This article summarizes a National Weather Service storm survey of severe weather that affected north and central Alabama on Thursday. It details the characteristics and impacts of a high-end EF-0 tornado in Trussville and a powerful microburst near Pinson.
The survey explains wind speeds, damage paths, the scale of destruction, and notes the absence of reported injuries.
Overview of the Alabama Storm Survey
The NWS survey confirms a high-end EF-0 tornado touched down in Trussville, with peak winds around 85 mph. The tornado’s ground footprint stretched about 1.63 miles and reached a maximum width of roughly 65 yards.
It lingered on the ground for approximately four minutes, producing a distinctive damage pattern along its southeastward path. In Pinson, meteorologists determined that the damage resulted from a microburst or straight-line winds approaching hurricane force, not a tornado.
Preliminary wind estimates in Pinson were near 70–75 mph.
Trussville Tornado: Intensity, Path, and Impacts
In Trussville, the tornado caused several specific damage events as it moved along its path. It flipped a construction trailer, damaged doors and metal roofing at Metro Mini Storage, and produced minor roof damage at a car wash and Velma’s restaurant after crossing Highway 11.
As the system continued southeast along Mary Taylor Road, large doors were partially blown in, a warehouse roof was removed, and a dog daycare fence was damaged. The tornado also displaced flatbed semi-trailers at the Daniel Iron facility.
Surveyors believe the strongest intensity occurred near the Daniel Iron site, where shingles, fences, and roofs sustained additional damage. A large piece of steel roofing struck and severely damaged a home.
There were no reported injuries from the Trussville tornado.
Pinson Microburst: Winds and Damage
In Pinson, the damage was linked to a microburst or strong straight-line wind event approaching hurricane force. The preliminary wind speeds of 70–75 mph produced a damage swath roughly one mile long and 1,000 yards wide.
The primary impact was trees toppled across the landscape. The microburst damaged up to 15 homes, with five homes on Cobblestone Court experiencing moderate damage.
There were no injuries reported in Pinson.
Safety and Preparedness: What These Findings Mean
These findings illustrate the distinct wind phenomena that can accompany severe weather in a single region. Preparedness matters for minimizing risks.
The Alabama survey highlights how tornadoes and microbursts can produce damaging outcomes without catastrophic meteorological indicators.
Here are takeaways for communities facing similar threats:
- Recognize warning signals: Tornado warnings and weather alerts should prompt quick sheltering decisions, even if the storm initially appears manageable.
- Protect critical facilities: Buildings like storage facilities, warehouses, and industrial operations should be secured against wind-driven debris and roof damage.
- Securing outdoor assets: Items such as trailers, fences, and equipment should be tethered or stored indoors when storms approach to prevent projectiles and additional hazards.
- Tree maintenance: Regular tree trimming and removal of dead branches can reduce the risk of major damage from microbursts that topple trees and threaten homes and power lines.
The Alabama storm survey reinforces the value of rapid, comprehensive assessments by the National Weather Service after severe weather events. By documenting the specifics of a tornado’s path and the scope of microburst damage, meteorologists improve forecasting and risk communication.
Here is the source article for this story: Did a tornado hit Alabama Thursday? NWS to survey damage today