Damaging Straight-line Winds - April 12, 2020

Damaging Straight-line Winds on April 12, 2020

Jefferson & Blount Counties (5:05 PM)

Severe thunderstorms moved across northern Jefferson County and southern Blount County late Sunday afternoon. An area south of the tornado path near the Jefferson and Walker County line intensified and produced high winds and extensive damage. As the severe thunderstorms crossed into Jefferson County near West Jefferson and Adamsville, the outflow winds gusted into the 75 to 85 mph range. These winds produced significant tree damage moving east northeast. The storms affected areas from Gardendale and Warrior to Pinson. The damaging winds continued east northeastward into Blount County affecting areas from Locust Fork southward to the county line including Remlap. These damaging high winds continued eastward to near Highland Lakes. Thousands of trees were snapped off or were uprooted in this large area. Many homes were damaged by fallen trees and some suffered roof damage. The maximum winds were estimated around 85 mph.

Radar Data

This is an image of the 0.5 degree reflectivity (left) and velocity (right) data from KBMX Radar at 512 pm. The imagery shows the bowing segment associated with straight-line winds as well as a tornado near Dora at the head of the bowing segment.

Blount County (5:50 PM)

An arch of straight-line winds produced a large swath of damage in northeast Blount County. This feature occurred just ahead of the County Road 33 tornado, both part of the same thunderstorm. Maximum straight-line winds were estimated to be around 75 mph, knocking down numerous trees north, northeast, and east of Oneonta.

Radar Data

This is an image of the 0.5 degree reflectivity (left) and velocity (right) data from KBMX Radar at 550 pm. The imagery shows an arch of damaging straight-line winds, as well as the circulation associated with the County Road 33 tornado.

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