A multi-day severe weather event unfolded across Central Alabama from May 2nd through May 4th.  Alabama remained on the eastern side of a broad upper trough positioned over the Plains States. Several upper level impulses emanated from the trough axis and produced severe weather across Alabama. The main severe weather event occurred on May 4th when a QLCS tracked eastward across areas along and east of I-20 and produced widespread wind damage, flash flooding, and tornadoes.

Tornado in GREENE, ALABAMA
From 02-MAY-21 14:45:00 to 02-MAY-21 14:50:00 (CST-6)
Location: CLINTON
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

National Weather Service meteorologists surveyed damage in Greene County and determined that it was consistent with an EF0 tornado, with maximum winds near 65 mph.  Observed damage only included a few uprooted softwood trees and a few broken  large branches. The damage was collocated with a tornado debris signature (TDS) from the KBMX RADAR. The majority of the tree damage was in an inaccessible area along and near Tubbs Creek.

Tornado in TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA
From 02-MAY-21 16:25:00 to 02-MAY-21 16:26:00 (CST-6)
Location: ELROD
Tornado F-scale: EFU
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

National Weather Service meteorologists surveyed an area in Tuscaloosa County and could not find any observable damage.  However, there were several videos indicating a brief and weak tornado occurred near Buhl, AL. One close-range video indicated rising cyclonic motion. Location, time, width, and path length were estimated from video footage and radar data.

Thunderstorm Wind in ELMORE, ALABAMA
From 03-MAY-21 17:46:00 to 03-MAY-21 17:47:00 (CST-6)
Location: WETUMPKA
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Several trees uprooted in the city of Wetumpka.

Thunderstorm Wind in ELMORE, ALABAMA
From 03-MAY-21 17:16:00 to 03-MAY-21 17:17:00 (CST-6)
Location: COOSADA
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Several trees uprooted in the town of Coosada.

Flash Flood in ELMORE, ALABAMA
From 03-MAY-21 19:00:00 to 03-MAY-21 22:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: DEATSVILLE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Observed rainfall amounts of 3-5 inches across southern Elmore County in less than a six hour period produced flash flooding. Several homes were inaccessible due to high water and water overflowing Rifle Range Road.

Hail in WALKER, ALABAMA
From 04-MAY-21 10:00:00 to 04-MAY-21 10:01:00 (CST-6)
Location: JASPER
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Quarter size hail in the city of Jasper.

Thunderstorm Wind in JEFFERSON, ALABAMA
From 04-MAY-21 11:02:00 to 04-MAY-21 11:03:00 (CST-6)
Location: SAYRE
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Several trees uprooted along Warrior-Jasper Road.

Thunderstorm Wind in JEFFERSON, ALABAMA
From 04-MAY-21 11:15:00 to 04-MAY-21 11:16:00 (CST-6)
Location: HILL VIEW
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Several trees uprooted and power lines downed in the city of Forestdale.

Thunderstorm Wind in ST. CLAIR, ALABAMA
From 04-MAY-21 11:10:00 to 04-MAY-21 11:11:00 (CST-6)
Location: MARGARET
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Several trees uprooted in the town of Margaret.

Thunderstorm Wind in JEFFERSON, ALABAMA
From 04-MAY-21 11:05:00 to 04-MAY-21 11:06:00 (CST-6)
Location: OAK GROVE
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Several trees uprooted along Toadvine Road and Camp Oliver Road.

Thunderstorm Wind in ETOWAH, ALABAMA
From 04-MAY-21 09:48:00 to 04-MAY-21 09:49:00 (CST-6)
Location: HOWELTON
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Several trees uprooted and blocking Highway 179.

Thunderstorm Wind in ETOWAH, ALABAMA
From 04-MAY-21 09:49:00 to 04-MAY-21 09:50:00 (CST-6)
Location: LITTLETON
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Several trees uprooted and power lines downed near the intersection of Buster Willet Road and Duck Springs Road.

Flash Flood in JEFFERSON, ALABAMA
From 04-MAY-21 12:00:00 to 04-MAY-21 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: BESSEMER ARPT
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Widespread flash flooding across areas along and south of I-20 with observed rainfall amounts of 3-5 inches in less than six hours. A Flash Flood Emergency was issued for Birmingham Metro area with numerous roads closed and residents evacuated from an apartment complex in Homewood.  Water over a bridge along Patton Creek at Southland Drive.

Hail in CLEBURNE, ALABAMA
From 04-MAY-21 12:29:00 to 04-MAY-21 12:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: HEFLIN
Magnitude: 1.25 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Half dollar size hail reported in Heflin.

Flash Flood in CALHOUN, ALABAMA
From 04-MAY-21 12:00:00 to 04-MAY-21 15:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: BOILING SPGS
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Flash flooding reported in the Saks community and the city of Anniston. Several roads flooded and impassible with a water rescue near the Saks Middle School.  Rainfall amounts of 2-3 inches reported in less than 3 hours across southern Calhoun County.

Thunderstorm Wind in SUMTER, ALABAMA
From 04-MAY-21 15:16:00 to 04-MAY-21 15:17:00 (CST-6)
Location: CUBA
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue

Numerous trees uprooted along I-20 between Cuba and York.

Thunderstorm Wind in GREENE, ALABAMA
From 04-MAY-21 15:45:00 to 04-MAY-21 15:46:00 (CST-6)
Location: KNOXVILLE
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Several trees uprooted in the town of Knoxville.

Thunderstorm Wind in MARENGO, ALABAMA
From 04-MAY-21 15:52:00 to 04-MAY-21 15:53:00 (CST-6)
Location: DEMOPOLIS
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Trees uprooted on home on south Strawberry Avenue.

Thunderstorm Wind in HALE, ALABAMA
From 04-MAY-21 15:55:00 to 04-MAY-21 15:56:00 (CST-6)
Location: HAVANA
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Several trees snapped along Highway 69.

Thunderstorm Wind in GREENE, ALABAMA
From 04-MAY-21 15:40:00 to 04-MAY-21 15:41:00 (CST-6)
Location: EUTAW
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Several trees uprooted along County Road 14 near Eutaw.

Thunderstorm Wind in HALE, ALABAMA
From 04-MAY-21 16:00:00 to 04-MAY-21 16:01:00 (CST-6)
Location: GREENSBORO MUNI ARPT
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Several trees snapped on Highway 69 south of Greensboro.

Thunderstorm Wind in HALE, ALABAMA
From 04-MAY-21 16:01:00 to 04-MAY-21 16:03:00 (CST-6)
Location: GREENSBORO
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Widespread trees uprooted/snapped with power lines downed along Highway 14 east of Greensboro.

Flash Flood in SHELBY, ALABAMA
From 04-MAY-21 16:00:00 to 04-MAY-21 19:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: GURNEE JCT
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Widespread flash flooding across Shelby County with observed rainfall amounts of 4-6 inches in less than six hours.  Many roads impassible.

Tornado in PERRY, ALABAMA
From 04-MAY-21 16:19:00 to 04-MAY-21 16:31:00 (CST-6)
Location: LEVERT
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

National Weather Service meteorologists surveyed damage in northeast Perry County and determined that it was consistent with an EF0 tornado, with maximum winds near 80 mph. The tornado was embedded within a fast moving QLCS and touched down along J Mitchell Road in the Talladega National Forest. It traveled east-northeastward through the National Forest and crossed into Chilton County near Jim Foundry Road. Damage consisted mainly of snapped and uprooted trees.

Tornado in CHILTON, ALABAMA
From 04-MAY-21 16:31:00 to 04-MAY-21 16:44:00 (CST-6)
Location: STANTON
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

National Weather Service meteorologists surveyed damage in southwest Chilton County and determined that it was consistent with an EF0 tornado, with maximum winds near 80 mph.  This tornado began in Perry County and crossed into Chilton County near Jim Foundry Road.  The tornado traveled east-northeast through the Talladega National Forest before a right turn near County Road 307.  It then traveled east-southeast crossing near the intersection of Highway 82 and Highway 22. The tornado then tracked in a more easterly direction before dissipating near County Road 15. Damage consisted mainly of snapped and uprooted trees.

Tornado in AUTAUGA, ALABAMA
From 04-MAY-21 17:17:00 to 04-MAY-21 17:19:00 (CST-6)
Location: PRATTMONT
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

National Weather Service meteorologists surveyed damage in southeast Autauga County and determined that it was consistent with an EF0 tornado, with maximum winds near 75 mph. The tornado was embedded in a fast moving QLCS and touched down in the city of Prattville near the intersection of Richmond Way and Guilford Lane. The tornado traveled east and crossed into Elmore County just east of Castle Brook Drive. The damage consisted mainly of uprooted trees.

Tornado in MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA
From 04-MAY-21 17:25:00 to 04-MAY-21 17:28:00 (CST-6)
Location: BOYLSTON
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

National Weather Service meteorologists surveyed damage in northwest Montgomery County and determined that it was consistent with an EF0 tornado, with maximum winds near 75 mph.  This tornado began in Autauga County, then crossed through Elmore County and into Montgomery County at the Alabama River. The tornado was in a weakening state at this time and traveled southeast for only a few miles before dissipating near the intersection of the Alabama River Parkway and Highway 152. Damage consisted of few uprooted trees.

Tornado in MACON, ALABAMA
From 04-MAY-21 17:46:00 to 04-MAY-21 17:49:00 (CST-6)
Location: SHORTER
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

National Weather Service meteorologists surveyed damage in western Macon County and determined that it was consistent with an EF0 tornado, with maximum winds near 80 mph. Observable damage was apparent along Crosskeys Road at Chubahatchee Creek where multiple softwood trees were uprooted.  Most of the path was in an inaccessible wooded area. In all, radar evidence suggests the tornado was brief in duration.

Hail in AUTAUGA, ALABAMA
From 03-MAY-21 17:28:00 to 03-MAY-21 17:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: FAYS
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Quarter size hail reported along Old Ridge Road in the city of Prattville.

Thunderstorm Wind in AUTAUGA, ALABAMA
From 04-MAY-21 17:04:00 to 04-MAY-21 17:05:00 (CST-6)
Location: MARBURY
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Several trees uprooted along I-65 at mile marker 197.

Thunderstorm Wind in AUTAUGA, ALABAMA
From 04-MAY-21 17:06:00 to 04-MAY-21 17:07:00 (CST-6)
Location: BOOTH
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Several trees uprooted in the town of Booth.

Thunderstorm Wind in ELMORE, ALABAMA
From 04-MAY-21 17:20:00 to 04-MAY-21 17:22:00 (CST-6)
Location: COOSADA
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Numerous trees uprooted across western Elmore County.

Thunderstorm Wind in TALLAPOOSA, ALABAMA
From 04-MAY-21 17:39:00 to 04-MAY-21 17:40:00 (CST-6)
Location: ALEXANDER CITY
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Numerous trees uprooted and power lines downed in the city of Alexander City.

Thunderstorm Wind in TALLAPOOSA, ALABAMA
From 04-MAY-21 17:47:00 to 04-MAY-21 17:48:00 (CST-6)
Location: TALLAPOOSA CITY
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Several trees uprooted and fell on a home.

Thunderstorm Wind in MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA
From 04-MAY-21 17:35:00 to 04-MAY-21 17:36:00 (CST-6)
Location: (MGM)MONTGOMERY ARPT
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

Wind gust of 58 mph at Montgomery Regional Airport.  Numerous trees uprooted across Montgomery County.

Tornado in ELMORE, ALABAMA
From 04-MAY-21 17:19:00 to 04-MAY-21 17:25:00 (CST-6)
Location: MILLBROOK
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

National Weather Service meteorologists surveyed damage in extreme southwest Elmore County and determined that it was consistent with an EF1 tornado, with maximum winds near 100 mph. This tornado began in Autauga County and crossed into Elmore County near Castle Brook Drive.  Soon after crossing into Elmore County, the tornado made a turn to the southeast at Old Farm Road and crossed over I-65. The tornado produced its highest winds along the I-65 corridor where numerous trees were uprooted and snapped. Some homes were heavily damaged by fallen trees. The tornado continued southeast and crossed Cobbs Ford Road where some buildings had loss of metal roofing. The tornado then crossed Alabama River Parkway before crossing into Montgomery County at the Alabama River.

Thunderstorm Wind in MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA
From 04-MAY-21 17:37:00 to 04-MAY-21 17:38:00 (CST-6)
Location: BARACHAIS
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Several trees uprooted and power lines downed in the Rolling Hills subdivision.

Thunderstorm Wind in PIKE, ALABAMA
From 04-MAY-21 18:24:00 to 04-MAY-21 18:25:00 (CST-6)
Location: GOSHEN
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

Several trees uprooted in the town of Goshen.

Thunderstorm Wind in BARBOUR, ALABAMA
From 04-MAY-21 18:59:00 to 04-MAY-21 19:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: EUFAULA
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Several trees uprooted and power lines downed on South Eufaula Avenue and Dale Road.

Thunderstorm Wind in LEE, ALABAMA
From 04-MAY-21 18:13:00 to 04-MAY-21 18:14:00 (CST-6)
Location: MITCHELL XRD
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Numerous trees uprooted in the town of Beauregard.

Thunderstorm Wind in LEE, ALABAMA
From 04-MAY-21 18:06:00 to 04-MAY-21 18:07:00 (CST-6)
Location: AUBURN
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Several trees uprooted across various locations in the Auburn area.

Thunderstorm Wind in COOSA, ALABAMA
From 04-MAY-21 17:27:00 to 04-MAY-21 17:28:00 (CST-6)
Location: COTTAGE GROVE
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Several trees uprooted and fell on a home with two persons trapped.

Thunderstorm Wind in BULLOCK, ALABAMA
From 04-MAY-21 18:14:00 to 04-MAY-21 18:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: UNION SPGS
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Trees uprooted in the city of Union Springs and across Bullock County.

Thunderstorm Wind in WINSTON, ALABAMA
From 04-MAY-21 15:25:00 to 04-MAY-21 15:26:00 (CST-6)
Location: DELMAR
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Several trees uprooted along Hoggle Ridge Road.

Thunderstorm Wind in RUSSELL, ALABAMA
From 04-MAY-21 18:32:00 to 04-MAY-21 18:33:00 (CST-6)
Location: SEALE
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Numerous trees uprooted in the town of Seale and across Russell County.

Thunderstorm Wind in CHAMBERS, ALABAMA
From 04-MAY-21 18:29:00 to 04-MAY-21 18:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: LANETT
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Numerous trees uprooted in the cities of Lanett and Valley and across Chambers County.