Walker County F1 Tornado - April 30, 2005

Walker County F1 Tornado

National Weather Service meteorologists surveyed the damage that affected east central Walker County very early Saturday morning. It has been determined that the damage was the result of a tornado. The tornado has been rated an F1 with winds estimated around 80 miles an hour.

The tornado first touched down at approximately 305 AM CDT in the Union Chapel area, on the north side of US 78. This location is near the intersection of US 78 and Arron Road. The tornado lifted at approximately 306 AM CDT. The tornado damage path was 0.5 miles long and 50 yards wide at its widest point.

The most significant damage caused by the tornado occurred to the Variety Outlet and the Valley Used Parts Store. The eastern part of the building was completely destroyed. The remainder of the building sustained roof damage. Roof sections were blown off to the north up to a quarter of a mile and wrapped around a telephone pole. Roof insulation stuck to the western facing store building walls and automobiles in the general vicinity.

A Tornado Warning was in effect for Walker County from 249 AM CDT until 330 AM CDT. A Tornado Watch was in effect for northern and western Alabama from 945 PM CDT Friday until 500 AM CDT Saturday.