A long-lived windstorm produced by severe thunderstorms, known as a derecho, caused a widespread swath of damage across Central Alabama during the early morning hours of February 26, 2008. Although there were some sporadic reports of light tree damage and small hail west of Interstate 65, a more intense and widespread swath of damage started in southern Jefferson and northern Shelby Counties between 3:30 am and 4:00 am. From there, the damage swath moved eastward, roughly parallel to Interstate 20, reaching the Georgia border by 5:00 am.
Thunderstorm wind gusts estimated at 60 to 70 mph were widespread in this damage swath, with occasional hurricane force peak wind gusts, estimated just over 100 mph in some areas. National Weather Service meteorologists are still investigating damage in the city of Leeds (Jefferson County) and in the Highland Lakes Subdivision (northern Shelby County) for possible tornado damage.
In the map below, the red shapes indicate approximate location of strongest part of thunderstorm line at the times indicated. The blue chevrons show the area of the worst thunderstorm wind damage.
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