Athens A tornado, rated at F2 on the Fujita S cale, struck the southern and eastern sections of Athens in Limestone County. The tornado path began about 2 miles south-southwest of Athens near the intersection of Sanderfer Road and County Road 45. The tornado moved northeasterly crossing through southern and eastern sections of Athens. It crossed the intersection of State Road 127 and US 72 where several businesses were damaged. Some damage was caused at Athens Middle School. The tornado continued northeast dissipating near the intersection of Pryor Street and US 31 near Athens High School. According to EMA officals, si x homes were destroyed, 14 homes sustained major damage, and an additional 14 homes had minor damage. Three apartment buildings, each with eight units, were damaged, 13 businesses had major damage, and two businesses reported minor damage. Of the 12 injuries, two were described as serious. Start: 34.7700/-87.0000 End:  3 4.8000 /-86.9700

NWS EF Scale: F2

Part of 5-tornado outbreak on May 3, 1997