EF0 tornado in Baldwin County, Alabama

A miniature supercell produced a weak tornado northeast of

Elsanor on the evening of 6/17/2023. After analyzing storm chaser

footage and radar data along with damage reports it was

determined the tornado began around 430 PM CDT just north of I-

10 west of County Road 87 and tracked southeast across I-10 near

the intersection of County Road 87. It was here where there were reports of

some snapped off tree limbs. The rest of the evolution of the

tornado is unique as it slowed and stalled for a brief period

over forest to the north of Timber Company Road before occluding

to the northeast, crossing I-10 near mile marker 59. This is

where additional tree damage was observed and lines up well with

the radar couplet. It is possible the tornado became stronger

after crossing I-10 for the second time as the rotational

velocity increased notably, however this area to the north of I-

10 is primarily forest and limited road access. Thus, the end

point of the tornado is being estimated by the weakening of the

radar velocity couplet and the reports from storm chasers.

Unusually strong wind shear combined with strong instability and numerous disturbances led to a very active period of severe weather through the month of June. Numerous reports of large hail and damaging winds were recorded along with a few tornadoes.