National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

 

Pools Crossroads EF-2 Tornado (Chilton County)
  March 17, 2021

 

Event Summary

EF-2
Estimated Maximum Wind:
130 mph
Injuries/Fatalities:
None
Damage Path Length:
5.84 miles
Maximum Path Width:
400 yards
Approximate Start Point/Time:
2 WNW Billingsley
32.6746/-86.7364
at 5:12 pm CDT
Approximate End Point/Time:
1 ENE Pools Crossroads
32.7544/-86.7028
at 5:23 pm CDT

 

National Weather Service meteorologists surveyed the damage in Southern Chilton County and determined it was the result of an EF-2 tornado.

A tornado touched down in an inaccessible area near Little Mulberry Creek northwest of Billingsley. It continued north-northwestward, uprooting a couple tree along County Road 361. The tornado intensified as it crossed County Road 37 near the intersection with County Road 24. Near this intersection, an unanchored home was shifted off of its foundation and a large anchored building was destroyed. In addition, a doublewide manufactured home was completely destroyed with debris blown downstream, some exterior walls of a brick residence were collapsed, and outbuildings were damaged. The occupants of the manufactured home reported getting the warning and taking shelter with additional family in a storm shelter minutes before the storm hit. The resident of the brick structure also reported receiving the warning and taking cover in an interior closet with a friend. Both were uninjured. Also near this intersection, another residence suffered roof damage, two vehicles were moved 15 feet, and multiple trees were uprooted. The tornado continued northeastward through a wooded area, snapping numerous trees before dissipating as it crossed County Road 16 just east of Pools Crossroads. The tornado damage path was 5.84 miles long and was 400 yards at its widest point. The maximum winds were estimated at 130 mph.

 

Radar Image
Reflectivity (left) and velocity (right) of the circulation during the time of the tornado.
Images are from KBMX at 5:18 pm CDT.

 

Damage Photo
  Debris from Damaged Homes

Damage Photo

  Home Destroyed

Damage Photo

Home Destroyed & Vehicle Thrown

Damage Photo
  Siding/Roof Damage to Home

Damage Photo

  Debris from Damaged Homes

Damage Photo

Significant Home Damage

 

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