Derecho Event - May 3, 2009

Derecho Event
May 3, 2009

A derecho moved across Central Alabama on Sunday, May 3, 2009. A derecho is a widespread and long-lived straight line wind storm associated with a fast moving squall line. A derecho can produce a long-lived gust front which causes straight line wind damage with winds over 58 mph. The derecho on Sunday produced damage in several counties from the Mississippi State Line to the Georgia State Line.

The derecho moved into western Alabama around 1130 am Sunday morning. This derecho tracked eastward and exited into Georgia around 500 pm. Central Alabama experienced widespread winds of 50 to 60 mph. Several locations received maximum winds of 70 to 80 mph. A few thousand trees may have been blown down across Central Alabama. Fallen trees landed on structures and vehicles and produced varying degrees of damage. At least one person was injured as the winds blew over a tractor trailer. Extended power outages were also reported in a few locations. The following counties received damage from the derecho...Sumter, Greene, Hale, Marengo, Perry, Bibb, Dallas, Shelby, Chilton, Autauga, Lowndes, Montgomery, Elmore, Coosa, Talladega, Clay, Tallapoosa, Macon, Lee, Chambers, and Randolph.

Shelf Cloud in Dallas County

Tree Damage in Marengo County

Roof Damage in Marengo County