EF2 tornado in Elmore County, Alabama

National Weather Service meteorologists surveyed damage in western Elmore County and determined that it was consistent with an EF2 tornado, with maximum winds near 120 mph. The tornado began in a wooded area near the Autauga/Elmore County line, with snapped tree tops observed west of Highway 143. It tracked northeastward and began to intensify as it reached Coosa River Road and Foreman Road, where multiple hardwood trees were uprooted, a barn was damaged, and minor shingle damage occurred to residences. It continued to uproot trees, damage outbuildings, and remove shingles from homes as it crossed Highway 111 near Chase Drive and Toad Road. More hardwood trees were uprooted along Shady Nook Drive before it began to cross the Shoal Creek inlet of Jordan Lake. It remained over the lake for a little while and uprooted trees near the Lightwood Road bridge, some of which fell on residences. The tornado reached its maximum intensity as it reached the northeast side of Jordan Lake. Multiple residences on Circle Drive suffered roof damage with much of the roof removed from one residence. Many hardwood trees were snapped and some boathouses were destroyed. The tornado continued to move along the northeast shore of the lake uprooting trees, some of which fell on residences, and caused roof damage. Dozens of residences suffered varying levels of damage. The tornado exited the lake near Joe's Fish Camp Road, where several hardwood trees were uprooted. The tornado became progressively weaker while continuing to uproot a few trees, eventually dissipating northeast of Titus Road prior to reaching Highway 231.

A long-duration severe weather event occurred from the late morning hours of Tuesday, January 3rd to the early morning hours of Wednesday, January 4th. Several rounds of rain and thunderstorms impacted Central Alabama, producing tornadoes, damaging straight-line winds, quarter size hail, and flooding.