Six tornadoes and hail up to 3 inches in diameter affected the northern areas of Central Alabama on the afternoon and evening hours of March 19th, with a rare PDS (Particularly Dangerous Situation) Tornado Watch issued for a large portion of Central Alabama. An environment favorable for significant severe thunderstorms developed as a low-amplitude upper-level trough moved into the region with a deepening surface low passing across far north Alabama.  These two features resulted in a deep column of strong wind shear with 0-6km Bulk Shear values of 60-70 knots. Additionally, moist southerly flow, warm surface temperatures, and colder temperatures aloft yielded a moderately unstable air mass. Initially, thunderstorms were producing large to very large hail. However, the tornado threat increased in the late afternoon and evening hours as wind speeds at low levels increased with the arrival of a low-level jet.

Thunderstorm Wind in ETOWAH, ALABAMA
From 19-MAR-18 18:45:00 to 19-MAR-18 18:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: MOUNTAINBORO
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Several trees uprooted in the town of Mountainboro.

Tornado in ST. CLAIR, ALABAMA
From 19-MAR-18 18:52:00 to 19-MAR-18 18:56:00 (CST-6)
Location: CALDWELL
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

National Weather Service meteorologists surveyed damage in northern St. Clair County and determined that the damage was consistent with an EF1  tornado, with maximum sustained winds near 90 mph. This tornado began just west of the St. Clair/Blount County line near Jones Chapel Loop Road. The tornado crossed Blount Mountain along Walker Gap Road and crossed Crawford Cove Road near Highway 11. Trees in this area were mainly uprooted with only a few snapped off. The tornado continued eastbound and eventually lifted near the Interstate 59 rest area just south of the Ashville exit. The majority of the damage was due to trees falling on structures and power lines.

Thunderstorm Wind in CHEROKEE, ALABAMA
From 19-MAR-18 19:20:00 to 19-MAR-18 19:20:00 (CST-6)
Location: CENTRE
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Several trees uprooted and power lines downed in and around the city of Centre. Roof damage to Webb Concrete Store on Main Street in Centre.

Tornado in CALHOUN, ALABAMA
From 19-MAR-18 19:23:00 to 19-MAR-18 19:50:00 (CST-6)
Location: READS MILL
Tornado F-scale: EF3
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

National Weather Service meteorologists surveyed damage in northern Calhoun Calhoun County and determined that the damage was consistent with an EF3  tornado, with maximum sustained winds near 150 mph. The tornado first touched down west of US Highway 431 north of town of Wellington, where it rapidly intensified and widened. It snapped and uprooted numerous trees along US Highway 431. Several homes were damaged by the falling trees. The tornado proceeded eastward across Websters Road and Broughton Road with scattered tree damage. As the tornado crossed Old Sulphur Springs Road, two homes were damaged with scores of trees snapped or uprooted. At Angel Station Road, the tornado filled the valley from one side to the other and caused extensive tree and home damage. An electrical transmission tower line was toppled at this point, but it was believed that flying debris compromised the structure. The tornado continued eastward and destroyed the sanctuary at West Point Baptist Church. Additional structures were severely damaged at the church. The tornado entered the City of Jacksonville where it gained strength into the EF3 category, with winds around 140 mph. It removed most of the roof and the top floor of two buildings in an apartment complex. The tornado affected the entire campus of Jacksonville State University. Several buildings sustained significant damage. The most intense winds remained north of the campus however, mowing down trees and causing direct damage to homes. As the tornado crossed Highway 21, it caused caused major damage to the Merrill Building. It then moved into a highly populated zone, where scores of homes suffered major damage and rendered uninhabitable. The tornado maintained its strength as it crossed Choccolocco Mountain, and winds funneled up the valley uprooting or snapping trees. It caused major damage to a number of homes on the mountainside. Damaged continued all the way up to just south of the peak of the mountain. As the tornado moved down the eastern side of Choccolocco Mountain, it narrowed substantially and became stronger once it reached the valley below. Stands of trees were wiped out with trunks snapped relatively close to ground level. Perhaps the most intense damage along the entire track occurred along Hollingsworth Road, where a site built home was completely destroyed with only a portion of one interior wall left standing. Debris from this home was blown downstream across a field with some evidence of wind rowing. Hay bales adjacent to the home, estimated at 800 pounds each, were thrown up to 300 yards to the east. Maximum winds at this location were estimated at 150 mph. The tornado continued east-southeast and downed thousands of trees in the Talladega National Forest and crossed into Cleburne County just south of County Road 534.

Hail in CALHOUN, ALABAMA
From 19-MAR-18 20:35:00 to 19-MAR-18 20:35:00 (CST-6)
Location: CHOCCOLOCCO
Magnitude: 1.25 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Hail in TALLADEGA, ALABAMA
From 19-MAR-18 21:12:00 to 19-MAR-18 21:12:00 (CST-6)
Location: COLDWATER
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Quarter size hail reported on Priebes Mill Road.

Tornado in BLOUNT, ALABAMA
From 19-MAR-18 18:09:00 to 19-MAR-18 18:11:00 (CST-6)
Location: STRAWBERRY
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

National Weather Service meteorologists surveyed damage in extreme northern Blount County and determined that the damage was consistent with an EF0  tornado, with maximum sustained winds near 80 mph. The tornado began on the west side of Highway 53/231, just south of Berry Road, in extreme northern Blount County. The tornado tracked toward the southeast, impacting  four chicken houses on the east side of Highway 53/231, just north of Thomas Yates Road. Sections of metal roofing were blown off the buildings. As the tornado continued southeast, some small trees were snapped, along with large branches broken. The tornado lifted on the east side of Hopewell Road.

Tornado in BLOUNT, ALABAMA
From 19-MAR-18 18:50:00 to 19-MAR-18 18:52:00 (CST-6)
Location: CHAMPION
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

National Weather Service meteorologists surveyed damage in extreme southeast Blount County and determined that the damage was consistent with an EF0  tornado, with maximum sustained winds near 80 mph. The tornado began just west of Jones Chapel Loop Road with minor tree damage. The tornado then moved east and crossed Daylily Road where dozens of trees were uprooted. The tornado then crossed County Road 24 and into St. Clair County.

Tornado in CLEBURNE, ALABAMA
From 19-MAR-18 19:50:00 to 19-MAR-18 20:12:00 (CST-6)
Location: OAK LEVEL
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

National Weather Service meteorologists surveyed damage in northern Cleburne County  and determined that the damage was consistent with an EF1  tornado, with maximum sustained winds near 100 mph. This tornado began in Calhoun County just west of Highway 431 and crossed into Cleburne County just south of County Road 534. The tornado continued east-southeast across a very rural portion of the county where it snapped or uprooted hundreds of softwood trees.  The tornado crossed into the state of Georgia near County Road 57.

Hail in JEFFERSON, ALABAMA
From 19-MAR-18 12:24:00 to 19-MAR-18 12:24:00 (CST-6)
Location: SAYRE
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Hail in TALLADEGA, ALABAMA
From 19-MAR-18 14:03:00 to 19-MAR-18 14:03:00 (CST-6)
Location: MUNFORD
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Hail in CALHOUN, ALABAMA
From 19-MAR-18 14:04:00 to 19-MAR-18 14:04:00 (CST-6)
Location: HOBSON CITY
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Hail in CLEBURNE, ALABAMA
From 19-MAR-18 14:10:00 to 19-MAR-18 14:10:00 (CST-6)
Location: ABEL
Magnitude: 1.50 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Hail in CLEBURNE, ALABAMA
From 19-MAR-18 15:14:00 to 19-MAR-18 15:14:00 (CST-6)
Location: ABEL
Magnitude: 1.50 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Hail in RANDOLPH, ALABAMA
From 19-MAR-18 14:59:00 to 19-MAR-18 14:59:00 (CST-6)
Location: PINE TUCKEY
Magnitude: 1.50 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Hail in WINSTON, ALABAMA
From 19-MAR-18 17:39:00 to 19-MAR-18 17:39:00 (CST-6)
Location: HOUSTON
Magnitude: 1.25 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Hail in MARION, ALABAMA
From 19-MAR-18 17:45:00 to 19-MAR-18 17:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: THORN HILL
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Quarter size hail reported in the city of Haleyville.

Hail in WINSTON, ALABAMA
From 19-MAR-18 18:05:00 to 19-MAR-18 18:05:00 (CST-6)
Location: PLEASANT HILL
Magnitude: 1.25 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Hail in BLOUNT, ALABAMA
From 19-MAR-18 18:10:00 to 19-MAR-18 18:10:00 (CST-6)
Location: STRAWBERRY
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Hail in BLOUNT, ALABAMA
From 19-MAR-18 18:25:00 to 19-MAR-18 18:25:00 (CST-6)
Location: BLOUNTSVILLE
Magnitude: 2.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Hail in BLOUNT, ALABAMA
From 19-MAR-18 18:38:00 to 19-MAR-18 18:38:00 (CST-6)
Location: WYNNVILLE
Magnitude: 3.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Hail in BLOUNT, ALABAMA
From 19-MAR-18 18:45:00 to 19-MAR-18 18:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: LIBERTY
Magnitude: 3.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Hail in ETOWAH, ALABAMA
From 19-MAR-18 18:47:00 to 19-MAR-18 18:47:00 (CST-6)
Location: WALNUT GROVE
Magnitude: 1.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Hail in ETOWAH, ALABAMA
From 19-MAR-18 18:42:00 to 19-MAR-18 18:42:00 (CST-6)
Location: WALNUT GROVE
Magnitude: 1.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Hail in ETOWAH, ALABAMA
From 19-MAR-18 19:00:00 to 19-MAR-18 19:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: ROCKLEDGE
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Hail in ETOWAH, ALABAMA
From 19-MAR-18 19:05:00 to 19-MAR-18 19:05:00 (CST-6)
Location: WILLIAMS
Magnitude: 2.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Large hail reported in the Riddle Bend area.

Hail in ETOWAH, ALABAMA
From 19-MAR-18 19:13:00 to 19-MAR-18 19:13:00 (CST-6)
Location: RAINBOW CITY
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Hail in ETOWAH, ALABAMA
From 19-MAR-18 19:13:00 to 19-MAR-18 19:13:00 (CST-6)
Location: MARKTON
Magnitude: 1.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Thunderstorm Wind in BLOUNT, ALABAMA
From 19-MAR-18 18:58:00 to 19-MAR-18 18:58:00 (CST-6)
Location: CLARENCE
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Several trees uprooted near the town of Snead.

Hail in BLOUNT, ALABAMA
From 19-MAR-18 18:59:00 to 19-MAR-18 18:59:00 (CST-6)
Location: CLARENCE
Magnitude: 1.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Thunderstorm Wind in BLOUNT, ALABAMA
From 19-MAR-18 18:51:00 to 19-MAR-18 18:51:00 (CST-6)
Location: SUMMIT
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Several trees uprooted near the town of Summit.

Hail in ETOWAH, ALABAMA
From 19-MAR-18 19:10:00 to 19-MAR-18 19:10:00 (CST-6)
Location: MARKTON
Magnitude: 1.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Hail in ETOWAH, ALABAMA
From 19-MAR-18 19:13:00 to 19-MAR-18 19:13:00 (CST-6)
Location: RAINBOW CITY
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Thunderstorm Wind in CHEROKEE, ALABAMA
From 19-MAR-18 19:15:00 to 19-MAR-18 19:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: LEESBURG
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Several trees uprooted in and around the town of Leesburg.

Tornado in CHEROKEE, ALABAMA
From 19-MAR-18 19:20:00 to 19-MAR-18 19:22:00 (CST-6)
Location: MOSHAT
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

National Weather Service meteorologists surveyed damage in central Cherokee County  and determined that the damage was consistent with an EF1 tornado, with maximum sustained winds near 90 mph. The short-lived tornado began near Highway 9 and the Cherokee County Country Club Golf Course. The tornado moved northeast along County Road 163. At the intersection of Highway 9 and County Road 163, a home sustained damage to the garage door and an adjacent pine tree was snapped. Just east of this location, at least ten pine trees were snapped along portions of the golf course. One half mile to the northeast, shingles were blown off several apartment buildings. Just north of the apartment complex, a farm outbuilding was completely destroyed and the metal panels were thrown 300 yards downstream across a field. The tornado dissipated shortly thereafter before it reached Highway 411.

Hail in CALHOUN, ALABAMA
From 19-MAR-18 19:38:00 to 19-MAR-18 19:38:00 (CST-6)
Location: PRICES
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Quarter size hail reported along Highway 21.

Hail in CALHOUN, ALABAMA
From 19-MAR-18 20:37:00 to 19-MAR-18 20:37:00 (CST-6)
Location: PLEASANT RIDGE
Magnitude: 1.50 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Hail in CLEBURNE, ALABAMA
From 19-MAR-18 20:42:00 to 19-MAR-18 20:42:00 (CST-6)
Location: HEFLIN
Magnitude: 1.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Hail in CALHOUN, ALABAMA
From 19-MAR-18 21:15:00 to 19-MAR-18 21:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: HOBSON CITY
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Tornado in CALHOUN, ALABAMA
From 19-MAR-18 20:07:00 to 19-MAR-18 20:10:00 (CST-6)
Location: WEAVER
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

National Weather Service meteorologists surveyed damage in central Calhoun County and determined that it was consistent with an EF0 tornado, with maximum sustained winds near 65 mph. The tornado damage began in a wooded area just southwest of the intersection of Alexandria Road and Saks Road where minor timber damage was observed. Damage was largely confined to timber damage until it entered a residential area just north of Finks Lake. The tornado caused notable roof damage on the west and south sides of a home near the north edge of the lake while a residence immediately to the east suffered the loss of a few shingles. A softwood tree was uprooted to the west of the residence that suffered the most roof damage as well. The tornado continued further southeast across Finks Lake where a few softwood trees were uprooted on both the north and south sides of the lake. A small boat dock on the southeast side of the lake suffered peel back of a portion of its roof, and a camper was flipped over just off of Cane Creek Road. The camper did not appear to have an awning or canopy extended and other than having stabilizers deployed had no anchoring. The tornado continued southeast across Cane Creek Road where a softwood tree was uprooted and a horse trailer was blown onto its side in an open field further southeast. The tornado then lifted in this field.

Tornado in ST. CLAIR, ALABAMA
From 19-MAR-18 19:02:00 to 19-MAR-18 19:12:00 (CST-6)
Location: GREENSPORT
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

National Weather Service meteorologists surveyed damage in northern St. Clair County and determined that the damage was consistent with an EF2  tornado, with maximum sustained winds near 115 mph. The tornado touched down just northeast of Ashville along Highway 411. The tornado continued east northeast and uprooted and snapped numerous pine trees. The tornado intensified as it approached the Etowah County line where structural damage became evident. One house was moved off its foundation with a complete loss of roofing materials. Stands of trees were snapped off near their bases, including both hardwoods and softwoods. The tornado then crossed Neely Henry Lake and into Etowah County.

Tornado in ETOWAH, ALABAMA
From 19-MAR-18 19:12:00 to 19-MAR-18 19:21:00 (CST-6)
Location: WILLIAMS
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

National Weather Service meteorologists surveyed damage in northern southern Etowah County and determined that the damage was consistent with an EF2  tornado, with maximum sustained winds near 120 mph. This tornado began in St. Clair County and crossed into Etowah County at Neely Henry Lake.  The tornado crossed Highway 77 near Leota Road where numerous trees were either snapped off or uprooted and several structures were damaged by falling trees. The tornado continued east where it narrowed and further intensified as it approached Green Valley Road. The most intense damage was observed along Green Valley Road and Matt Smith Road where several homes suffered complete loss of roofing material and exterior walls. The tornado continued eastward several miles and weakened as it entered Calhoun County.

Tornado in CALHOUN, ALABAMA
From 19-MAR-18 19:21:00 to 19-MAR-18 19:23:00 (CST-6)
Location: READS MILL
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

National Weather Service meteorologists surveyed damage in northwest Calhoun County and determined that the damage was consistent with an EF1  tornado, with maximum sustained winds near 100 mph. This tornado began in eastern St. Clair County and crossed through all of Etowah County before entering Calhoun County. The tornado entered Calhoun County near the intersection of Harrell Gap Road and Gilbert's Ferry Road.  The tornado continued east for about one mile where several trees were snapped and uprooted before dissipating near Oak Grove Road.