2 W Jemison - Jemison NWS meteorologists determined that damage near Jemison, AL was the result of a tornado. The tornado began near the intersection of CR-25 and CR-42 about 2 miles west of Jemison, and traveled east along CR-42. Damage along the first 1.5 miles of the path was minimal and confined to downed limbs and a loss of metal roofing and shingles on a few structures. The tornado quickly intensified and grew wider near the intersection of CR-42 and CR-38, where numerous structures sustained damage. The St. James Highland Bible Church lost a significant portion of its metal roof and wooden trusses. The roof did not appear to be particularly well constructed, and damage was consistent with winds near 80 mph. Supporting evidence for the classification of a tornado was quite strong in this location, and debris from the church was thrown northward across the path of the tornado. Several homes near this location also sustained a loss of shingles and other roof covering materials. The tornado weakened somewhat as it moved eastward toward downtown Jemison, where falling trees caused significant damage to mobile homes near the intersection of Patton Street and Hotel Street. As the tornado moved just east of Highway 31, damage was relatively minor and limited to carports, shingles, and a few uprooted trees. The tornado dissipated about one-quarter mile east of Highway 31 near Chilton Circle. Start: 32.9578/-86.7844 End: 32.9644/-86.7422

NWS EF Scale: F0

The National Weather Service surveyed damage in northern Chilton County and determined the damage was consistent with an EF0 tornado, with maximum sustained winds near 80 mph. The tornado began near the intersection of County Road 25 and County Road 42, about 2 miles west of the city of Jemison, and traveled east along County Road 42. Damage was minimal at first and confined to downed limbs and a loss of metal roofing and shingles on a few structures. The tornado quickly intensified and grew wider near the intersection of County Road 42 and County Road 38, where numerous structures sustained damage. The St. James Highland Bible Church lost a significant portion of its metal roof and wooden trusses. The roof did not appear to be particularly well constructed, and the damage was consistent with winds near 80 mph. Supporting evidence for the classification of a tornado was quite strong in this location, and debris from the church was thrown northward across the path of the tornado. Several homes near this location also sustained a loss of shingles and other roof covering materials. The tornado weakened somewhat as it moved towards downtown Jemison, where falling trees caused significant damage to mobile homes near the intersection of Patton Street and Hotel Street. As the tornado moved just east of U.S. Highway 31, damage was relatively minor and limited to carports, shingles, and a few uprooted trees. The tornado dissipated about one quarter mile east of U.S. Highway 31 near Chilton Circle.

A line of thunderstorms moved across Central Alabama during the early morning hours of Wednesday, February 7, 2018. Supercells embedded within the line were responsible for producing large hail, damaging winds, and several tornadoes. Severe weather was not anticipated as most model guidance indicated insufficient instability and wind shear for the development of supercells, tornadoes and other severe convective hazards. Even so, a marginal risk was highlighted for the western and southern portions of Central Alabama. The storms exhibited organization and frequent lightning, indicators that instability was likely higher than expected. The radar signatures were marginal at best and therefore, only a few Severe Thunderstorm Warnings were issued during the event.

Part of 6-tornado outbreak on February 7, 2018