86 11.45 | |||||||||||
| 42.4 | 1977-03-29 | 2 | 32°35'N / 86°31'W | 32°37'N / 86°21'W | 10.00 Miles | 50 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Autauga |
| 42.7 | 1983-11-15 | 2 | 33°22'N / 87°19'W | 0.20 Mile | 40 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Tuscaloosa | |
| 42.8 | 1986-03-19 | 2 | 33°49'N / 86°36'W | 0.20 Mile | 73 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Blount | |
| 42.8 | 1983-11-15 | 2 | 33°49'N / 86°35'W | 0.50 Mile | 33 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Blount | |
| 43.1 | 2004-11-24 | 2 | 33°35'N / 86°04'W | 33°37'N / 86°00'W | 4.50 Miles | 500 Yards | 0 | 0 | 125K | 0 | Talladega |
| Brief Description: The tornado touched down in the vicinity of the Talladega Superspeedway. Two concession stands within the infield area of the race track had their roofs blown off. The Bush Garage area received building damage and the garage doors were bowed out. Debris was scattered between the garage area and Victory Lane. One digital leader board was completely destroyed and another one sustained major damage. The tornado continued on a northeast path across northern Talladega County. Numerous trees were blown down or snapped off along the path. Several out-building were destroyed and sheet metal was lofted into trees. The tornado moved into the Eastaboga area where it caused severe damage. Two homes suffered major roof damage, two porches were destroyed and many trees were blown down. The tornado continued northeastward into southwest Calhoun County. In Bynum, two mobile homes were heavily damaged by fallen trees. One of the trees smashed a mobile home killing a 75 year old woman around 712 am. In the Coldwater area, one home was significantly damaged and a shed was destroyed. Numerous trees were still being knocked down along the path. The tornado then moved into the southwestern part of Anniston. A cinder block building sustained major structural damage and an animal shelter received major roof damage. Several other businesses sustained damage near Anniston. The total tornado damage path length was 15.2 miles and was 500 yards wide at its widest point. Begin: 33 34.19/86 04.42 End: 33 38.94/85 49.68 | |||||||||||
| 43.7 | 1976-05-06 | 2 | 33°46'N / 86°56'W | 0.20 Mile | 50 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Jefferson | |
| 43.7 | 1967-03-06 | 4 | 33°42'N / 87°10'W | 33°47'N / 86°49'W | 20.90 Miles | 440 Yards | 2 | 25 | 250K | 0 | Walker |
| 43.9 | 1957-11-18 | 2 | 33°16'N / 85°51'W | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Clay | |||
| 44.0 | 1996-03-18 | 3 | 33°15'N / 85°55'W | 32°54'N / 85°48'W | 14.00 Miles | 440 Yards | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Tallapoosa |
| Brief Description: A tornado began on the northeast side of Eclectic and extended for 10 miles in Elmore County crossing the Elmore-Tallapoosa county line just east of Highway 63. The tornado continued for another 14 miles in Tallapoosa County crossing Lake Martin and ending on the north side of Jacksons Gap not far from where a tornado had occurred earlier in the evening. This was classified as an F3 tornado with a total damage path of 24 miles with a width of a quarter of a mile at the widest. Numerous buildings of all types were damaged along the track. Some of the most intense damage occurred as the tornado emerged from crossing Lake Martin in the Peckerwood area just southwest of Jacksons Gap. Numerous permanent homes and mobile homes were seriously damaged or destroyed. | |||||||||||
| 44.1 | 1976-03-12 | 3 | 32°35'N / 86°55'W | 32°34'N / 86°38'W | 16.50 Miles | 100 Yards | 0 | 4 | 2.5M | 0 | Autauga |
| 44.3 | 1953-05-01 | 4 | 33°13'N / 85°56'W | 33°18'N / 85°45'W | 12.10 Miles | 440 Yards | 7 | 12 | 250K | 0 | Clay |
| 44.5 | 1977-07-08 | 2 | 33°49'N / 86°49'W | 0.50 Mile | 100 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Jefferson | |
| 44.7 | 2006-09-22 | 2 | 33°50'N / 86°41'W | 33°51'N / 86°40'W | 1.30 Miles | 100 Yards | 0 | 0 | 75K | 0 | Blount |
| Brief Description: The tornado touched down briefly between the Lehigh Community and AL-79. One mobile home and one barn were completely destroyed. Two automobiles and one motorcycle were lifted from inside a barn and thrown at least 50 yards. Numerous trees and power lines were blown down along its damage path. | |||||||||||
| 45.4 | 1977-04-04 | 2 | 33°44'N / 86°09'W | 0.50 Mile | 20 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | St. Clair | |
| 45.6 | 1963-04-29 | 2 | 32°29'N / 86°46'W | 32°36'N / 86°39'W | 10.60 Miles | 600 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Autauga |
| 46.3 | 1973-05-27 | 3 | 33°43'N / 86°33'W | 33°57'N / 86°09'W | 28.10 Miles | 800 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25.0M | 0 | St. Clair |
| 46.7 | 2000-12-16 | 2 | 33°47'N / 86°19'W | 33°50'N / 86°12'W | 8.50 Miles | 200 Yards | 0 | 2 | 175K | 0K | St. Clair |
| Brief Description: In St. Clair County, an F2 tornado track extended from near Cool Springs to south of Ashville to near Gum Springs Church. The total track was 8.5 miles long and about 200 yards wide at its widest point. The tornado began at 220 PM on County Road 31, just west of Cool Springs. The tornado lifted around 231 PM about 3 miles east of Ashville. Four houses sustained significant damage and two mobile homes were annihilated. A baseball park was damaged at the Ashville High School. Two injuries occurred near the beginning of the tornado track near Cool Springs. Beginning: 33 47.292/86 19.737 Ending: 33 50.819/86 12.055 | |||||||||||
| 46.8 | 1976-03-29 | 2 | 33°37'N / 85°58'W | 1.00 Mile | 40 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Calhoun | |
| 47.4 | 2006-09-22 | 2 | 33°53'N / 86°37'W | 33°53'N / 86°37'W | 0.30 Mile | 200 Yards | 0 | 0 | 50K | 0 | Blount |
| Brief Description: The tornado briefly touched down just south of Locust Fork, along Spunky Hollow Road near Azzilee Circle. A substantial workshop structure collapsed due to wall failure, as the entire roof was removed and pushed off. A home under construction was completely destroyed, and several other homes suffered roof and shingle damage. Several trees were knocked down along the path. | |||||||||||
| 48.5 | 2009-04-19 | 2 | 33°51'N / 86°26'W | 33°54'N / 86°20'W | 6.00 Miles | 300 Yards | 0 | 0 | 400K | 0K | Blount |
| Brief Description: EVENT NARRATIVE: The tornado touched down at the intersection of CR-27 and Jones Chapel Road. It then traveled northeastward and crossed Lake Rd, CR-29, Putman Road, and Hicks Road, before moving into Saint Clair County. Six chicken houses were completely destroyed, killing nearly 100,000 chickens. One home had its second story destroyed, and another home suffered a complete roof collapse. One large industrial barn was destroyed. Two additional homes, several more chicken sheds, and about 9 outbuilding also received varying degrees of damage. About 200 trees were snapped and uprooted. EPISODE NARRATIVE: A powerful spring storm system and associated cold front brought numerous thunderstorms to central Alabama. Many of the storms produced large hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes. | |||||||||||
| 48.7 | 2010-04-24 | 3 | 33°43'N / 87°17'W | 33°48'N / 86°57'W | 20.00 Miles | 400 Yards | 0 | 0 | 598K | 0K | Walker |
| Brief Description: EVENT NARRATIVE: This long tracked, strong, tornado first touched down in the Walker County city of Parrish. It then remained on the ground for 54 minutes, traversing nearly 30 miles in three counties. The vast majority of the damage was done in Walker County. In addition to Parrish, heavy damaged occurred in the cities of Cordova, Sumiton, and Empire. Between 70 and 80 homes and other buildings along the path received varying degrees of damage, and at least one home in Parrish was completely destroyed. Somewhere between 800 and 1000 trees were snapped, with a similar number uprooted. While there were no known deaths or injuries directly caused by the tornado, one 50 year old woman died (indirect) after she slipped and fell while going to a storm shelter. The tornado moved into Jefferson County near the intersection of Bankston Road and County Line Road. EPISODE NARRATIVE: A deepening storm system and associated cold front brought widespread severe thunderstorms, including at least 8 tornadoes, to central Alabama. | |||||||||||
| 48.8 | 2008-03-15 | 2 | 33°52'N / 86°27'W | 33°54'N / 86°21'W | 6.00 Miles | 675 Yards | 0 | 0 | 960K | 0K | Blount |
| Brief Description: EVENT NARRATIVE: The tornado touched down just east of CR-27, about 5 miles south-southeast of Oneonta. It then moved north of River Road, through the Highland Lake community, and across CR-29 near the Appalachian Community. The Appalachian School property sustained damage, but the school was spared any significant damage. The tornado continued northeastward and strengthened as it nearly paralleled CR-12, before lifting just north of the intersection of CR-12 and US-231. Along the entire path, several hundred trees were either snapped off or were uprooted. A few dozen chicken houses were damaged and many were destroyed. Many outbuildings, garages, and sheds were destroyed. At least 25 homes sustained major damage, and another few dozen received minor damage. At least one mobile home was destroyed and a few more were damaged. At least 6 cows and hundreds of chickens were killed by flying debris. In some instances, the roof debris from damaged structures was blown over one half mile downstream. A few feed silos were tipped over and one rolled at least one half mile. EPISODE NARRATIVE: An upper level disturbance, and a developing surface low and associated cold front, caused several rounds of strong to severe thunderstorms across central Alabama. | |||||||||||
| 49.1 | 2004-11-24 | 2 | 33°35'N / 86°00'W | 33°39'N / 85°50'W | 10.70 Miles | 500 Yards | 1 | 0 | 85K | 0 | Calhoun |
| Brief Description: F75MH The tornado touched down in the vicinity of the Talladega Superspeedway. Two concession stands within the infield area of the race track had their roofs blown off. The Bush Garage area received building damage and the garage doors were bowed out. Debris was scattered between the garage area and Victory Lane. One digital leader board was completely destroyed and another one sustained major damage. The tornado continued on a northeast path across northern Talladega County. Numerous trees were blown down or snapped off along the path. Several out-building were destroyed and sheet metal was lofted into trees. The tornado moved into the Eastaboga area where it caused severe damage. Two homes suffered major roof damage, two porches were destroyed and many trees were blown down. The tornado continued northeastward into southwest Calhoun County. In Bynum, two mobile homes were heavily damaged by fallen trees. One of the trees smashed a mobile home killing a 75 year old woman around 712 am. In the Coldwater area, one home was significantly damaged and a shed was destroyed. Numerous trees were still being knocked down along the path. The tornado then moved into the southwestern part of Anniston. A cinder block building sustained major structural damage and an animal shelter received major roof damage. Several other businesses sustained damage near Anniston. The total tornado damage path length was 15.2 miles and was 500 yards wide at its widest point. Begin: 33 34.19/86 04.42 End: 33 38.94/85 49.68 | |||||||||||
| 49.4 | 1973-05-27 | 4 | 33°27'N / 85°54'W | 33°32'N / 85°45'W | 10.40 Miles | 33 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25.0M | 0 | Clay |
| 49.7 | 1974-04-01 | 2 | 33°53'N / 86°46'W | 33°57'N / 86°29'W | 16.90 Miles | 800 Yards | 0 | 11 | 250K | 0 | Blount |
| 49.9 | 1980-06-17 | 2 | 33°20'N / 85°48'W | 33°21'N / 85°43'W | 5.20 Miles | 23 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Clay |
| 49.9 | 1985-04-05 | 2 | 33°34'N / 85°53'W | 33°35'N / 85°51'W | 2.00 Miles | 200 Yards | 0 | 5 | 250K | 0 | Talladega |
* The information on this page is based on the global volcano database, the U.S. earthquake database of 1638-1985, and the U.S. Tornado and Weather Extremes database of 1950-2010.