Blount to DeKalb Tornado January 11 1885

Cullman - Blount - Marshall - DeKalb F-2
Tornado January 11, 1885


Rating: (Click for EF Scale)	F-2
Estimated Maximum Wind:	113-157 mph
Injuries/Fatalities:	20 Injured/ 3 Fatalities
Damage Path Length:	60 miles
Maximum Path Width:	600
Approximate Start Point/Time:	S Good Hope at 700 pm
Approximate End Point/Time:	Near Collinsville
Notes:	Path Estimated

The storm crossed the track of the L & N Railroad about 45 miles north of Birmingham. There was great destruction of timber. Near the Warrior River, two dwellings were blown down and the inmates were severely injured. The tornado still maintained its northeasterly course, just north of east.

About 7 pm, the storm passed through the northern portion of Blount County between Brooksville and Summit. The width of the track was about 3/4 of a mile wide and everything fell before it. Trees were torn up by the roots, fences were scattered, ten dwellings were utterly demolished, many stables and corncribs were levelled to the ground and stock was killed or injured. One family lost everything. A number of persons were seriously hurt but no one was killed here.

No record is given on the storm course until it approaches Albertville, where we learn that besides destroying much property, it also killed one man and wounded another.

After leaving Albertville, the course of the storm changed almost due east, passing below Crossville and apparently over Collinsville. Three residences were blown down, two people were killed, several were injured and great damage was reported to the farm property in general. The tornado was noted at Collinsville around 8 pm and was attended by incessant lightning and continuous roaring like distant thunder, that was heard 30 minutes before the storm came. One house was torn instantly to pieces and the inmates hurled in every direction, 40 to 50 yards, and a child was killed by flying timbers. Every post was drawn out of the ground and the chickens were killed and even stripped of their feathers. Another dwelling that was swept away contained 13 people, all of whom were injured, but only one fatally. The track of the tornado in DeKalb County was 200 yards wide.

Report Courtesy of Digitized by Google & American Meteorological Journal May 1885 Page 43