Hazel Green, AL-Vanntown, TN EF3 Tornado – April 1, 2023

On March 31 and April 1, 2023, a large and widespread tornado outbreak took place over the Midwestern and Southern regions of the United States, stretching over to the Atlantic Coast. For two days, 145 twisters contributed to one of the most sizable events on record, taking 27 lives and affecting many more. Twelve of these were rated EF3 or greater across seven states. This summary focuses on a deadly EF3 that took place in northern Alabama and southern Tennessee.

Preston Island-South Sauty-Powell-Sylvania, AL EF3 Tornado – April 10, 2009

On April 10, 2009, a significant tornado outbreak raked across portions of the South. This summary will focus on a tornado that skipped its way through the rolling terrain of northeast Alabama. This event had initially been documented as a single long-tracked EF3. However, due to lengthy research and satellite analysis, we proposed two separate tornado paths, with an approximate 2.2-mile damage gap near and along the Jackson/DeKalb County line.

Overview of the Cullman-Arab, AL EF4 Tornado – April 27, 2011

The first violent tornado in the state of Alabama, on April 27, 2011, crossed over 50 miles through Cullman, Morgan, and Marshall Counties. It is one of the most filmed twisters of the day, with the riveting beginning captured live on the ABC 33/40 SkyCam. The tornado wrecked downtown Cullman and left several rural communities with massive destruction. Tragically there were six fatalities, including five in one family.

Overview of the Calumet-El Reno-Piedmont-Guthrie EF5 Tornado – May 24, 2011

One of the most powerful tornadoes in known history occurred during the May 24, 2011 outbreak. This extraordinarily violent twister took nine lives over a 65-mile path. Yet, even with all the accompanying tragedy, this was also a nearly unrivaled success story in terms of public preparedness. The many damage feats caused and the behavior of this event are both historic. In this summary, we cover every aspect of the maelstrom in as much detail as possible and bring light to the amazing stories that accompanied it.

You cannot copy content of this page