Strong thunderstorms erupted around Midnight on the 6th in northwest Alabama and tracked across portions of north Alabama. The storms produced one to three inches of rainfall in parts of Lawrence, Morgan, Cullman and Marshall Counties resulting in a few instances of flash flooding. Following this first round of thunderstorms, a vigorous quasi-linear convective system (QLCS) advanced eastward from northern Mississippi into northwest Alabama before sunrise.  This system strengthened as it encountered increasing instability.  Given high amounts of low level wind shear, a break in the line resulted as a strong comma head / mesocyclone developed.  This storm evolved into its own miniature supercell spawning three tornadoes along its track from eastern Lawrence through Morgan, Limestone and Madison Counties.  The tornado in Limestone and Madison County produced up to EF2 damage along its 10.9 mile track, narrowly missing an elementary school, high school, and two churches in Madison.  Other reports of thunderstorm wind damage were received with these storms.

Flood in LAUDERDALE, ALABAMA
From 06-MAY-09 09:55:00 to 06-MAY-09 13:55:00 (CST-6)
Location: PRITTON
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Heavy rainfall from strong to severe thunderstorms closed several roads in eastern portions of Lauderdale county. Roads that were closed included:  Turner Lindsey Road in Rogersville, CR 379/CR 130 in the Greenhill area, CR 156/CR 520/CR 534/CR 522 in the Anderson area, and CR 502 in the Lexington area.

Thunderstorm Wind in MORGAN, ALABAMA
From 06-MAY-09 07:34:00 to 06-MAY-09 08:39:00 (CST-6)
Location: OAKWORTH
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

A tree was blown down over the road at the intersection of 11th Street and Somerville Road.

Thunderstorm Wind in MORGAN, ALABAMA
From 06-MAY-09 07:57:00 to 06-MAY-09 08:05:00 (CST-6)
Location: CENTER GROVE
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 2.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

A large tree was blown down across the road at the intersection of Highway 67 and Entrekin Road.

Thunderstorm Wind in CULLMAN, ALABAMA
From 06-MAY-09 08:25:00 to 06-MAY-09 08:32:00 (CST-6)
Location: WILBURN
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Thunderstorm winds blew down a medium sized pine tree, slightly damaging a  mobile home at the intersection of CR 18 and CR 25 south of the Wilburn area.

Flood in MARSHALL, ALABAMA
From 06-MAY-09 09:00:00 to 06-MAY-09 13:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: DOUGLAS
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Heavy rainfall from strong to severe thunderstorms caused several roads to be flooded in eastern portions of Marshall county.  These roads included: Summerville Road and Forest Forest Grove Road.  More serious flooding occurred on Old Jordan Road, Gene Brown Road, and Needmore Road.  In these locations, roads were closed and a few bridges were washed out. One of these bridges was White Oak Creek bridge, which crosses a portion of Slab Creek.

Thunderstorm Wind in MORGAN, ALABAMA
From 06-MAY-09 07:43:00 to 06-MAY-09 07:48:00 (CST-6)
Location: LACON
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

A tree was blown down across Highway 31 in the Union Hill community.

Funnel Cloud in JACKSON, ALABAMA
From 06-MAY-09 09:07:00 to 06-MAY-09 09:12:00 (CST-6)
Location: LARKINSVILLE
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A funnel cloud was reported in the Larkinsville community.

Thunderstorm Wind in LAWRENCE, ALABAMA
From 06-MAY-09 07:06:00 to 06-MAY-09 07:13:00 (CST-6)
Location: MT MORIAH
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 4.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

Trees were blown down on CR 317.

Hail in CULLMAN, ALABAMA
From 06-MAY-09 08:27:00 to 06-MAY-09 08:32:00 (CST-6)
Location: BREMEN
Magnitude: 0.88 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Nickel size hail was reported at Cold Springs High School.

Funnel Cloud in DEKALB, ALABAMA
From 06-MAY-09 09:40:00 to 06-MAY-09 09:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: PAINTER
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A funnel cloud was reported in the Painter community.

Funnel Cloud in MADISON, ALABAMA
From 06-MAY-09 08:26:00 to 06-MAY-09 08:31:00 (CST-6)
Location: BELL FACTORY
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A funnel cloud was reported at Bell Factory Road in the Maysville area.

Funnel Cloud in CULLMAN, ALABAMA
From 06-MAY-09 08:33:00 to 06-MAY-09 08:38:00 (CST-6)
Location: CULLMAN
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A funnel cloud was reported over West Main Street in the Cullman community.

Thunderstorm Wind in LAWRENCE, ALABAMA
From 06-MAY-09 07:07:00 to 06-MAY-09 07:13:00 (CST-6)
Location: MT MORIAH
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 4.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

Trees were blown down on CR 316.

Tornado in MADISON, ALABAMA
From 06-MAY-09 08:03:00 to 06-MAY-09 08:17:00 (CST-6)
Location: MADISON
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 1.00M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

The tornado continued northeast into Madison County.  Significant tree damage occurred in several subdivisions along County Line Road, Mill Road, Browns Ferry, Wall Triana Highway, Hughes Road and Slaughter Road.  Windows were blown out of several houses in the Huntington Chase subdivision along with significant roof damage. A large attached garage was completely flattened along Browns Ferry Road and roof damage was observed in the Bridgefield subdivision.  Several residents of the Bridgefield subdivision noted that they received the tornado warning and took cover before the storm hit.  The tornado tracked through the parking lot of West Madison Elementary School, knocking large pine trees down onto apartment buildings and a home adjacent to the school.  The tornado then tracked through the Wellington subdivision producing tree and roof damage.  Sporadic damage persisted as the tornado moved northeast across Hughes Road, atop Rainbow Mountain, and across Slaughter Road into northwest Huntsville and the Providence development. The tornado finally lifted near Research Park and Plummer Road.

Thunderstorm Wind in MORGAN, ALABAMA
From 06-MAY-09 07:48:00 to 06-MAY-09 07:53:00 (CST-6)
Location: LACON
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Thunderstorm winds knocked down a tree across Wilhite Road in Lacon.

Thunderstorm Wind in MORGAN, ALABAMA
From 06-MAY-09 07:39:00 to 06-MAY-09 07:43:00 (CST-6)
Location: OAKWORTH
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

A tree was blown down over the roadway at the intersection of 14th Street and 4th Avenue in Decatur.

Tornado in MORGAN, ALABAMA
From 06-MAY-09 07:27:00 to 06-MAY-09 07:29:00 (CST-6)
Location: PUMPKIN CENTER
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The tornado continued its track northeast into western portions of Morgan County. Numerous large trees were uprooted and snapped along it's path. Minor structural damage to homes occurred as trees were knocked down onto them. The tornado lifted about half of a mile north of the intersection of Raper Road and Pleasant Hill Road.

Thunderstorm Wind in LAWRENCE, ALABAMA
From 06-MAY-09 07:00:00 to 06-MAY-09 07:05:00 (CST-6)
Location: COURTLAND
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 8.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Trees and powerlines were blown down in the Courtland community.

Tornado in LIMESTONE, ALABAMA
From 06-MAY-09 07:59:00 to 06-MAY-09 08:03:00 (CST-6)
Location: GREENBRIER
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Property damage: 40.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

A tornado touched down along Segers Road in eastern Limestone county, snapping and uprooting numerous large trees. A tree fell on a mobile home on Hardiman Road and split it in half.  Peak wind speed was estimated at 115 mph with a path width of 75 yards.

Tornado in LAWRENCE, ALABAMA
From 06-MAY-09 07:25:00 to 06-MAY-09 07:27:00 (CST-6)
Location: CADDO
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 200.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The tornado touched down in the backyard of a mobile home along CR 327.  At this location, a large oak tree fell onto the mobile home splitting it in two where a woman and her young daughter were taking shelter.  Numerous trees were uprooted and snapped surrounding the home. The tornado path continued northeast along CR 328 producing significant damage to another mobile home.  More than half of the structure was moved off its well secured foundation and the majority of the roof was blown off. A few outbuildings were completely destroyed and vehicles were moved from their original locations in the driveway.  Numerous large trees were snapped and uprooted at this location.  Peak wind speed was estimated at 105 mph.

Tornado in MORGAN, ALABAMA
From 06-MAY-09 07:42:00 to 06-MAY-09 07:43:00 (CST-6)
Location: OAKWORTH
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

A tornado briefly touched down near the intersection of 7th Avenue and 5th Street in Decatur with peak winds of 80 mph. Trees were uprooted and snapped along the brief damage path. Several homes and vehicles were also damaged by the downed trees.  The tornado lifted near the intersection of 16th Avenue and Sherman Street.

Flash Flood in CULLMAN, ALABAMA
From 06-MAY-09 04:15:00 to 06-MAY-09 06:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: GOOD HOPE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Heavy rainfall from strong to severe thunderstorms caused several inches of water to cover CR 616 near the intersection of Highway 69 and interstate 65.

Flash Flood in MARSHALL, ALABAMA
From 06-MAY-09 05:25:00 to 06-MAY-09 09:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: DOUGLAS
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Heavy rainfall from strong to severe thunderstorms caused several roads to be flooded in eastern portions of Marshall county.  These roads included: Summerville Road and Forest Forest Grove Road.  More serious flooding occurred on Old Jordan Road, Gene Brown Road, and Needmore Road.  In these locations, roads were closed and a few bridges were washed out. One of these bridges was White Oak Creek bridge, which crosses a portion of Slab Creek.

Flash Flood in MADISON, ALABAMA
From 06-MAY-09 05:25:00 to 06-MAY-09 07:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: FARLEY
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

Flash flooding was reported at Bailey Cove Road at Old Brook Trail.

Flood in MARSHALL, ALABAMA
From 06-MAY-09 07:15:00 to 06-MAY-09 10:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: OLEANDER
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Heavy rainfall from strong to severe storms caused water to cover the following roads south of Morgan City: Mount View Road, Mount Olive Church Road, Midway Road.

Flash Flood in MARSHALL, ALABAMA
From 06-MAY-09 05:25:00 to 06-MAY-09 07:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: MT OLIVE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Heavy rainfall from strong to severe storms caused water to cover the following roads south of Morgan City: Mount View Road, Mount Olive Church Road, Midway Road.

Flash Flood in LAUDERDALE, ALABAMA
From 06-MAY-09 07:51:00 to 06-MAY-09 09:55:00 (CST-6)
Location: PRITTON
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Heavy rainfall from strong to severe thunderstorms closed several roads in eastern portions of Lauderdale county. Roads that were closed included:  Turner Lindsey Road in Rogersville, CR 379/CR 130 in the Greenhill area, CR 156/CR 520/CR 534/CR 522 in the Anderson area, and CR 502 in the Lexington area.

Flash Flood in MORGAN, ALABAMA
From 06-MAY-09 07:04:00 to 06-MAY-09 08:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: FLINT CITY
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Heavy rainfall from strong to severe thunderstorms completely submerged Old Highway 31 at the Poole Valley intersection. This area was closed by the Public Works Department of Decatur around 704 AM CST.

Thunderstorm Wind in MORGAN, ALABAMA
From 06-MAY-09 07:43:00 to 06-MAY-09 07:48:00 (CST-6)
Location: ODEN RIDGE
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 6.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Trees were blown down in and near the 600 block of Wilson Mountain Road in the Oden Ridge community.

Thunderstorm Wind in MORGAN, ALABAMA
From 06-MAY-09 04:31:00 to 06-MAY-09 04:36:00 (CST-6)
Location: OAK RIDGE
Magnitude: 56.00 EG
Property damage: 6.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Thunderstorm winds downed trees on Bud Weaver Road and Ausley Bend Road near Hartselle.