McMullen-Aliceville-Carrollton, AL EF2 Tornado – February 2, 2016

An EF2 tornado was confirmed in Pickens County, AL, on February 2, 2016.  The NWS determined max winds to be around 135 mph.  The tornado developed in the county’s SW part, south of AL Hwy 21 and west of County Road 87.  It moved NE for a total of 26.2 miles.

The tornado hit the Cochrane Campground on the Tombigbee River, snapping trees and causing minor damage to one building. Per the summary, “The tornado first reached EF-2 magnitude as it crossed private wooded land just south of County Road 78 snapping and uprooting hundreds of trees.  As the tornado crossed Huff-Barnett Road, it mowed down a wide swath of trees, with a distinct classic convergence pattern of tree fall just east of Beaver Creek.”

There was damage to a federal prison near AL Hwy 14.  NW of Aliceville, the tornado reached its peak intensity.  Many homes had significant damage in the Sapp community.  The tornado continued northeast causing extensive tree damage west of Carrolton.  It lifted SW of Reform.