A very moist and unstable environment and strong directional and speed wind shear resulted in an environment favorable for supercell thunderstorms as a warm front tracked northeast through the area.  Several supercell thunderstorms erupted during the early afternoon across northwest and north central Alabama, with storms redeveloping through early evening across northeast Alabama.  Many of these storms exhibited storm tops that climbed to over 55,000 feet.  Nearly all of the storms exhibited a mesocyclone of weak to moderate strength, posing a tornado threat.  Numerous photographs were taken by television viewers or newspapers of these storms.  The photos indicated recognizable storm structures usually documented by supercell storms including mesocyclones and wall clouds.  However, only three tornadoes were confirmed in the Huntsville National Weather Service service area by storm survey, spotter report or photographs.

Funnel Cloud in LAUDERDALE, ALABAMA
From 22-SEP-06 13:55:00 to 22-SEP-06 13:55:00 (CST)
Location: WATERLOO
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER

A funnel cloud was spotted.

Hail in COLBERT, ALABAMA
From 22-SEP-06 16:43:00 to 22-SEP-06 17:43:00 (CST)
Location: LEIGHTON
Magnitude: 0.75 
Reported by: EMERGENCY MANAGER

Penny sized hail was reported near the Hatton Fire Department.

Tornado in MARSHALL, ALABAMA
From 22-SEP-06 15:38:00 to 22-SEP-06 15:39:00 (CST)
Location: ARAB
Tornado F-scale: F0
Reported by: NEWSPAPER

A small and brief tornado was witnessed and photographed by two residents along Highway 69 just northeast of Arab looking west along State Highway 69.  Trees were knocked down near the location of the photographed tornado, but it is not certain if this damage was directly related to the tornado or its parent thunderstorm.

Thunderstorm Wind in MARSHALL, ALABAMA
From 22-SEP-06 16:00:00 to 22-SEP-06 16:00:00 (CST)
Location: ARAB
Magnitude: 50 EG
Reported by: EMERGENCY MANAGER

A large tree was blown down.

Tornado in COLBERT, ALABAMA
From 22-SEP-06 16:15:00 to 22-SEP-06 16:16:00 (CST)
Location: LITTLEVILLE
Tornado F-scale: F0
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER

Trained spotters and law enforcement spotted a tornado which likely made sporadic touchdowns along an estimated 4 mile path.  A state trooper viewed the tornado crossing U.S. Highway 43 lifting off the ground  over the Spring Valley community.  No damage was observed.

Funnel Cloud in MARSHALL, ALABAMA
From 22-SEP-06 17:35:00 to 22-SEP-06 17:35:00 (CST)
Location: HORTON
Reported by: EMERGENCY MANAGER

A funnel cloud was spotted.

Tornado in MARSHALL, ALABAMA
From 22-SEP-06 17:06:00 to 22-SEP-06 17:13:00 (CST)
Location: ALBERTVILLE
Tornado F-scale: F1
Property damage: 90K
Reported by: NWS STORM SURVEY

The tornado initially touched down in the southwest side of Albertville between Whitesville Road and South Broad Street.  At this stage, the tornado was 40 yards wide producing F0 intensity winds up to 60 mph for along a one quarter mile path.  Then the tornado increased to F1 intensity with winds up to 100 mph along a path width of 500 yards.  Several trees were snapped and uprooted in its path.  Several homes sustained minor roof, awning, and gutter damage. The tornado continued its path north-northeast into western Albertville before dissipating.