Alabama Tornado Events
Memorable Tornadoes in Alabama
Alabama's had its fair share of wild weather, with tornadoes leaving a mark on communities and causing chaos. Some of these storms are etched in the state's history due to their sheer force and the havoc they wreaked. Here's a quick rundown of some unforgettable tornadoes that hit Alabama, and sometimes other states too.
| Year | Tornado Event | Areas Hit |
|---|---|---|
| 1932 | Super Outbreak of 1932 | Multiple counties in Alabama |
| 2011 | 2011 Tornado Outbreak | Tuscaloosa, Birmingham, and more |
| 2021 | March 25 Outbreak | Shelby and Calhoun counties |
Want the full scoop on these and other storms? Check out our notable storms in Alabama section.
Tornado Database Details
The Alabama Tornado Database is your go-to for all things tornado-related in Alabama, covering events from February 1794 through Preliminary April 24, 2024 (NWS Birmingham, Alabama). This treasure trove of info helps us get a grip on how often tornadoes hit and the mess they leave behind.
From 1950 to 2020, Alabama saw a whopping 1,153 tornadoes. April's the big troublemaker with 295 tornadoes, while August is the calmest with just 42.
| Month | Tornado Count |
|---|---|
| January | 86 |
| February | 76 |
| March | 158 |
| April | 295 |
| May | 145 |
| June | 118 |
| July | 64 |
| August | 42 |
| September | 61 |
| October | 73 |
| November | 139 |
| December | 96 |
For tornado buffs or anyone curious about the nitty-gritty details, the Alabama Tornado Database is a goldmine. It offers a deep dive into tornado stats and trends, giving you a better idea of when is tornado season in Alabama.
Knowing the history and impact of these twisters helps folks in Alabama stay prepared and appreciate the state's grit in bouncing back from nature's fury.
Tornadoes in Alabama: A Look Back
Tornado History
Alabama's been dealing with tornadoes since way back in February 1794. The Alabama Tornado Database has all the juicy details, right up to April 24, 2024. From 1950 to 2020, Alabama got hit by 1,153 tornadoes. April's the worst month with 295 tornadoes, while August is the calmest with just 42.
| Month | Tornadoes |
|---|---|
| January | 82 |
| February | 96 |
| March | 165 |
| April | 295 |
| May | 146 |
| June | 87 |
| July | 48 |
| August | 42 |
| September | 61 |
| October | 74 |
| November | 136 |
| December | 121 |
Big Tornado Events
2011 Tornado Outbreak
2011 was a rough year. Alabama got slammed by 69 tornadoes, including a monster that tore through Tuscaloosa and Birmingham. That one alone caused 65 deaths and over 1,000 injuries. The EF-4 tornado was a beast—1.5 miles wide, 190 mph winds, and an 80.3-mile path of destruction. It started in Mississippi and wreaked havoc all the way to North Carolina (NOAA).
Super Outbreak of 1932
The 1932 Super Outbreak was another nightmare. Tornadoes ripped through the southeastern U.S., hitting Alabama hard. The damage and loss of life were huge, making it one of the worst tornado events in the state's history. For more on these disasters, check out our sections on the 2011 Tornado Outbreak and the Super Outbreak of 1932.
Knowing about Alabama's tornado history helps everyone understand just how serious these storms can be. If you want to see which counties have been hit recently, head over to our Alabama Tornado Locations section.
Alabama Tornado Locations
Counties Hit in 2021
In 2021, tornadoes wreaked havoc across Alabama, hitting many counties hard. The National Weather Service kept track, showing just how widespread these twisters were.
| County | Number of Tornadoes |
|---|---|
| DeKalb | 3 |
| Chilton | 4 |
| Shelby | 5 |
| Etowah | 2 |
| Lamar-Marion | 1 |
| Elmore | 3 |
| Morgan | 2 |
| Geneva | 1 |
| Dale | 1 |
| Houston | 2 |
| Macon | 1 |
| Pike | 2 |
| Clarke | 1 |
| Mobile | 3 |
| Conecuh-Escambia | 2 |
| Autauga-Elmore-Montgomery | 3 |
| Perry-Chilton | 2 |
| Jackson | 1 |
| Tuscaloosa | 2 |
| Greene | 2 |
| Henry | 1 |
| Blount | 1 |
| Winston-Cullman | 1 |
| Marion | 1 |
| Cullman | 1 |
| Tallapoosa-Clay-Randolph | 1 |
| Chilton-Coosa | 1 |
| Choctaw-Marengo | 1 |
| Jefferson | 3 |
| Hale-Perry-Bibb-Chilton-Shelby | 2 |
| Greene | 1 |
| Calhoun-Cherokee | 1 |
| Pickens | 1 |
| Bibb-Shelby-St Clair | 2 |
| Hale-Tuscaloosa | 1 |
| Houston-Henry | 1 |
| Crenshaw | 1 |
| Montgomery | 1 |
| Dallas | 1 |
For more details, check out the National Weather Service Birmingham, Alabama.
Notable Tornado Strikes
Some tornadoes in Alabama have been especially nasty, leaving behind a trail of destruction.
- Kingston Area, Autauga County: The National Weather Service reported EF-3 damage in Kingston, with seven people losing their lives (AL.com).
- Selma Area, Alabama: Selma saw EF-2 damage, marking another rough day for the state (AL.com).
- Oak Grove Tornado (1998): On April 8, 1998, the Oak Grove Tornado hit, making it one of Alabama's top 10 weather events of the 20th century (NWS Birmingham, Alabama).
- 2011 SE Tornado Outbreak: From April 25th to April 28th, 2011, 122 tornadoes tore through Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and Virginia. Alabama got hit hard.
Knowing where and how these tornadoes hit helps everyone stay prepared. For more on when tornado season hits Alabama, visit when is tornado season in Alabama.
Tornadoes That Shook Alabama
Alabama has seen some of the most jaw-dropping tornado outbreaks ever. Let's talk about two big ones: the 2011 Tornado Outbreak and the Super Outbreak of 1932.
2011 Tornado Outbreak
From April 25th to April 28th, 2011, the Southeast got hammered by one of the deadliest tornado outbreaks in U.S. history. In just a few days, 199 tornadoes tore through 14 states, with Alabama taking a brutal hit. On April 27th alone, 122 tornadoes ripped through Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and Virginia.
Alabama got the worst of it, with 69 tornadoes, including a monster that hit Tuscaloosa and Birmingham. This beast caused 65 deaths and over 1,000 injuries. The EF-4 tornado was 1.5 miles wide, had winds up to 190 mph, and traveled 80.3 miles through Tuscaloosa and Birmingham.
| Date | Tornado Count | Fatalities | Injuries | Notable Locations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 27, 2011 | 69 | 65 | 1,000+ | Tuscaloosa, Birmingham |
The storm system that spawned this monster started in Mississippi, then bulldozed through Alabama, Georgia, and North Carolina, leaving more tornadoes in its wake. This shows just how nasty the 2011 outbreak was.
Super Outbreak of 1932
March 21, 1932, is another dark day in Alabama's tornado history. A series of tornadoes tore through the southeastern U.S., with Alabama getting hit the hardest. This outbreak caused many deaths and massive property damage, showing how vulnerable the area is to severe weather.
The exact number of tornadoes and their impact varies depending on who you ask, but it's clear this was one of Alabama's worst. If you want to dig deeper into Alabama's tornado history, check out our section on historical tornado data.
For more info on Alabama and its cool spots, read our articles on what to do in Montgomery Alabama and what is the state tree of Alabama.
| Date | Tornado Count | Fatalities | Injuries | Notable Locations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 21, 1932 | Varies | Many | Lots | Statewide |
Knowing about these tornado outbreaks is a big deal for being prepared and staying safe in Alabama. For more tips on tornado safety, check out our related articles.
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