EF2 Tornado — Lawrence, Alabama

2019-12-16 · near Rigdom, Lawrence, Alabama

Event narrative

A team consisting of National Weather Service, Lawrence County Emergency Management, and an Auburn University Structural Engineering survey team determined the damage in northern Lawrence County was attributed to a strong EF-2 tornado.

Damage was first observed along CR 101 north of CR 143. Large-limb tree damage was the primary damage indicator observed in this area, with estimated winds of 107 mph close to touchdown.

East of CR 101, the tornado intensified significantly as it approached CR 265. Approximately 1 mile south of Highway 20, major damage occurred to three structures. Structure damage indicators were a combination of single wide and double wide manufactured homes. It should be noted that one of the structures listed as a double wide was a prefabricated home with no anchor system. The traditional double wide manufactured home included an auger anchor system while the single wide home had a pan anchor system. Regardless of the anchor, each system failed due to intense lifting force, which led to the structure to roll off its plot, causing total destruction. Two fatalities and an injury were reported at the double wide home, with additional injuries at the other destroyed structures.

Thanks to preliminary footage from an Alabama Emergency Management Agency drone team, the tornado was observed to take a slight right turn and continue toward the Courtland area. Along and south of Alabama Highway 20 in Courtland, uprooted and large snapped tree branches were the main damage indicators. A small mobile home was slightly shifted off its plot, denoting mid-range EF-0 winds. The path continued east-northeast and crossed U.S. Highway 72, causing more tree damage on CR 150. Along CR 150, south of CR 400, the strongest damage indicator was a small and well-built block outbuilding. This structure was mostly destroyed, except for a back wall. The tornado continued to weaken as it approached and crossed CR 389. Large tree branches were downed and minor roof damage was observed at three residences. Minor tree damage continued toward the river in the vicinity of CR 400.

The tornado crossed the Tennessee River and laid down again on the Limestone County shore near Brigadoon Drive.

Wider weather episode

During the late afternoon and evening hours, a broken line of severe thunderstorms pushed rapidly east across north Alabama. The thunderstorms produced at least (6) tornadoes, numerous reports of wind damage and a couple reports of large hail in north Alabama.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (34.6445, -87.4126)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 865237. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.