National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Haleyville (Marion and Winston Counties) EF-3 Tornado
April 27, 2011
 

 
EF-3
Estimated Maximum Wind:
150 mph
Injuries/Fatalities:
25 injuries
Damage Path Length:
31.84 miles
Maximum Path Width:
1320 yards (3/4 mile) 
Approximate Start Point/Time:
34.0289/-87.9421 at 510 pm
Approximate End Point/Time:
34.3039/-87.4968 at 547 pm

National Weather Service meteorologists surveyed damage across Marion and Winston Counties which impacted the Pea Ridge, Whitehouse, Thornhill, and Haleyville areas. It has been determined that the damage was consistent with a strong tornado with winds estimated to be around 150 mph.

The tornado appeared to touchdown south of Hamilton near Highway 278, County Road 2, and Philadelphia Road where tree damage was noted. The tornado tracked northeastward and strengthened near the Pea Ridge and Whitehouse communities. Along County Road 45, west of AL Route 253, at least two mobile homes were completely destroyed and six well built homes sustained major damage or were completely destroyed. As the tornado approached US Hwy 278 near Whitehouse, several outbuildings were destroyed and a well built home was destroyed with the foundation swept clean. Several injuries were noted in this area. The tornado continued northeastward and caused mostly tree damage as it neared the Winston County line.

In Winston County, the tornado produced significant damage to the Thornhill community and southern and eastern parts of Haleyville. The Winston Furniture Company and Fontaine Trailer Company suffered extensive damage. Many homes were significantly damaged and a couple of homes were destroyed. The tornado continued to produce tree damage as it entered the Bankhead National Forest area in northern Winston County.

Tornado Warnings were in effect for Marion and Winston Counties from 444 pm until 615 pm. 

 
Radar Data  

Radar Image
0.5 degree reflectivity data from KGWX. 1st hook feature moves into Hackleburg & Phil Campbell, followed by Smithville, MS to near Hodges, and a 3rd into Haleyville.
Click to enlarge.

Radar Image
0.5 degree storm relative velocity data from KBMX. 1st couplet feature moves into Hackleburg & Phil Campbell, followed by Smithville, MS to near Hodges, and a 3rd into Haleyville. Click to enlarge.

 
Storm Damage Images 

Storm Damage Image
Home Destroyed near Pea Ridge

Storm Damage Image
Home Destroyed

 

Storm Damage Image
Major Tree Damage ,Storm Shelter Middle Left

Storm Damage Info
Homes Destoryed in Haleyville

 

Storm Damage Image
Winston Furniture Destroyed

Storm Damage Image
Winston Furniture Destroyed