January 25, 2021

5 NNW Birmingham - 1 WSW Chalkville NWS Meteorologists surveyed damage in northern Jefferson County, from Fultondale northeastward to Center Point, and determined it was the result of a strong tornado. The tornado began along Chapel Hills Parkway, where minor shingle damage to homes occurred. The tornado then tracked northeastward across Ellard Road, then directly over the Walker Chapel Road overpass on Interstate 65. It was at this interstate exit where the tornado began to intensify, snapping numerous power poles and causing substantial damage to the Hampton Inn. The damage to the hotel and surrounding area suggests EF-2 strength (winds up to 115 mph). The tornado continued northeastward, crossing Highway 31, causing mostly tree damage along the highway. As the tornado moved into more residential areas along Fulton Drive and Lykes Boulevard, substantial damage occurred with several homes being destroyed with at least one being swept off the foundation. There was also significant tree damage in the neighborhood. Next, several homes along Georgetown Lane suffered significant damage as wind breached garage doors, aiding in complete roof loss in some cases. Other damage included destroyed fences, sheds, and lofting of a hot tub (still missing as of the afternoon of the 27th). Numerous trees were uprooted or snapped. As the tornado continued toward the northeast, it paralleled Carson Road and continued causing substantial damage to homes along Meida Circle, Darlene Drive, and New Castle Road. Buildings in an industrial area along Carson Road were damaged, including a fleet of vehicles at Hurst Towing. The damage along New Castle Road was widespread with a few trees debarked or snapped half way down the trunk, and debris from homes thrown considerable distances. EF-3 caliber damage was confined to a zone from Lykes Boulevard to Meida Circle to New Castle road. The tornado began to weaken after crossing North Pine Hill Road, but still caused damage. Along Highway 79, dozens of mobile homes were damaged by falling trees in the Rusk Mobile Home Park. The tornado finally lifted near Highway 75 in Center Point, where trees and powerlines were downed near the Jefferson County Multi-Services Facility. Start: 33.5965/-86.8256 End: 33.6598/-86.6678

NWS EF Scale: F3