Parrish - Sumiton - Empire A National Weather Service Damage Assessment Team has surveyed the storm damage in Walker, Jefferson, and Blount Counties. It has been determined the damage was the result of a tornado. The tornado has been rated an EF-3 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale. Damage estimates were consistent with winds around 140 mph. This long track tornado caused extensive damage in Parrish. The tornado tracked northeastward from Parrish across extreme northern Jefferson County and then ending in Blount County. The tornado crossed US Highway 78, produced damage in Cordova, Sumiton, Empire and surrounding communites and ended after it crossed Interstate 65 near Highway 160 southwest of Hayden. A total of 70 to 80 homes and businesses sustained damage. One home was completely destroyed. At least 1000 hardwood and softwood trees were either uprooted or were snapped off along the damage path. The tornado damage path was 29.5 miles long and was 400 yards wide at its widest point. Start: 33.7336/-87.2864 End: 33.8532/-86.7931

NWS EF Scale: F3

The tornado that first touched down near Berry, in Fayette County, moved into Walker County near where AL-18 crosses Frost Creek. From there it continued its northeast path, and eventually lifted about 5 miles west of Oakman. In Walker County, the tornado blew down a 100 foot radio tower and damaged an adjoining shed. Numerous trees were also snapped or uprooted.

A deepening storm system and associated cold front brought widespread severe thunderstorms, including at least 8 tornadoes, to central Alabama.

Part of 13-tornado outbreak on April 24, 2010