Tallapoosa County Natural Disasters and Weather Extremes
Hot Alabama Rankings
The chance of earthquake damage in Tallapoosa County is about the same as Alabama average and is much lower than the national average. The risk of tornado damage in Tallapoosa County is lower than Alabama average and is higher than the national average.
Earthquake Index, #45
| Tallapoosa County | 0.02 |
| Alabama | 0.08 |
| U.S. | 1.81 |
The earthquake index value is calculated based on historical earthquake events data using USA.com algorithms. It is an indicator of the earthquake level in a region. A higher earthquake index value means a higher chance of an earthquake.
Volcano Index, #1
| Tallapoosa County | 0.0000 |
| Alabama | 0.0000 |
| U.S. | 0.0023 |
The volcano index value is calculated based on the currently known volcanoes using USA.com algorithms. It is an indicator of the possibility of a region being affected by a possible volcano eruption. A higher volcano index value means a higher chance of being affected.
Tornado Index, #45
| Tallapoosa County | 186.05 |
| Alabama | 255.80 |
| U.S. | 136.45 |
The tornado index value is calculated based on historical tornado events data using USA.com algorithms. It is an indicator of the tornado level in a region. A higher tornado index value means a higher chance of tornado events.
Other Weather Extremes Events
A total of 11,145 other weather extremes events within 50 miles of Tallapoosa County were recorded from 1950 to 2010. The following is a break down of these events:
| Type | Count | Type | Count | Type | Count | Type | Count | Type | Count |
| Avalanche: | 0 | Blizzard: | 0 | Cold: | 63 | Dense Fog: | 3 | Drought: | 113 |
| Dust Storm: | 0 | Flood: | 595 | Hail: | 3,713 | Heat: | 77 | Heavy Snow: | 51 |
| High Surf: | 0 | Hurricane: | 5 | Ice Storm: | 22 | Landslide: | 0 | Strong Wind: | 72 |
| Thunderstorm Winds: | 5,636 | Tropical Storm: | 23 | Wildfire: | 3 | Winter Storm: | 27 | Winter Weather: | 45 |
| Other: | 697 | ||||||||
Volcanos Nearby
No volcano is found in or near Tallapoosa County.
Historical Earthquake Events
No historical earthquake events that had recorded magnitudes of 3.5 or above found in or near Tallapoosa County.
No historical earthquake events found in or near Tallapoosa County.
Historical Tornado Events
A total of 75 historical tornado events that had recorded magnitude of 2 or above found in or near Tallapoosa County.
| Distance (miles) | Date | Magnitude | Start Lat/Log | End Lat/Log | Length | Width | Fatalities | Injuries | Property Damage | Crop Damage | Affected County |
| 2.7 | 1979-11-25 | 2 | 32°44'N / 85°54'W | 33°04'N / 85°44'W | 25.00 Miles | 60 Yards | 0 | 2 | 250K | 0 | Tallapoosa |
| 11.5 | 1979-11-25 | 2 | 32°43'N / 85°55'W | 32°44'N / 85°54'W | 1.90 Miles | 60 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Elmore |
| 15.0 | 1996-03-18 | 3 | 33°15'N / 85°55'W | 32°54'N / 85°48'W | 14.00 Miles | 440 Yards | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Tallapoosa |
| Brief Description: A tornado began on the northeast side of Eclectic and extended for 10 miles in Elmore County crossing the Elmore-Tallapoosa county line just east of Highway 63. The tornado continued for another 14 miles in Tallapoosa County crossing Lake Martin and ending on the north side of Jacksons Gap not far from where a tornado had occurred earlier in the evening. This was classified as an F3 tornado with a total damage path of 24 miles with a width of a quarter of a mile at the widest. Numerous buildings of all types were damaged along the track. Some of the most intense damage occurred as the tornado emerged from crossing Lake Martin in the Peckerwood area just southwest of Jacksons Gap. Numerous permanent homes and mobile homes were seriously damaged or destroyed. | |||||||||||
| 15.3 | 1996-03-18 | 3 | 32°39'N / 86°01'W | 32°44'N / 85°55'W | 10.00 Miles | 440 Yards | 0 | 0 | 700K | 50K | Elmore |
| Brief Description: A tornado began on the northeast side of Eclectic and extended for 10 miles in Elmore County crossing the Elmore-Tallapoosa county line just east of Highway 63. The tornado continued for another 14 miles in Tallapoosa County crossing Lake Martin and ending on the north side of Jacksons Gap not far from where a tornado had occurred earlier in the evening. This was classified as an F3 tornado with a total damage path of 24 miles with a width of a quarter of a mile at the widest. Numerous buildings of all types were damaged along the track. Some of the most intense damage occurred as the tornado emerged from crossing Lake Martin in the Peckerwood area just southwest of Jacksons Gap. Numerous permanent homes and mobile homes were seriously damaged or destroyed. | |||||||||||
| 15.3 | 1972-01-10 | 2 | 32°44'N / 85°35'W | 32°47'N / 85°33'W | 4.50 Miles | 50 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Chambers |
| 20.2 | 1961-12-11 | 2 | 33°02'N / 86°05'W | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Coosa | |||
| 20.2 | 1973-12-26 | 2 | 33°02'N / 86°05'W | 0.10 Mile | 27 Yards | 0 | 1 | 25K | 0 | Talladega | |
| 20.9 | 1976-03-12 | 3 | 32°37'N / 86°04'W | 32°39'N / 86°00'W | 4.90 Miles | 400 Yards | 0 | 15 | 2.5M | 0 | Elmore |
| 25.0 | 1989-03-05 | 2 | 32°54'N / 85°31'W | 33°06'N / 85°17'W | 15.00 Miles | 100 Yards | 0 | 0 | 2.5M | 0 | Chambers |
| 25.4 | 1956-12-23 | 2 | 32°25'N / 86°01'W | 32°36'N / 85°49'W | 17.30 Miles | 100 Yards | 0 | 0 | 0K | 0 | Elmore |
| 27.4 | 1953-05-01 | 4 | 33°13'N / 85°56'W | 33°18'N / 85°45'W | 12.10 Miles | 440 Yards | 7 | 12 | 250K | 0 | Clay |
| 28.0 | 1957-11-18 | 2 | 33°16'N / 85°51'W | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Clay | |||
| 29.4 | 1980-04-13 | 2 | 32°36'N / 85°27'W | 32°41'N / 85°17'W | 11.30 Miles | 440 Yards | 0 | 13 | 2.5M | 0 | Lee |
| 31.0 | 1968-11-17 | 3 | 32°49'N / 86°27'W | 32°52'N / 86°13'W | 14.00 Miles | 400 Yards | 0 | 0 | 2.5M | 0 | Coosa |
| 31.0 | 1977-03-29 | 2 | 32°37'N / 86°21'W | 32°42'N / 86°12'W | 10.50 Miles | 33 Yards | 0 | 2 | 250K | 0 | Elmore |
| 31.3 | 1970-04-26 | 2 | 33°15'N / 85°31'W | 1.00 Mile | 33 Yards | 0 | 2 | 25K | 0 | Randolph | |
| 31.8 | 1978-04-18 | 2 | 33°01'N / 86°19'W | 0.10 Mile | 80 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Coosa | |
| 32.1 | 1984-05-03 | 2 | 32°26'N / 85°37'W | 32°26'N / 85°34'W | 3.50 Miles | 100 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Macon |
| 32.4 | 2004-11-24 | 2 | 32°53'N / 86°31'W | 33°00'N / 86°11'W | 18.70 Miles | 1400 Yards | 0 | 0 | 100K | 0 | Coosa |
| Brief Description: National Weather Service Meteorologist made a few trips to the damage areas across Autauga, Chilton and Coosa Counties. The damage was consistent with a very large tornado with a long damage path. The tornado damage was rated an F2, but the strength of the tornado may have been stronger but the tornado affected mostly rural areas. The F2 tornado first touched down between Jones and Bethel Grove generally producing only tree damage until it reached the county line. The tornado then traveled on a northeast heading into southern Chilton County between Pletcher and Billingsley. The tornado was fairly weak at this time, blowing down and snapping off several large trees in rural areas. As the tornado approached the west side of Interstate 65, the tornado increased to F2 intensity and caused considerable damage to several structures. Continuing northeast, the tornado weakened a bit as it crossed Interstate 65 in the vicinity of mile marker 202, approximately 3 miles south of the Clanton Exit. The tornado was still strong enough at this time to down several large trees and block the northbound lanes of traffic. After crossing the interstate, the tornado regained F2 intensity moving through the Cooper Community. The tornado produced extensive structural damage in Cooper. Several homes, businesses, mobile homes and out-buildings were damaged or destroyed. Hundreds of trees were blown down or snapped off in this area. The tornado moved across eastern Chilton County and went across Lake Mitchell. At Lake Mitchell, on the Chilton/Coosa County Line, numerous homes and mobile homes were destroyed generally between Blue Creek and Cargle Creek. The tornado crossed Lake Mitchell and moved into the Coosa Wildlife Management Area along Hatchet Creek. Hundreds of trees were splintered in this area. The tornado then moved through rural Coosa County crossing US 231 just south of the Hanover Community. The tornado dissipated shortly after US 231. The tornado damage path was 49.1 miles long and an astounding 1400 yards wide at its widest point. No injuries or fatalities were reported with this strong tornado. Begin: 32 35.77/86 53.11 End: 32 59.99/86 11.45 | |||||||||||
| 32.9 | 1974-04-02 | 2 | 32°53'N / 85°14'W | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Chambers | |||
| 33.1 | 1980-03-20 | 2 | 33°10'N / 86°15'W | 33°12'N / 86°12'W | 3.80 Miles | 50 Yards | 0 | 6 | 250K | 0 | Talladega |
| 33.1 | 1980-06-17 | 2 | 33°20'N / 85°48'W | 33°21'N / 85°43'W | 5.20 Miles | 23 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Clay |
| 33.5 | 1962-03-21 | 2 | 33°09'N / 86°16'W | 0.50 Mile | 33 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Talladega | |
| 34.1 | 1982-01-03 | 2 | 32°47'N / 86°25'W | 32°50'N / 86°21'W | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Coosa | ||
| 34.5 | 1954-12-05 | 3 | 32°41'N / 85°25'W | 32°40'N / 85°05'W | 19.40 Miles | 100 Yards | 0 | 4 | 250K | 0 | Lee |
| 34.8 | 1979-11-25 | 3 | 32°30'N / 86°14'W | 32°31'N / 86°13'W | 1.90 Miles | 150 Yards | 0 | 0 | 2.5M | 0 | Elmore |
| 34.8 | 1970-03-19 | 3 | 32°50'N / 85°12'W | 2.00 Miles | 200 Yards | 2 | 14 | 250K | 0 | Chambers | |
| 34.9 | 1960-09-16 | 2 | 33°11'N / 86°16'W | 0.30 Mile | 33 Yards | 0 | 2 | 250K | 0 | Talladega | |
| 35.3 | 2001-11-24 | 2 | 33°16'N / 86°09'W | 33°22'N / 86°01'W | 9.10 Miles | 200 Yards | 0 | 0 | 230K | 0K | Talladega |
| Brief Description: The same thunderstorm that spawned the Sylacauga tornado produced another tornado in eastern Talladega County. This tornado was also rated an F2 on the Fujita scale and began at 3:59 pm 4 miles southeast of Winterboro in the Talladega National Forest. The tornado tracked northeast across Germany Mountain and ended at 4:09 pm, 1 mile southeast of Waldo. Several homes were damaged on Germany Mountain with one receiving significant damage. At least 6 mobile homes were totally destroyed and several outbuildings and barns were destroyed. Several trees were blown down or snapped off along the path. No injuries were reported. Beg: 33 17.453/86 08.146 End: 33 22.351/86 00.750 | |||||||||||
| 36.4 | 2001-11-24 | 2 | 33°10'N / 86°19'W | 33°12'N / 86°17'W | 3.10 Miles | 400 Yards | 0 | 15 | 800K | 0K | Talladega |
| Brief Description: The F2 tornado began at 3:42 pm near the intersection of Forest Glen Rd. and Odens Mill Rd., in the Oak Grove Community. It traveled northeast crossing US 280 and ended at 3:45 pm near Shirtee Creek in the Odena Community. The Red Cross and the local Emergency Management Agency estimate that 15 people were injured, two critically. Forty to 50 homes were damaged with 7 of the homes sustaining significant damage. Ten mobile homes were totally destroyed. Several outbuildings and sheds were destroyed and numerous trees were blown down or uprooted along the entire path. The tornado path was 3.1 miles long and 400 yards wide at its widest point. Beg: 33 10.930/86 18.818 End: 33 12.502/86 16.176 | |||||||||||
| 36.5 | 1989-03-05 | 2 | 33°06'N / 85°17'W | 33°10'N / 85°14'W | 0.50 Mile | 100 Yards | 0 | 0 | 2.5M | 0 | Randolph |
| 36.6 | 1953-04-18 | 3 | 32°36'N / 85°35'W | 32°30'N / 85°00'W | 34.70 Miles | 33 Yards | 6 | 195 | 2.5M | 0 | Lee |
| 37.1 | 2008-02-06 | 2 | 33°00'N / 86°30'W | 33°06'N / 86°18'W | 14.00 Miles | 2000 Yards | 0 | 0 | 115K | 0K | Coosa |
| Brief Description: EVENT NARRATIVE: The tornado touched down in the Hidden Valley community along Lay Lake, about 2 miles northeast of Lay Dam. It then tracked northeastward, before producing its most significant damage just east of Marble Valley along County Road 56. Four large wooden power poles were snapped off. Two mobile homes were knocked off their foundations and rolled over. Hundreds of hardwood and softwood trees were either snapped off or uprooted along the path. The tornado then continued northeastward, eventually crossing into Talladega County. EPISODE NARRATIVE: A strong cold front and very intense upper level storm system moving across the Gulf Coast States brought numerous severe thunderstorms and several tornadoes to Central Alabama. | |||||||||||
| 37.1 | 1974-01-26 | 3 | 33°08'N / 85°28'W | 33°24'N / 85°17'W | 21.30 Miles | 150 Yards | 1 | 7 | 250K | 0 | Randolph |
| 37.6 | 1975-01-10 | 2 | 32°36'N / 85°14'W | 0 | 0 | 2.5M | 0 | Lee | |||
| 38.0 | 1961-05-09 | 2 | 32°56'N / 85°09'W | 0.80 Mile | 50 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Troup | |
| 38.1 | 1973-03-16 | 2 | 32°42'N / 86°30'W | 32°48'N / 86°23'W | 9.70 Miles | 77 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Chilton |
| 38.8 | 1979-11-25 | 3 | 32°23'N / 86°15'W | 32°30'N / 86°14'W | 8.30 Miles | 150 Yards | 0 | 20 | 2.5M | 0 | Montgomery |
| 39.2 | 1996-03-06 | 2 | 32°20'N / 86°08'W | 32°23'N / 86°05'W | 4.00 Miles | 200 Yards | 2 | 17 | 1.5M | 0 | Montgomery |
| Brief Description: The fourth in a series of four tornadoes across southern and eastern Montgomery cut a swath of destruction about 4 miles in length in an area just outside the city limits of Montgomery. The tornado began in an open field just south of a small housing development called Ranchette Estates. The tornado travelled on a path toward the northeast moving across the Country Estates Mobile Home Park where two men were killed and a number of others were injured. The tornado continued toward the northeast damaging the Georgia Washington Junior High School. It ended shortly after damaging a number of houses in the Bridlebrook Farms sub-division. About 40 homes were damaged in the Bridlebrook Farms area while nearly all of the mobile homes in Country Estates were damaged or destroyed. Total path length was about 4 miles with a path width of 200 yards. This tornado actually represents the fifth damaging event that occurred in Montgomery County between 5:12 am and about 5:30 am. M25MH, M30MH | |||||||||||
| 39.3 | 1982-01-03 | 2 | 32°45'N / 86°31'W | 32°47'N / 86°25'W | 15.00 Miles | 140 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Chilton |
| 39.5 | 1975-01-10 | 2 | 32°18'N / 85°41'W | 1.00 Mile | 100 Yards | 0 | 9 | 250K | 0 | Macon | |
| 39.7 | 1976-03-12 | 2 | 32°44'N / 86°28'W | 0.10 Mile | 50 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Chilton | |
| 40.0 | 1973-05-27 | 4 | 33°15'N / 86°27'W | 33°27'N / 85°54'W | 34.60 Miles | 33 Yards | 0 | 17 | 25.0M | 0 | Talladega |
| 40.4 | 1984-05-03 | 2 | 33°16'N / 86°22'W | 33°19'N / 86°11'W | 11.00 Miles | 200 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Talladega |
| 40.4 | 2009-02-28 | 2 | 32°35'N / 85°15'W | 32°36'N / 85°07'W | 8.00 Miles | 500 Yards | 0 | 3 | 1.1M | 0K | Lee |
| Brief Description: EVENT NARRATIVE: The tornado touched down southwest of the community of Salem. It then moved just north of due east, crossing US-280 and several smaller county roads, before lifting at CR-379. Winds estimated at 125-130 mph destroyed 6 mobile homes and 4 site built homes, badly damaged 8 homes, and caused minor damage to 9 others. Two area businesses were destroyed, one other received minor damage, and one school building was damaged. Hundreds of trees were snapped off and uprooted, and one 18-wheeler was overturned. There were three minor injuries reported, only one that required hospitalization. EPISODE NARRATIVE: A slow moving cold front brought an extended period of severe weather and heavy rain, that lasted about 24 hours. The storms produced damaging winds, large hail, flooding rains, and at least 4 tornadoes. | |||||||||||
| 40.6 | 2006-11-15 | 2 | 32°19'N / 86°14'W | 32°24'N / 86°05'W | 7.00 Miles | 250 Yards | 0 | 6 | 500K | 0K | Montgomery |
| Brief Description: EVENT NARRATIVE: The Montgomery tornado touched down approximately 1.4 miles southwest of the Shakespeare Festival, and tracked northeastward across the Woodmere and Beauvoir Lakes Subdivisions. The tornado then crossed Interstate 85 at Bell Road and continued northeastward to the Atlanta Highway, just west of Taylor Road. Numerous trees were snapped off or downed along the path with minor roof damage to numerous homes. Near the Atlanta Highway, the tornado crossed the A.U.M. ball field complex and struck the Montgomery Postal Processing and Distribution Center and Post Office. The main doors of the post office were blown in and portions of the roof were lifted off to the north. Numerous trees were snapped off at ground level on the south and west sides of the building. A tractor trailer was completely turned around and moved 30 yards and flipped over. Other postal vehicles and cars in the parking lot were moved or received significant damage. Just to the north, the tornado produced major damage to the Fun Zone Skating Rink. This was a large metal building structure which was nearly totally destroyed. Several vehicles were tossed around and significantly damaged or crushed by debris from the building. As the tornado crossed the Atlanta Highway, several metal power poles were either significantly bent or downed. At the Saddleback Ridge Apartment Complex, at least two apartment buildings lost their roofs and portions of the second floor. The tornado continued another 2.25 miles northeastward, ending in a field just south of Wares Ferry Road. Six people suffered minor injuries. EPISODE NARRATIVE: A strong storm system brought severe weather and heavy rainfall to much of Central Alabama. | |||||||||||
| 41.0 | 1967-05-07 | 2 | 33°24'N / 86°06'W | 33°26'N / 86°01'W | 5.20 Miles | 33 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Talladega |
| 41.1 | 1977-03-29 | 2 | 32°35'N / 86°31'W | 32°37'N / 86°21'W | 10.00 Miles | 50 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Autauga |
| 41.4 | 1954-12-05 | 2 | 32°27'N / 85°17'W | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Russell | |||
| 41.6 | 1984-05-03 | 2 | 33°26'N / 85°44'W | 33°29'N / 85°38'W | 7.00 Miles | 300 Yards | 0 | 2 | 250K | 0 | Clay |
| 41.9 | 1989-03-05 | 2 | 33°16'N / 86°22'W | 33°26'N / 86°06'W | 20.00 Miles | 100 Yards | 0 | 2 | 2.5M | 0 | Talladega |
| 42.2 | 1982-01-03 | 2 | 32°44'N / 86°33'W | 32°47'N / 86°29'W | 0 | 6 | 250K | 0 | Chilton | ||
| 43.0 | 1953-01-08 | 2 | 33°25'N / 86°07'W | 33°27'N / 86°05'W | 3.00 Miles | 867 Yards | 0 | 0 | 3K | 0 | Talladega |
| 43.0 | 1984-05-03 | 2 | 33°15'N / 86°23'W | 33°16'N / 86°22'W | 1.00 Mile | 200 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Shelby |
| 43.4 | 1973-05-27 | 4 | 33°27'N / 85°54'W | 33°32'N / 85°45'W | 10.40 Miles | 33 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25.0M | 0 | Clay |
| 43.6 | 1984-05-03 | 3 | 32°26'N / 86°22'W | 32°27'N / 86°21'W | 1.00 Mile | 800 Yards | 0 | 0 | 2.5M | 0 | Elmore |
| 45.1 | 1984-05-03 | 2 | 33°29'N / 85°38'W | 33°30'N / 85°32'W | 6.00 Miles | 300 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Randolph |
| 45.3 | 1982-01-03 | 2 | 32°41'N / 86°34'W | 32°44'N / 86°33'W | 8.00 Miles | 80 Yards | 0 | 6 | 250K | 0 | Autauga |
| 45.4 | 1969-04-18 | 4 | 32°13'N / 86°00'W | 32°13'N / 85°53'W | 6.80 Miles | 500 Yards | 0 | 3 | 250K | 0 | Bullock |
| 45.8 | 1964-12-26 | 2 | 32°27'N / 85°11'W | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Russell | |||
| 46.4 | 1968-11-17 | 3 | 32°54'N / 86°45'W | 32°49'N / 86°27'W | 18.30 Miles | 400 Yards | 1 | 24 | 2.5M | 0 | Chilton |
| 46.6 | 1984-05-03 | 3 | 32°22'N / 86°24'W | 32°26'N / 86°22'W | 6.00 Miles | 800 Yards | 5 | 37 | 2.5M | 0 | Montgomery |
| 46.9 | 1963-04-29 | 2 | 33°30'N / 86°05'W | 0 | 4 | 25K | 0 | Talladega | |||
| 47.3 | 2008-02-17 | 3 | 32°24'N / 86°28'W | 32°28'N / 86°24'W | 6.00 Miles | 440 Yards | 0 | 50 | 10.0M | 0K | Autauga |
| Brief Description: EVENT NARRATIVE: The tornado touched down near the waste water treatment facility south southwest of the city of Prattville. It then tracked northeastward and crossed US Highway 82, US Highway 31, and Cobbs Ford Road. The southern and eastern parts of Prattville sustained significant damage. The highest winds likely occurred along Cobbs Ford Road/East Main Street near McQueen Smith Road and in the Silver Hills Subdivision. An estimated 200 residential homes and 40 businesses were damaged or destroyed. Hundreds of trees were either snapped off or were uprooted along the path. In addition, 50 injuries were reported, but there were no fatalities. EPISODE NARRATIVE: A broken squall line, sparked by an advancing cold front and strong upper level storm, caused severe thunderstorms and tornadoes across Central Alabama. | |||||||||||
| 47.3 | 1956-12-23 | 2 | 32°08'N / 86°25'W | 32°25'N / 86°01'W | 30.50 Miles | 100 Yards | 0 | 1 | 0K | 0 | Montgomery |
| 47.5 | 1964-01-24 | 4 | 33°19'N / 86°26'W | 33°20'N / 86°23'W | 3.30 Miles | 100 Yards | 10 | 6 | 250K | 0 | Shelby |
| 48.3 | 2004-11-24 | 2 | 32°39'N / 86°48'W | 32°49'N / 86°26'W | 22.30 Miles | 1400 Yards | 0 | 0 | 500K | 0 | Chilton |
| Brief Description: National Weather Service Meteorologist made a few trips to the damage areas across Autauga, Chilton and Coosa Counties. The damage was consistent with a very large tornado with a long damage path. The tornado damage was rated an F2, but the strength of the tornado may have been stronger but the tornado affected mostly rural areas. The F2 tornado first touched down between Jones and Bethel Grove generally producing only tree damage until it reached the county line. The tornado then traveled on a northeast heading into southern Chilton County between Pletcher and Billingsley. The tornado was fairly weak at this time, blowing down and snapping off several large trees in rural areas. As the tornado approached the west side of Interstate 65, the tornado increased to F2 intensity and caused considerable damage to several structures. Continuing northeast, the tornado weakened a bit as it crossed Interstate 65 in the vicinity of mile marker 202, approximately 3 miles south of the Clanton Exit. The tornado was still strong enough at this time to down several large trees and block the northbound lanes of traffic. After crossing the interstate, the tornado regained F2 intensity moving through the Cooper Community. The tornado produced extensive structural damage in Cooper. Several homes, businesses, mobile homes and out-buildings were damaged or destroyed. Hundreds of trees were blown down or snapped off in this area. The tornado moved across eastern Chilton County and went across Lake Mitchell. At Lake Mitchell, on the Chilton/Coosa County Line, numerous homes and mobile homes were destroyed generally between Blue Creek and Cargle Creek. The tornado crossed Lake Mitchell and moved into the Coosa Wildlife Management Area along Hatchet Creek. Hundreds of trees were splintered in this area. The tornado then moved through rural Coosa County crossing US 231 just south of the Hanover Community. The tornado dissipated shortly after US 231. The tornado damage path was 49.1 miles long and an astounding 1400 yards wide at its widest point. No injuries or fatalities were reported with this strong tornado. Begin: 32 35.77/86 53.11 End: 32 59.99/86 11.45 | |||||||||||
| 48.5 | 1981-04-01 | 3 | 32°15'N / 85°24'W | 32°15'N / 85°23'W | 2 | 23 | 25.0M | 0 | Russell | ||
| 48.8 | 1984-05-03 | 2 | 33°32'N / 85°41'W | 33°34'N / 85°31'W | 8.40 Miles | 400 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Cleburne |
| 48.9 | 1984-05-03 | 2 | 32°31'N / 85°04'W | 0.40 Mile | 100 Yards | 0 | 1 | 250K | 0 | Lee | |
| 49.1 | 1989-03-05 | 2 | 33°10'N / 85°14'W | 33°22'N / 84°58'W | 20.00 Miles | 167 Yards | 1 | 0 | 2.5M | 0 | Heard |
| 49.3 | 1985-04-05 | 2 | 33°34'N / 85°53'W | 33°35'N / 85°51'W | 2.00 Miles | 200 Yards | 0 | 5 | 250K | 0 | Talladega |
| 49.3 | 1973-05-27 | 2 | 33°15'N / 85°05'W | 0.80 Mile | 100 Yards | 0 | 0 | 2.5M | 0 | Heard | |
| 49.7 | 1963-04-30 | 2 | 32°27'N / 85°12'W | 32°27'N / 85°00'W | 11.70 Miles | 33 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Russell |
| 49.7 | 2008-08-25 | 2 | 33°34'N / 85°40'W | 33°35'N / 85°40'W | 0 | 0 | 100K | 0K | Cleburne | ||
| Brief Description: EVENT NARRATIVE: The tornado touched down on US-431, about a half mile south of the intersection with AL-281. It then moved northwestward, along and just east of US-431, and lifted just before reaching AL-281. One gas station/convenience store and one auto body shop were significantly damaged. Approximately 100 to 200 trees were snapped off or were uprooted along the damage path. This tornado was associated with the remnants of Tropical Storm Fay. EPISODE NARRATIVE: Tropical Storm Fay, and its remnants after landfall, brought high winds, heavy rain, and numerous tornadoes to Central Alabama. | |||||||||||
* The information on this page is based on the global volcano database, the U.S. earthquake database of 1638-1985, and the U.S. Tornado and Weather Extremes database of 1950-2010.