Public Information Statement
Issued by NWS Huntsville, AL
Issued by NWS Huntsville, AL
617 NOUS44 KHUN 112157 PNSHUN ALZ001>010-016-TNZ076-096-097-121000- Public Information Statement National Weather Service Huntsville AL 457 PM CDT Sat May 11 2024 ...NWS Damage Survey for 05/08/2024 Tornado Event Update #8... Update: Added survey for Woodfin Mill EF-1 tornado, combined the Dug Hill and McMullen Cover tornadoes into one EF-2 track, and compiled all previously individually-sent public information statements for storm survey results into one for ease of use. .Brigadoon Tornado... Rating: EF-3 Estimated Peak Wind: 136 mph Path Length /statute/: 2.22 miles Path Width /maximum/: 225 yards Fatalities: 0 Injuries: 0 Start Date: 05/08/2024 Start Time: 08:23 PM CDT Start Location: 7 SE Rogersville / Limestone County / AL Start Lat/Lon: 34.7499 / -87.1944 End Date: 05/08/2024 End Time: 08:30 PM CDT End Location: 8 N Hillsboro / Limestone County / AL End Lat/Lon: 34.7556 / -87.1561 Survey Summary: A tornado touched down on the Tennessee River just east of where the Elk River meets the Tennessee River and proceeded to move inland at the Brigadoon neighborhood. Public photos and videos confirm the tornado was over water before it moved on land. It first caused damage at Inverness Place and this is where the homes with the largest amount of damage was found. The home that had the greatest damage had all exterior walls facing the river collapsed, the roof of the main part of the house completely gone and the two story four car garage was collapsed with the roof also gone. The front of the house and interior rooms remained in tact. This damage is correlated with low end EF-3 damage. Homes nearby had substantial roof damage, damaged vehicles, and other various exterior damage. Numerous large trees throughout the neighborhood were uprooted or snapped. Moving further into the subdivision, there was roof and exterior home damage to a lesser extent, fences knocked over by other debris and broken windows. The tornado lifted in a field outside of the subdivision. Saari/Smith .Poorhouse Hollow Tornado... Rating: EF-1 Estimated Peak Wind: 105 mph Path Length /statute/: 6.22 miles Path Width /maximum/: 160 yards Fatalities: 0 Injuries: 0 Start Date: 05/08/2024 Start Time: 08:15 PM CDT Start Location: 6 NE Ardmore / Lincoln County / TN Start Lat/Lon: 35.0728 / -86.7742 End Date: 05/08/2024 End Time: 08:33 PM CDT End Location: 8 SW Fayetteville / Lincoln County / TN End Lat/Lon: 35.0648 / -86.6665 Survey Summary: A National Weather Service Huntsville, AL and Lincoln Co. EMA damage assessment team determined the damage in southwest Lincoln Co. was consistent with an EF-1 tornado with max winds of 105 mph. Damage indicators across the tornado path were mostly a combination of hardwood trees and sporadic, minor structure damage. The tornado likely touched down near the Blanche Rd area between Philpot Rd and Cheatham Rd. Hardwood numerous trees were observed to be uprooted or trunks snapped with one tree on a house. The tornado continued across Randolph Hill Rd then caused more hardwood tree damage across Sanders Rd. The tornado then followed Dry Creek, south of Poorhouse Rd, where numerous hardwood trees were snapped through Clay Jones Rd. More significant damage, including minor roof damage to a single-family house and more dense areas of tree snaps, occurred east of Clay Jones Rd. This is the location where the max winds were recorded by the survey team. The tornado likely lifted east of this residence in a valley west of Drennon Rd. Barron/Weber .Woodfin Mill... Rating: EF-1 Estimated Peak Wind: 105 mph Path Length /statute/: 3.47 miles Path Width /maximum/: 225 yards Fatalities: 0 Injuries: 0 Start Date: 05/08/2024 Start Time: 08:45 PM CDT Start Location: 3 ENE Elkmont / Limestone County / AL Start Lat/Lon: 34.9458 / -86.9254 End Date: 05/08/2024 End Time: 08:50 PM CDT End Location: 2 WSW Ardmore / Limestone County / TN End Lat/Lon: 34.9903 / -86.901 Survey Summary: An NWS storm survey determined a tornado touched down west of New Bethel Rd. The tornado uprooted and snapped several large softwood trees and collapsed more than half of a private aircraft hangar. The tornado continued north-northeast, uprooting more large trees and snapping large branches near homes along Shipley Hollow Rd, which is where the tornado reached its maximum intensity of 105 mph. Minor roof damage displacing shingles on one single-family house was observed. Sparse tree damage was observed where it was concluded that the EF-1 tornado`s path ended just west of Old Scrouge Rd. Special thank you to Limestone County EMA for their assistance with this survey. Carmer/Murphy/Magee .Rainbow Mountain Tornado... Rating: EF-0 Estimated Peak Wind: 85 mph Path Length /statute/: 1.70 miles Path Width /maximum/: 95 yards Fatalities: 0 Injuries: 0 Start Date: 05/08/2024 Start Time: 09:07 PM CDT Start Location: 3 NNW Madison / Madison County / AL Start Lat/Lon: 34.7411 / -86.7364 End Date: 05/08/2024 End Time: 09:11 PM CDT End Location: 2 NW Madison / Madison County / AL End Lat/Lon: 34.7366 / -86.7076 A National Weather Service Huntsville, AL survey team determined the damage in neighborhoods in the vicinity of Rainbow Mountain in Madison, AL was associated with a high-end EF-0 tornado with max winds of 85 mph. The damage indicators used for this assessment were a combination of hardwood and softwood trees. The tornado appears to have touched down in the Hillchase Neighborhood on the west-facing slope of of Rainbow Mountain. Several trees were uprooted in this neighborhood and with at least two trees on houses. The tornado continued east-southeast over Rainbow Mountain and damaged more trees in the Highland Lakes neighborhood, on the east-facing slope. Numerous trees were uprooted in this area with a snapped trunk of at least one weaker, softwood tree. This damage indictor was reduced to account for the condition of the tree. The tornado then continued eastward across Slaughter Rd. More trees were uprooted along the Mingo Rd area. Only minor damage was observed in the Creekwood neighborhood, into Indian Creek where the tornado likely lifted. Barron .Old Town Tornado... Rating: EF-1 Estimated Peak Wind: 105 mph Path Length /statute/: 2.38 miles Path Width /maximum/: 600 yards Fatalities: 0 Injuries: 0 Start Date: 05/08/2024 Start Time: 09:28 PM CDT Start Location: 3 NE Huntsville / Madison County / AL Start Lat/Lon: 34.7377 / -86.5817 End Date: 05/08/2024 End Time: 09:32 PM CDT End Location: 4 ENE Huntsville / Madison County / AL End Lat/Lon: 34.7206 / -86.5468 Survey Summary: An NWS storm survey determined a tornado touched down near Walker Avenue NE. The initial touchdown point was indicated by snapping of large branches and significant leaf litter. The tornado continued generally southeast resulting in several large trees uprooted between Walker Avenue NE and Randolph Avenue SE. This track continued southeast just north of Governors Drive SE with several additional trees both uprooted and snapped. Between Holmes Avenue and near Sun Valley Road SE appears to be the location where the tornado reached its peak intensity of EF-1 as indicated by the various uprooted and snapped trees near SE California Street and through the Maple Hill Cemetery. Further along this southeast track, the tornado weakened slightly as it tracked north of the Medical District with additional damage of large branches down and leaf litter observed. While our last damage point is just north of Governors Drive SE, radar data indicates the tornadic debris signature continued southeast over Monte Sano. We have requested additional drone and satellite data to further refine the ending of this tornado track and supplement this survey. Some tree damage was noted just south of Governors Drive SE however this was identified as wind damage from inflow winds into the supercell. Thank you to Madison County EMA for their assistance during this survey. Darish/Carmer/Magee .Dug Hill and McMullen Cove Tornado ... Rating: EF-2 Estimated Peak Wind: 122 mph Path Length /statute/: 5.03 miles Path Width /maximum/: 500 yards Fatalities: 0 Injuries: 0 Start Date: 05/08/2024 Start Time: 09:34 PM CDT Start Location: 6 E Huntsville / Madison County / AL Start Lat/Lon: 34.709 / -86.5081 End Date: 05/08/2024 End Time: 09:48 PM CDT End Location: 3 W Gurley / Madison County / AL End Lat/Lon: 34.7015 / -86.4245 Survey Summary: A National Weather Service storm survey determined a tornado touched down in the western end of Dug Hill Estates. The tornado uprooted trees and caused roof damage to a home in the area of initially observed damage. The tornado continued to uproot hardwood trees and snapped a cedar tree in the subdivision before moving eastward along the southern facing slope of the adjacent ridge. No tree damage was observed along the ridge, but high- resolution remote imagery may provide further information when that is available. The tornado`s track became evident again just to the east of the ridge along Dug Hill Road where hardwood trees were snapped and uprooted. Snapped trees were observed along the relatively steep sloped southern portion of Watson Grande Way. The tornado continued just north of Little Cove Road. Siding on a garage was peeled and there was also shearing of limbs off of tree tops. The tornado then tracked generally east and continued to distribute leaf litter and snap small branches before beginning to peel some siding on single family homes. The tornado then intensified and caused partial uplift of roofs on the eastern side to four houses on Kenhurst Lane SE. The source of roof failure for these homes came from the eastern portion of the roof. The tornado was able to lift the roof from overhangs facing eastward and then further lift additional portions of the roof. Roof construction appeared primarily via nails and 2x4 with Simpson Strong Ties noted along the base of the roof. Based on these points of strongest intensity, the tornado was deemed a low-end EF-2. Roofing material was lofted one block east on Abby Glen Way, where there was also additional scattered shingle damage. No additional damage was noted in this neighborhood. Beyond this neighborhood to the east lies unaccessible rural areas which we could not survey. Requested satellite imagery may shed more light on any extensions needed for this track. Guillet/White/Jones and Magee/Carmer/Darish .Scottsboro Tornado... Rating: EF-0 Estimated Peak Wind: 90 mph Path Length /statute/: 2.09 miles Path Width /maximum/: 440 yards Fatalities: 0 Injuries: 0 Start Date: 05/08/2024 Start Time: 10:34 PM CDT Start Location: 3 NNW Scottsboro / Jackson County / AL Start Lat/Lon: 34.6864 / -86.064 End Date: 05/08/2024 End Time: 10:37 PM CDT End Location: 1 NNE Scottsboro / Jackson County / AL End Lat/Lon: 34.6663 / -86.0369 Survey Summary: An NWS Storm Survey determined a tornado touched down just west of downtown Scottsboro. The initial touchdown point was indicated by snapped tree branches on Old Larkinsville Rd. Scattered tree damage was observed continuing generally southeast towards Highway 35. Limited infrastructure damage was found along Highway 35 including the peeling of metal roofing and siding. Between Highway 35 and Parks Ave several trees were found uprooted, snapped, and with loss of limbs. Due to the limited infrastructure damage found on Highway 35 and the uprooted trees, the maximum intensity of this tornado was deemed an EF-0. Thank you to Jackson County EMA and the Scottsboro Fire Department for their assistance during this survey. Ravenscraft/Amin/Darish .Henagar Tornado... Rating: EF-3 Estimated Peak Wind: 140 mph Path Length /statute/: 12.34 miles Path Width /maximum/: 880 yards Fatalities: 0 Injuries: 7 Start Date: 05/08/2024 Start Time: 10:57 PM CDT Start Location: 3 S Pisgah / Jackson County / AL Start Lat/Lon: 34.6407 / -85.8578 End Date: 05/08/2024 End Time: 11:24 PM CDT End Location: 2 NNW Hammondville / DeKalb County / AL End Lat/Lon: 34.5998 / -85.6497 Survey Summary: The tornado touched down on Hwy 71 in Jackson County, snapping hard and softwood trees to begin its path. The tornado continued between County Road 425 and 322, producing minor damage to the roof of a small farm building. The tornado then overturned a camper and injured two people downstream along County Road 422. Also at this location, a well-built home was partially destroyed. A mobile home was moved off its foundation here as well, with a third of the roof of a hay barn and a horse trailer destroyed. Projectiles were found in the field across the street from this home, with 2x4s impaled a foot to 18" in the ground at this location. Further south and east along State Road 40, large 100+ year old oak trees that were 4-5 foot in diameter were blown down onto a house, collapsing two exterior walls. Windows were sucked out at this location as well prior to the trees falling when the tornado passed just north of the house. Up the street, a well- built home sustained major damage when the tornado ripped the garage off of the house and sheared it to the north and east into the rest of the dwelling. It was at this location that the highest wind speed was rated for this tornado, 135 mph, which is the top windspeed for an EF-2 tornado. Had anchor bolts been found in the foundation anchoring of the walls (in lieu of the nails that were found attaching the walls to the foundation), the tornado would have been upgraded to an EF-3 tornado. What was left of the house was in relatively good condition, all things considered, and it was noted that the attic framing was anchored with strongties, and so the roof remained intact over a good portion of the house otherwise. At this point, the tornado was likely at its widest point, measuring 1.13 miles wide. NWS representatives returned to the track the following day to access several roadways that were completely blocked from widespread fallen trees south of State Road 40. Surveyors found damage indicators and degrees of damage consistent with EF3 (140 mph) tornado damage. The tornado was the strongest at this point along the path. Along County Road 125, a well built shop building was completely destroyed. The metal building structure was well-anchored with H-beams anchored with large bolts and plates at the bases to the foundation. The bolts were snapped and severely bent, along with the plates. On one corner, a large 4-5 foot section of the foundation was ripped off the ground and strewn about 10 feet away with the column anchoring still intact. More shocking was the 20,000 pound 18-wheeler cab that was tossed more than 150 yards into the field across CR 125. Other nearby semi-trailers that were parked on the property were strewn in the same direction as well, though most only were shifted 50-100 feet. The tornado continued snapping and uprooting softwood trees over the relatively rural landscape along Melton Drive and Elliot Road. It was at this location where the road was impassable due to numerous trees covering the roadway, and it was actively being removed during our survey. Further east/southeast, the tornado moved across the intersection of Culver/Keith/Lacey Roads, snapping and uprooting more softwood trees. The tornado crossed State Road 40, peeling back tin on several chicken houses between SR40 and Valley Road, causing the structural integrity of one of the houses to be compromised. Additional softwood trees were uprooted and snapped near the intersection of County Road 714 and 120 along State Road 40 as well, with the loss of several roof panels to a shed structure at a house located here. Continuing on toward the latter part of the tornado track, a large oak tree fell onto a house on CR 665 and 670. The tornado skipped along uprooting and snapping more hard and softwood trees between this location and the terminal point on Hwy 117 on the cusp of Hammondville, mainly in rural Dekalb County. No additional damage points were found beyond Hwy 117 and Interstate 59. Thanks to both Jackson and Dekalb County EMA Offices, as well as several Fire Departments in both counties for the support and aid in completing these surveys. Ravenscraft/Amin/Darish .Brooks Crossroads Tornado... Rating: EF-1 Estimated Peak Wind: 107 mph Path Length /statute/: 1.96 miles Path Width /maximum/: 275 yards Fatalities: 0 Injuries: 0 Start Date: 05/09/2024 Start Time: 12:02 AM CDT Start Location: 3 NNW Sylvania / DeKalb County / AL Start Lat/Lon: 34.605 / -85.812 End Date: 05/09/2024 End Time: 12:05 AM CDT End Location: 3 NNE Sylvania / DeKalb County / AL End Lat/Lon: 34.5953 / -85.7799 Survey Summary: This tornado was associated with the second supercell that moved across portions of Jackson and Dekalb Counties toward Brooks Crossroads. Thankfully, this tornado went south of the EF-3 track through Henagar, and was generally more weak and brief. This tornado touched down on County Road 122, snapping and uprooting hard and softwood trees just south of the Jackson/Dekalb County border. The tornado continued moving to the east/southeast, snapping and uprooting widespread trees along CR 122, consistent with EF-1 damage and 107 mph winds in Brooks Crossroads. Though there were numerous softwood trees that were damaged, notably, there were several large 4-6 foot in diameter oak trees that were likely 100 years or older that were snapped and uprooted. This led to the slightly higher rating of the tree damage. Any structural damage along this path was from trees that were felled by the tornado, with minimal roof loss noted in this location. Ravenscraft/Amin/Darish && EF Scale: The Enhanced Fujita Scale classifies tornadoes into the following categories: EF0.....65 to 85 mph EF1.....86 to 110 mph EF2.....111 to 135 mph EF3.....136 to 165 mph EF4.....166 to 200 mph EF5.....>200 mph NOTE: The information in this statement is preliminary and subject to change pending final review of the event and publication in NWS Storm Data. $$