EF1 Tornado — Hale, Alabama

2022-11-29 · near Akron, Hale, Alabama

Event narrative

This tornado originated in Greene County and crossed the Black Warrior River into Hale County. The tornado tracked just south of the river for several miles. The first section of observable damage was in the Oak Village Community northwest of Akron. Several homes sustained significant damage near the riverfront where impressive timber damage was observed. The tornado continued northeast toward Stewart where additional timber damage was observed along Highway 42. A home sustained roof damage on Mileous Chapel Road. Near this area timber damage became very diverse in direction and damage intensity. The tornado was at its widest point here with a width around 1,200 yards. Based on the nature of the damage it is believed to have been in a multi-vortex state. The tornado then continued northeast and began to weaken with minor timber damage on Massey Loop Road. The tornado dissipated shortly after crossing Highway 69.

Wider weather episode

A very dynamic and deepening low pressure system moved through the Ohio Valley states on November 29-30 with a trailing cold. The air mass across Central Alabama was initially stable during the day on November 29th with surface dewpoints in the 40s and 50s. Instability increased dramatically the evening of the 29th as 60 plus surface dewpoints advected northward into Central Alabama. A QLCS developed ahead of the approaching cold front in addition to discrete thunderstorms.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (32.8830, -87.8100)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1066382. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.