Event Summary
National Weather Service meteorologists surveyed damage in northern Jefferson County and have determined that the damage is consistent with an EF-1 tornado. Winds were estimated to be around 100 mph.
The tornado touched down near Interstate 65, about one-half mile south of Sardis Road. The tornado moved to the northeast and crossed Interstate 65, where it snapped and uprooted hundreds of trees along the path. As the tornado continued to the northeast and moved into the city limits of Kimberly, several structures were damaged. In Kimberly, a vacant large retail building had its roof removed. The most extensive damage occurred to the Kimberly Church of God where uplift of most of the roof structure resulted in exterior wall collapse. The tornado crossed Stouts Road where the Kimberly Fire Department sustained major damage.The tornado continued to snap dozens of trees as it moved northeast and several homes had shingle damage. As the tornado crossed Bradford Trafford road, multiple trees were uprooted with one falling on a home causing major roof damage. It began to weaken as it crossed into Blount County, where sporadic tree damage was observed. It lifted near Sagefield Lane.
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