GREENE COUNTY TORNADO -- March 4th

A vigorous upper level low and associated strong cold front approached Central Alabama during the evening hours of March 3rd. Although low level moisture increased rapidly ahead of this system, instability was lacking for robust updrafts. Cloud to ground lightning was limited in most of the storms across Central Alabama. The atmopshere was typical of a winter season severe set up where shear was very high and capes were low. The supercell storms responsible for the tornadoes were embedded in a large rain mass. Two tornadoes were confirmed and a few damaging wind events were reported. Rainfall averaged one to two inches and several locations received an inch of rain in less than 30 minutes. This produced some minor flooding problems.

Tornado Watches were in effect for portions of Central Alabama between 1000 pm and 900 am March 3rd/March 4th.

Two tornado damage paths have been identified in Central Alabama: NORTHERN TUSCALOOSA COUNTY AND GREENE COUNTY

GREENE COUNTY

A National Weather Service Damage Assessment Team has surveyed the storm damage in Greene County. It has been determined the damage was the result of a tornado. The tornado has been rated an EF-1 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale. Damage estimates were consistent with winds around 105 mph.

The tornado touched down near the intersection of US Highway 11 and County Road 135. The tornado tracked northeastward and crossed County Road 12, County Road 131, State Highway 14, County Road 170 and Interstate 20 near mile marker 43. The tornado lifted before reaching County Road 167. At least twenty five homes received damage, one home was destroyed and four homes received major damage. Several hundred trees were either snapped off or blown down along the path. No injuries or fatalities were reported.