December 20, 2012

Mobile - Prichard The tornado initially touched down along Michael Boulevard producing EF-0 damage (winds estimated up to 85 mph) where it damaged the roof of the YMCA and produced moderate damage to the Davidson High School baseball field. The tornado continued moving northeast strengthening as it moved across Montlimar Boulevard producing EF-1 damage (from winds estimated at 86 to 110 mph) to several businesses on the southwest corner of the Interstate 65/Airport Boulevard intersection. The tornado circulation widened to near 75 yards as it moved northeast affecting numerous homes through midtown mobile, blowing large sections of roofs off of several homes, snapping or blowing over numerous trees. Here the storm produced damages estimated in the millions of dollars to local businesses (including significant amounts of damage to the facility and inventory of a Mercedes Benz dealership). Also impacted was the regional American Red Cross headquarters in Mobile where significant damage to the roof and damage to several support vehicles/trailers was noted. The tornado continued at EF-1 strength as it tracked northeast into the city of Prichard doing similar damage, before weakening and dissipating along U.S. Highway 43 at Woodland Avenue. Start: 30.6671/-88.1383 End: 30.7442/-88.0707

NWS EF Scale: F 1 Polygon