National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Parrish EF-3 Tornado
 Walker - Jefferson - Blount
Counties 
April 24, 2010

 

 
EF-3
Estimated Maximum Wind:
140 mph
Injuries/Fatalities:
None
Damage Path Length:
29.5 miles
Maximum Path Width:
400 yards
Approximate Start Point/Time:
33.7336/-87.2864 at 1001 pm
Approximate End Point/Time:
33.8532/-87.7931 at 1055 pm

A National Weather Service Damage Assessment Team has surveyed the storm damage in Walker, Jefferson, and Blount Counties. It has been determined the damage was the result of a tornado. The tornado has been rated an EF-3 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale. Damage estimates were consistent with winds around 140 mph.

 This long track tornado caused extensive damage in Parrish. The tornado tracked northeastward from Parrish across extreme northern Jefferson County and then ending in Blount County. The tornado crossed US Highway 78, produced damage in Cordova, Sumiton,  Empire and surrounding communites and ended after it crossed Interstate 65 near Highway 160 southwest of Hayden. A total of 70 to 80 homes and businesses sustained damage. One home was completely destroyed. At least 1000 hardwood and softwood trees were either uprooted or were snapped off along the damage path. The tornado damage path was 29.5 miles long and was 400 yards wide at its widest point.

 

 

 

The top image is the 0.5 degree reflectivity data and the bottom image is the 0.5 degree storm relative velocity data of the lifespan of the storm.  It traversed Walker, Jefferson and Blount counties.  The radar imagery is from KBMX in Calera, AL.
 

 


 

 

Damage
 Home Demolished

Damage
Home Damage

Damage
Tree Damage

Damage
Roof Lifted Off

Damage
Tree Damage

Damage
Roof  Damage & Debris

Damage
Collapsed Building

Damage
Tree on Home

Damage
Roof Lifted Off

Damage
Debris

Damage
Tree Damage & Path 

Damage
Damage

Damage
Tree Uprooted