EF2 tornado in Elmore County, Alabama

National Weather Service meteorologists surveyed damage in Elmore County and determined that it was consistent with an EF2 tornado, with maximum sustained winds near 120 mph.

The tornado touched down near Shoal Creek Drive on the western shores of Jordan Lake. The initial damage was rather weak and confined to tree damage. The tornado intensified quickly as it moved across Blackberry Road. Many homes suffered minor roof damage and numerous trees were snapped off or uprooted. Several landed on homes. The tornado then crossed Jordan Lake and produced damage to homes on Red Bone Drive, Speigner Road, Shady Lane Road, Jones Corner Road, Montana Drive and Dakota Drive. Hundreds of trees were uprooted with many power poles downed and several homes suffered roof damage. The tornado continued northeastward and crossed Thornton Road. This is where the worst damage occurred. Several homes lost entire roofs and a few walls in this location. The tornado continued northeast and crossed U.S. Highway 231, producing damaged along Laurel Creek Road. One service station sustained extensive damage and numerous trees and power lines were downed in this area. The tornado paralleled Laurel Creek Road and knocked trees down until lifting just before Antioch Road. Over the entire path, at least 35 power poles were snapped and downed, at least 50 structures suffered damage, two convenience stores were damaged, a few homes had roofs removed and walls collapsed, and one car was moved over 30 yards.

A widespread severe weather event occurred across central Alabama aduring the afternoon and evening hours on Thursday, March 14th. The event began in the northwest counties and spread eastward all the way to the Georgia state line. A strong low level jet of 40-50 knots, combined with moderate instability (1000-1500 J/kg) and 0-6km bulk shear of 55-50 knots, produced an atmosphere favorable for severe thunderstorms and supercells.