Super Tuesday Outbreak - February 5th & 6th, 2008

Super Tuesday Tornado Outbreak February 5th & 6th, 2008

Event Summary for Central Alabama

A warm front moved northward across Central Alabama early Monday February 5th. The southerly flow behind this warm front brought an unseasonably warm and moist airmass northward and into Central Alabama. The southerly flow, occasionally gusting to 30 mph or more, continued Monday and Tuesday. Afternoon high temperatures were near record levels and rose into the 70s and 80s each afternoon. The surface dew points surged into the 60s indicating a very moist environment.

A strong upper level system and its accompanying surface cold front approached Central Alabama just after midnight on February 6th. With the warm and unstable airmass in place, the added lift sparked several supercell thunderstorms. These supercells produced damage in many locations across Central Alabama. Supercell thunderstorms exhibit persistent rotation through a depth of the atmosphere and freqently produce tornadoes, wind damage and large hail.

This severe weather event was not limited to Central Alabama. Numerous tornadoes occurred across the Mid-South, Tennessee Valley, Ohio Valley and parts of the Deep South.

The following tornado damage paths have been identified in Central Alabama:

EF-1 Lamar & Marion Counties
EF-2 Fayette, Tuscaloosa & Walker Counties
EF-2 Coosa & Talladega Counties

Preliminary Local Storm Reports
Public Information Statement

Central Alabama Tornado Damage Paths
>

Severe Weather Episode Data

Surface Analysis Feb. 5th 6 am	500 mb Chart Feb. 5th 6 am
Surface Analysis Feb. 6th 6 am	500 mb Chart Feb. 6th 6 am
Day 3 Severe Weather Outlook Issued 2 am Feb. 3rd	Day 3 Probabilistic Outlook Issued 2am Feb. 3rd
Day 2 Severe Weather Outlook Issued 1 am Feb. 4th	Day 2 Probabilistic Outlook Issued 1 am Feb. 4th
Day 1 Severe Weather Outlook Issued 1 pm Feb. 5th	Day 1 Probabilistic Outlook Issued 1 pm Feb. 5th
Severe Weather Reports February 5th & 6th