Tropical Storm — Jefferson, Alabama

2005-08-29 to 2005-08-30 · Jefferson, Alabama

Event narrative

Hundreds of trees and power lines were snapped off or blown down during Katrina. Numerous roadways were impassable due to the fallen trees. Many structures, homes and vehicles were damaged. At least 150,000 customers were without power for several hours.

Wider weather episode

Hurricane Katrina made landfall along the Gulf Coast early Monday morning August 29, 2005 as a large category four hurricane. Sustained winds were around 145 mph in southeast Louisiana. Katrina continued northward affecting areas from New Orleans to Mobile. Devastating damage occurred along the Gulf Coast and New Orleans sustained major damage and flooding. Katrina weakened to a tropical storm by Monday evening August 29, 2005 northwest of Meridian. Katrina continued northward across eastern Mississippi overnight. Katrina produced local effects that were widespread across central Alabama. Thousands of trees and power lines were brought down, minor to major structural damage occurred and power outages were lengthy and widespread. Several locations remained without power for a week or longer. Six tornadoes occurred across central Alabama in association with Katrina, 4 F0's and two F1's. Storm total rain amounts ranged from one inch or less in the northeast to 5 to 6 inches in the northwest counties near the Mississippi state line. Only Tuscaloosa County reported flash flooding and only minor river flooding occurred on the upper Tombigbee River. Alabama Power reported that this was the worst event in their history for damage and power outages statewide. A few storm total rain amounts include Hamilton (4.82 inches), Addison (3.62 inches), Troy (2.18 inches) and Selma (2.00 inches). A few peak wind gusts reported include Cuba (80 mph), Fayette (75 mph), Vance (68 mph), Birmingham (60 mph) and Oakmulgee (49 mph). Many locations west of a line from Selma to Hamilton may have experienced wind gusts up to 80 mph. Two men were injured in Tuscaloosa County when a tree fell in front of their vehicle and then the vehicle slid under it. One person was slightly injured when a tree fell on their home in Pickens County. One man was injured when a tree fell on his car in Marengo County. In Hale County, two people were injured when a tree fell on their mobile home. One man was injured when a tree fell onto his home. One man was injured when he left his vehicle as trees fell around him and he was subsequently hit by another vehicle.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5471325. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.