Storm Events Database

Storm Events Database

Event Details

Event Tornado
-- Scale EF2
-- Length 1.79
-- Width 550
State ALABAMA
County/Area FRANKLIN
WFO HUN
Begin Date 04/27/2011 15:20:00 CST-6
Begin Range 1
Begin Azimuth SSE
Begin Location HODGES
Begin Lat/Lon 34.31/-87.92
End Date 04/27/2011 15:23:00 CST-6
End Range 2
End Azimuth ESE
End Location HODGES
End Lat/Lon 34.32/-87.89
Deaths Direct/Indirect 0/0 (fatality details below, when available...)
Injuries Direct/Indirect 0/0
Property Damage 600.00K
Crop Damage 0.00K
Episode Narrative A powerful storm system roared across the Southeast United States on Wednesday, April 27, 2011. In the wake of this system, hundreds of people were left injured and/or homeless, along with approximately 100 people who lost their lives in the northern Alabama area alone. Some of the devastation was literally unimaginable with countless homes, neighborhoods and even portions of cities or towns either partially or completely destroyed. This storm system would be responsible for one of the largest and deadliest tornado outbreaks to ever impact much of the southeastern region.

The powerful storm system that affected the National Weather Service, Huntsville service area would actually occur in three separate waves of severe weather that day. The first occurred during the early morning hours of April 27, 2011 roughly between the hours of 2 AM and 8 AM CDT, while the second occurred during the late-morning to early afternoon period. The third and most devastating wave occurred during the afternoon hours on Wednesday, with some of the most violent and destructive tornadoes to affect the central Tennessee Valley area in recent decades.

The worst areas impacted by these storms included the towns of Phil Campbell and Oak Grove in eastern Franklin County Alabama, Mt. Hope in western Lawrence County and the Tanner Community in eastern Limestone County. Along a line connecting these areas tracked an EF5 tornado with peak winds around 210 mph, the strongest and most violent on the Enhanced Fujita Scale.

Other areas impacted by the storms include the city of Cullman, where extensive damage occurred to buildings in the downtown area, and to the town of Fairview, both of which are located in Cullman County. Downstream, further significant damage occurred to the Ruth and Oak Grove communities in Marshall County. In addition, the communities of Rainsville and Sylvania along with the towns of Henagar and Ider in DeKalb County were severely impacted. Fatalities in DeKalb County alone numbered at least 33 people. Furthermore, the towns of Flat Rock, Higdon and Pisgah in Jackson County sustained incredible damage. The tornadoes that affected these areas were rated as an EF4 with maximum winds near 190 mph.

In most of these areas alone, numerous people lost their lives. These represent just several of the communities and towns impacted by the events of April 27, 2011. While the majority of the analysis and survey work conducted by the National Weather Service, Huntsville and its partners have been completed, there will undoubtedly be countless research studies conducted by both academia and operational personnel in order to further evaluate and understand the complex processes associated with this near unprecedented severe weather outbreak.
Event Narrative This tornado decreased quickly in intensity as it moved into southeastern Franklin county after producing EF-3 damage in Marion county. Just after crossing the Marion/Franklin county line, the tornado collapsed two chicken houses and ripped roofing material off of two others nearby along highway 187. The tornado continued its brief track northeast and ripped much of the roof off of a two story home as it approached highway 172. Based on roof damage observed and widespread nature of large trees blown down or snapped off near their base, winds were estimated at 120 mph -- EF-2 tornado. Another house nearby experienced significant roof damage as well. The path width at this point was around 300 yards. As it reached highway 31, some minor shingle and home damage was observed. However, the tornado moved over a mainly forested portion of this area, continuing to snap/uproot numerous large trees, snapping several near their bases.

As the tornado moved toward Old Line Road, additional damage to houses was observed. A few homes had portions of their roofs peeled off. In addition, a mobile home was destroyed. In this area a car was totaled by the tornado. Numerous large trees were snapped off or blown down as well. A barn was heavily damaged by trees in this area as well. The path width of the tornado was largest at this point and was estimated to be around 550 yards. A path of numerous large trees being snapped or blown down continued just northeast of this road. The tornado appeared to gradually weaken and lift over the forested area northeast of Old Line Road as little additional damage was seen from ground surveys. New satellite imagery reveals tree damage extending a little over 1/2 mile east of Old Line Road. Due to this new information, the end point was adjusted slightly east from its original point (5/17/12).


All events for this episode:

Location County/Zone St. Date Time T.Z. Type Mag Dth Inj PrD CrD
Totals: 100 94 1.111B 0.00K
WATERLOO LAUDERDALE CO. AL 04/27/2011 03:01 CST-6 Tornado EF1 0 0 0.00K 0.00K
SMITHSONIA LAUDERDALE CO. AL 04/27/2011 03:19 CST-6 Tornado EF1 0 1 0.00K 0.00K
SPEAKE LAWRENCE CO. AL 04/27/2011 04:44 CST-6 Hail 0.88 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K
WILBURN CULLMAN CO. AL 04/27/2011 04:48 CST-6 Tornado EF2 1 0 0.00K 0.00K
JOPPA CULLMAN CO. AL 04/27/2011 05:20 CST-6 Tornado EF0 0 0 0.00K 0.00K
RED HILL MARSHALL CO. AL 04/27/2011 05:22 CST-6 Tornado EF1 0 0 0.00K 0.00K
NIXON CHAPEL MARSHALL CO. AL 04/27/2011 05:22 CST-6 Tornado EF1 0 0 40.00K 0.00K
RED HILL MARSHALL CO. AL 04/27/2011 05:24 CST-6 Tornado EF1 0 0 0.00K 0.00K
WARRENTON MARSHALL CO. AL 04/27/2011 05:30 CST-6 Tornado EF2 0 0 0.00K 0.00K
HIGHPOINT MARSHALL CO. AL 04/27/2011 05:30 CST-6 Tornado EF1 0 0 0.00K 0.00K
HYATT MARSHALL CO. AL 04/27/2011 05:30 CST-6 Tornado EF1 0 0 0.00K 0.00K
HIGHPOINT MARSHALL CO. AL 04/27/2011 05:30 CST-6 Tornado EF1 0 0 0.00K 0.00K
GRANT MARSHALL CO. AL 04/27/2011 05:35 CST-6 Tornado EF1 0 0 10.00K 0.00K
BIG SPGS MARSHALL CO. AL 04/27/2011 05:35 CST-6 Tornado EF1 0 0 0.00K 0.00K
HENRYVILLE MARSHALL CO. AL 04/27/2011 05:43 CST-6 Tornado EF0 0 0 0.00K 0.00K
GUNTERSVILLE MUNI AR MARSHALL CO. AL 04/27/2011 05:45 CST-6 Tornado EF1 0 0 0.00K 0.00K
LANGSTON JACKSON CO. AL 04/27/2011 05:45 CST-6 Thunderstorm Wind 70 kts. EG 0 0 210.00K 0.00K
MARTLING MARSHALL CO. AL 04/27/2011 05:45 CST-6 Tornado EF1 0 0 0.00K 0.00K
GUNTERSVILLE LAKE MARSHALL CO. AL 04/27/2011 05:49 CST-6 Tornado EF1 0 0 0.00K 0.00K
GROVE OAK DEKALB CO. AL 04/27/2011 05:49 CST-6 Tornado EF1 0 0 0.00K 0.00K
SECTION JACKSON CO. AL 04/27/2011 05:58 CST-6 Tornado EF1 1 0 0.00K 0.00K
ELLIOT XRDS DEKALB CO. AL 04/27/2011 06:10 CST-6 Tornado EF1 0 0 30.00K 0.00K
FAIRVIEW JACKSON CO. AL 04/27/2011 06:12 CST-6 Tornado EF2 0 0 0.00K 0.00K
KAOLIN DEKALB CO. AL 04/27/2011 06:18 CST-6 Tornado EF1 0 0 0.00K 0.00K
IDER DEKALB CO. AL 04/27/2011 06:34 CST-6 Tornado EF1 0 0 0.00K 0.00K
SHADY GROVE FRANKLIN CO. AL 04/27/2011 06:36 CST-6 Hail 1.25 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K
MT HOPE LAWRENCE CO. AL 04/27/2011 08:00 CST-6 Hail 0.88 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K
STEWERDS STORE LIMESTONE CO. AL 04/27/2011 08:30 CST-6 Hail 0.88 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K
REID LIMESTONE CO. AL 04/27/2011 08:30 CST-6 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K
HARVEST EPPS ARPT MADISON CO. AL 04/27/2011 08:46 CST-6 Hail 0.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K
MADISON XRDS MADISON CO. AL 04/27/2011 08:50 CST-6 Hail 1.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K
MT LEVENTOV MADISON CO. AL 04/27/2011 09:05 CST-6 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K
MYNOT COLBERT CO. AL 04/27/2011 09:25 CST-6 Hail 0.88 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K
COURTLAND AIRFIELD LAWRENCE CO. AL 04/27/2011 10:14 CST-6 Thunderstorm Wind 54 kts. MG 0 0 0.00K 0.00K
RIPLEY LIMESTONE CO. AL 04/27/2011 10:15 CST-6 Tornado EF0 0 0 0.00K 0.00K
TRINITY MORGAN CO. AL 04/27/2011 10:20 CST-6 Tornado EF1 0 0 0.00K 0.00K
REID LIMESTONE CO. AL 04/27/2011 10:23 CST-6 Tornado EF0 0 0 0.00K 0.00K
OAKLAND LIMESTONE CO. AL 04/27/2011 10:24 CST-6 Tornado EF0 0 0 0.00K 0.00K
FRENCH MILL LIMESTONE CO. AL 04/27/2011 10:30 CST-6 Tornado EF1 0 0 0.00K 0.00K
CAPSHAW LIMESTONE CO. AL 04/27/2011 10:35 CST-6 Tornado EF0 0 0 0.00K 0.00K
NEBO MADISON CO. AL 04/27/2011 10:37 CST-6 Tornado EF1 0 0 0.00K 0.00K
CAPSHAW MADISON CO. AL 04/27/2011 10:39 CST-6 Tornado EF1 0 0 0.00K 0.00K
MADISON CO JET PORT MADISON CO. AL 04/27/2011 10:49 CST-6 Thunderstorm Wind 51 kts. MG 0 0 0.00K 0.00K
NORMAL MADISON CO. AL 04/27/2011 10:50 CST-6 Tornado EF1 0 0 0.00K 0.00K
BLOUCHER FORD MADISON CO. AL 04/27/2011 10:55 CST-6 Tornado EF0 0 0 0.00K 0.00K
BOLIVAR JACKSON CO. AL 04/27/2011 12:00 CST-6 Hail 1.25 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K
CRANE HILL CULLMAN CO. AL 04/27/2011 13:40 CST-6 Tornado EF4 1 0 0.00K 0.00K
GUM POND MORGAN CO. AL 04/27/2011 14:12 CST-6 Tornado EF4 0 0 0.00K 0.00K
RUTH MARSHALL CO. AL 04/27/2011 14:16 CST-6 Tornado EF4 5 48 0.00K 0.00K
NIX FRANKLIN CO. AL 04/27/2011 14:28 CST-6 Tornado EF5 27 0 50.000M 0.00K
MT HOPE LAWRENCE CO. AL 04/27/2011 14:44 CST-6 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K
MT HOPE LAWRENCE CO. AL 04/27/2011 14:45 CST-6 Hail 1.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K
MT HOPE LAWRENCE CO. AL 04/27/2011 14:45 CST-6 Tornado EF5 14 0 40.000M 0.00K
HODGE JACKSON CO. AL 04/27/2011 15:01 CST-6 Tornado EF4 6 0 0.00K 0.00K
TRINITY MORGAN CO. AL 04/27/2011 15:15 CST-6 Tornado EF3 0 0 400.00K 0.00K
LAWNGATE LIMESTONE CO. AL 04/27/2011 15:17 CST-6 Tornado EF4 4 45 1.000B 0.00K
HODGES FRANKLIN CO. AL 04/27/2011 15:20 CST-6 Tornado EF2 0 0 600.00K 0.00K
NIX FRANKLIN CO. AL 04/27/2011 15:21 CST-6 Thunderstorm Wind 70 kts. EG 0 0 30.00K 0.00K
NIX FRANKLIN CO. AL 04/27/2011 15:23 CST-6 Thunderstorm Wind 65 kts. EG 0 0 10.00K 0.00K
SPRUCE PINE FRANKLIN CO. AL 04/27/2011 15:26 CST-6 Thunderstorm Wind 65 kts. EG 0 0 15.00K 0.00K
IDER DEKALB CO. AL 04/27/2011 15:30 CST-6 Tornado EF4 6 0 0.00K 0.00K
WACO FRANKLIN CO. AL 04/27/2011 15:33 CST-6 Thunderstorm Wind 50 kts. EG 0 0 2.00K 0.00K
CLUTTSVILLE MADISON CO. AL 04/27/2011 15:36 CST-6 Tornado EF4 9 0 0.00K 0.00K
NEWBURG FRANKLIN CO. AL 04/27/2011 15:36 CST-6 Thunderstorm Wind 50 kts. EG 0 0 5.00K 0.00K
NEWBURG FRANKLIN CO. AL 04/27/2011 15:38 CST-6 Thunderstorm Wind 50 kts. EG 0 0 6.00K 0.00K
CLUTTSVILLE MADISON CO. AL 04/27/2011 15:40 CST-6 Tornado EF1 0 0 0.00K 0.00K
GLADSTONE MADISON CO. AL 04/27/2011 15:47 CST-6 Thunderstorm Wind 70 kts. MG 0 0 0.00K 0.00K
ORRVILLE LIMESTONE CO. AL 04/27/2011 15:53 CST-6 Tornado EF0 0 0 0.00K 0.00K
MADISON MADISON CO. AL 04/27/2011 16:02 CST-6 Tornado EF1 0 0 0.00K 0.00K
FACKLER JACKSON CO. AL 04/27/2011 16:05 CST-6 Tornado EF4 1 0 0.00K 0.00K
ARKADELPHIA CULLMAN CO. AL 04/27/2011 16:05 CST-6 Tornado EF4 0 0 20.000M 0.00K
ATHENS LIMESTONE CO. AL 04/27/2011 16:10 CST-6 Hail 1.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K
ARKADELPHIA CULLMAN CO. AL 04/27/2011 16:15 CST-6 Tornado EF1 0 0 0.00K 0.00K
GARDEN CITY CULLMAN CO. AL 04/27/2011 16:19 CST-6 Tornado EF1 0 0 0.00K 0.00K
GARDEN CITY CULLMAN CO. AL 04/27/2011 16:22 CST-6 Tornado EF1 0 0 0.00K 0.00K
CLUTTSVILLE MADISON CO. AL 04/27/2011 16:28 CST-6 Hail 1.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K
RED HILL MARSHALL CO. AL 04/27/2011 16:50 CST-6 Tornado EF2 0 0 0.00K 0.00K
TEN BROECK DEKALB CO. AL 04/27/2011 17:19 CST-6 Tornado EF5 25 0 0.00K 0.00K
BEATY XRDS DEKALB CO. AL 04/27/2011 17:44 CST-6 Hail 1.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K
CENTERVILLE CULLMAN CO. AL 04/27/2011 18:09 CST-6 Tornado EF0 0 0 0.00K 0.00K
NEBO MADISON CO. AL 04/27/2011 18:17 CST-6 Hail 1.75 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K
JONES CHAPEL CULLMAN CO. AL 04/27/2011 18:58 CST-6 Hail 1.00 in. 0 0 0.00K 0.00K
FT PAYNE DEKALB CO. AL 04/27/2011 20:05 CST-6 Tornado EF2 0 0 0.00K 0.00K
Totals: 100 94 1.111B 0.00K