April 27, 2011

4.6 NW Union Chapel - 2.8 SSW Crossroads The tornado track began about 3 miles northeast of Pickensville in Pickens County, and continued northeast along Double Branches Road, near County Road 49. Just northeast of Reform, the tornado destroyed a few chicken houses and tossed grain feed bins up to 100 yards (EF-1). The tornado caused roof damage to houses and destroyed a few outbuildings as it crossed Alabama Highway 159 north of County Road 49. The tornado then moved into Tuscaloosa County. It crossed Alabama Highway 171 just south of County Road 76, with significant tree damage (EF-2) in a narrow path. The tornado clipped a small part of south central Fayette County along County Road 12 just west of U.S. Highway 43, with tree damage and minor structural damage (EF-1). The Tornado then moved back into Tuscaloosa County, crossing U.S. Highway 43 just north of County Road 12, with only a narrow path width of (EF-0 to EF-1) tree damage. The tornado continued east-northeastward across north central Tuscaloosa County causing mostly minor tree and structural damage before crossing into Fayette County along Old Jasper Road. The tornado strengthened as it approached the Boley Springs area. It crossed County Road 83 north of old Jasper Road where it caused considerable damage to trees and completely destroyed at least one mobile home (EF-3). The frame separated and the remaining debris was thrown a considerable distance which resulted in at least two fatalities. The tornado appeared to strengthen even further as it reached Willcut Road and County Road 46. In this area several mobile homes were completely destroyed with debris thrown a considerable distance and frames twisted and thrown. Many trees were downed with at least two fatalities in this area (at least EF-3). A large violent tornado continued its track from Walker County into the Huntsville County Warning Area (CWA) across the very southern tip of Cullman County, from about 3 miles southwest of Arkadelphia to just over 2 miles ESE of Arkadelphia. This tornado then tracked out of the Huntsville CWA into Blount County. In Cullman County, a wide swath of pine and hardwood trees was found snapped at the bases or splintered several feet off the ground, with some debarking of trees. South of Hwy 91 along Washington Loop, several homes were damaged or destroyed. A mobile home was obliterated and the frame was found at least 200 yards to the east up a hill. A cinder block home was wiped out, with the contents landing across the road, while the cars nearby were tossed. A truck landed in a nearby hollow at least 50 yards away while a sedan was smashed as it landed about 130 yards away. Farming equipment in a barn was displaced into the hollow, including a hay baler and a tractor. The storm shelter by the residence was partially lifted and damaged. The person inside received minor injuries. Additional homes and buildings nearby were destroyed and only a few trees were left standing or not debarked. The main damage path was fairly well confined, as a well built home just at the edge of the track only sustained minor roof damage. More information in survey pages and storm data. Start: 33.2506/-88.1814 End: 34.2831/-86.3491

NWS EF Scale: F4

Part of 59-tornado outbreak on April 27, 2011