Thunderstorm Wind in Shelby County, Alabama

A tree fell blocking Grande View Parkway and power lines were downed near Benjamin Dr and Smokey Rd.

A cluster of severe thunderstorms developed over south central Arkansas late on May 17 and moved east-southeastward into Central Alabama, arriving shortly after 5 AM CDT. A small MCS feature intensified quickly as it crossed the Mississippi state line into Pickens County. The system moved through Tuscaloosa County, just north of the city of Tuscaloosa, where up to 90 to 100 mph winds resulted in widespread wind damage and power outages. Simultaneously, several severe thunderstorms began forming around and just southeast of the Birmingham metro area, with half dollar-size hail and wind damage across parts of Jefferson, Shelby, and Talladega counties. More wind damage was associated with the main MCS as it moved through Talladega, Clay, Tallapoosa, and Randolph counties before 7:45 AM CDT. Heavy rainfall over the southern Birmingham metro resulted in some flooding issues as well. Additionally, a storm that afternoon in Chilton County produced nickel-size hail in the Lomax area.