SEVERE WEATHER RECAP/CONFIRMED TORNADOES JANUARY 12TH: There have now been 10 tornadoes confirmed in Georgia so far many of which were between Atlanta and Macon and particularly in and around Griffin, Jackson and LaGrange. Some of the tornadoes tracked through several counties with wind speeds up to 150 mph in some of them. I also have the ALABAMA Tornadoes posted below: Public Information Statement
National Weather Service Peachtree City GA
606 PM EST Tue Jan 17 2023
...NWS Damage Survey for 01/12/23 Tornado Event - Update # 8...
.Update...
This update includes the addition of the long track
Spalding/Butts/Newton/Jasper Tornado and an additional
Butts/Newton tornado, bringing the number of tornadoes with
completed surveys to 10.
.Overview...
A line of strong thunderstorms moved into north and central
Georgia during the afternoon through the evening on Thursday,
January 12th and spawned numerous tornadoes, including several
that were long track and significant. Ahead of this line, a few
supercells also spawned tornadoes in portions of central and
eastern Georgia. As of this writing, survey information is still
being compiled and will be released in coming days. Thus, the
final tornado count is still being determined. The total number
of tornadoes with completed surveys below stands at 10, with more to
be added.
..Spalding/Butts/Newton/Jasper Tornado...
Rating: EF2
Estimated Peak Wind: 130 mph
Path Length /statute/: 31.98 miles
Path Width /maximum/: 1400 yards
Fatalities: 2
Injuries: 10
Start Date: 01/12/2023
Start Time: 04:27 PM EST
Start Location: 3 N Orchard Hill / Spalding County / GA
Start Lat/Lon: 33.2252 / -84.2021
End Date: 01/12/2023
End Time: 05:01 PM EST
End Location: 4 S Mansfield / Jasper County / GA
End Lat/Lon: 33.464 / -83.7343
Survey Summary:
Radar data, areal surveys and ground surveys confirm that a long
track EF2 tornado occurred beginning a few miles east of Griffin
GA through Butts, Newton and into Jasper counties. The tornado
was part of a larger mesocyclone which can be traced west all the
way back to the Selma Alabama tornado which spawned numerous
tornadoes during its lifecycle. This particular tornado first
touched down in an area around Crouch road and Wild Plum Road
snapping and uprooting trees. The tornado struck a Rinai
building causing damage to the roof, windows and outside walls.
The tornado continued northeast snapping and uprooting trees
quickly intensifying as it crossed hwy 19 becoming and EF2.
Widespread tree damage was noted along S. McDonough Road and
Walnut Grove Road north of Hwy 16. A well built home sustained
significant roof and structure damage consistent with high end
EF2 winds. The tornado continued northeast crossing High Falls
Road, N. Walkers Mill Road, Yamacraw road snapping and uprooting
trees consistent with EF1 damage. As the tornado continued
northeast, it became the dominant circulation within the larger
mesocyclone as the previous Griffin tornado began to occlude
within the large circulation. The tornado crossed Jackson road
and paralleled Jenkinsburg road before crossing I75 near
Jenkinsburg Road. Snapped and uprooted trees were noted along
both sides of I75 where the tornado crossed. As the storm became
the dominant circulation within the mesocyclone, the wind field
expanded and the damage became fairly consistent with high end
EF1 to low EF2 thereafter. The tornado crossed Locust Road, Dean
Patrick Road and England Chapel Road were numerous trees were
snapped and uprooted. Some home damage was noted in the area as
well, particularly as it approached Shiloah Road. Several homes
were damaged along Plaza Dr and Smith Dr. The tornado continued
NE crossing Hwy 23 striking a large warehouse. Severe roof and
exterior wall damage was noted as debris was spread across the
highway and to the NE of the hwy. As the tornado crossed the
highway it struck a train on the tracks and overturned 3 rail
cars just west Walter Moore Rd. The storm continued northeast
crossing Wolf Creek Road snapping and uprooting trees near
several homes consistent with EF1 wind damage. The tornado
continued northeast crossing Rising Star Church road and Brown
road snapping and uprooting trees. As the storm continued
northeast beyond this point, the remnant circulation which last
produced damage near Locust Grove regenerated a new tornado a
little over a mile to the northwest along Fincherville Road. The
two tornadoes would continue to the NE nearly parallel through
the Jackson Lake area. This particular tornado continued
northeast and would intensify to EF2 as it crossed Hwy 36 north
of Keys Ferry Road and Haley Road. The fatality and critical
injury directly associated with this tornado occurred along Haley
Road when a tree fell onto a vehicle injuring the driver and
fatally wounding a passenger. EF2 damage was noted East of
hwy36 along Haley Road, Pocahontas St. Chickasaw lane and several
neiborhoods along the lake. The tornado crossed into Southern
Newton County causing severe damage along Parker Road, Ray Road,
Malcom Rd, Quarry Ct, Pebble Ridge Dr, Hunters Trace, Campbell Rd
and Hwy 212 as it entered Jasper County near the Franks
Restaurant. EF1 to low end EF2 damage was intermittent along
Yancy Rd, Dallas Tr, Gem Lane, Lee s Cove, Alcovy N. Dr, Rainbow
Dr and County Line Road. The Bear Creek Marian was destroyed
and several campers were destroyed. The storm continued NE
crossing Henderson Mill Road snapping and uprooting trees, County
line Trail and Hwy 11 before weakening and lifting as it
approached Margery Lake. A second fatality was resulted the
following day when a lineman was knocked out of a bucket truck in
Jasper County after being struck by a large tree branch while
attempting to restore powerlines. The fatality, is considered
indirect but will be tied to this particular tornado.
Widespread wind damage can be seen via areal survey and ground
survey throughout northern Butts, Southern Newton and Western
Jasper counties and surveying this particular storm was a
challenge to discern where the tornado actually ended and where
the severe wind damage started. The path width is an
approximation based on the most severe damage swaths which were
surveyed however, strong inflow winds occurred for much of the
lifecyle of this tornado making a very wide swath of damage along
its 30+ mile long path.
..Butts/Newton Tornado...
Rating: EF1
Estimated Peak Wind: 95 mph
Path Length /statute/: 9.93 miles
Path Width /maximum/: 500 yards
Fatalities: 0
Injuries: 0
Start Date: 01/12/2023
Start Time: 04:49 PM EST
Start Location: 3 SSW Fincherville / Butts County / GA
Start Lat/Lon: 33.3649 / -83.9775
End Date: 01/12/2023
End Time: 04:57 PM EST
End Location: 1 NW North Alcovy / Newton County / GA
End Lat/Lon: 33.4371 / -83.8297
Survey Summary:
Radar data, areal surveys and ground surveys confirm that the
circulation which was the long track EF3 tornado through Griffin
GA regenerated a tornado in NW Butts County after crossing out of
Henry County. This tornado was part of a larger mesocyclone
which can be traced west all the way back to the Selma Alabama
tornado which spawned numerous tornadoes during its lifecycle.
This particular tornado first touched West of Fincherville Rd
snapping and uprooting numerous trees on both sides of the road
and in the forest land to the west and east. The storm continued
Northeast crossing Keys Ferry Road where much of the wind damage
became intertwined with the long track tornado to the south of
it. Damage was noted near Parker Rd and Hwy 36, Hwy 162 and Hwy
36 and along Hwy 36 just south of the Yellow River Bridge. The
tornado paralleled Hwy 36 snapping and uprooting trees from
Malcom Rd and Hwy 36 through Stewart Church Road, Heatherstone
Way and the intersection of Hwy 212 and Hwy 36 where a barn was
destroyed, several trees were snapped and uprooted, and a large
section of roof was removed from a car wash. Severe tree damage
and damage to a greenhouse and a few homes were noted along
Stewart Church road. Areal survey confirms the tornado did not
last long after crossing hwy 212 and lifted as it approached the
Alcovy River. It should be noted that the damage from this
tornado is very close to and possibly butting up against the
damage area defined by the long track tornado which crossed
through the Jackson Lake area. As a result, the damage area from
both in some cases is nearly 2.5 miles across with swaths of more
severe damage where the circulation of the actual tornado can be
tracked. Combined with the severe winds and inflow winds,
significant damage was noted all across this region of northern
Butts, Southern Newton and western Jasper counties and much of
the Jackson Lake area.
..Standing Rock Tornado (NW Troup County)...
Rating: EF2
Estimated Peak Wind: 120 mph
Path Length /statute/: 20.9 miles
Path Width /maximum/: 1600 yards
Fatalities: 0
Injuries: 0
Start Date: 01/12/2023
Start Time: 03:08 PM EST
Start Location: 1 WSW White Plains / Chambers County / AL
Start Lat/Lon: 32.9871 / -85.4131
End Date: 01/12/2023
End Time: 03:24 PM EST
End Location: 1 SW Wares Crossroads / Troup County / GA
End Lat/Lon: 33.0972 / -85.0874
Survey Summary:
NWS meteorologists have surveyed damage in northeastern Chambers
County and determined it was consistent with an EF2 tornado. The
start point was a bit uncertain due to sporadic timber damage
around Five Points, but appears to be near County Road 114 west of
Highway 431 to the southwest of Five Points. Northeast of Five
Points, the tornado intensified, snapping and uprooting many trees
along County Road 267 and causing roof damage to a barn. The
swath of timber damage became almost a mile wide along County
Roads 281 and 282 and at least one residence there suffered roof
damage. The tornado continued to intensify as it crossed County
Road 268 where large swaths of pine trees were snapped. A
manufactured home was completely destroyed and blown downstream
near County Road 278; thankfully the family was not home at the
time. Most of the structural damage happened along County Road
284. A couple residences suffered significant shingle damage, one
had siding damage, and a manufactured home had its porch ripped
off, impacting its walls. Another manufactured building was blown
off its footings. Another significant swath of snapped pines was
observed on County Road 283, some snapped off only a couple feet
off the ground. The tornado then crossed into Georgia, continuing
to snap trees along West Point Lake.
Numerous trees were snapped along the end of North State Line Rd
as the tornado crossed the lake. The tornado began to weaken some
as it made its way into Deer Point Rd and Rock Mills Road where
tree damage and some damage to shingles and gutters occurred for a
few homes. The tornado continued east through mostly wooded
areas, doing damage to pines and crossing just north of a few
homes along Neely Rd. Weakening continued as it continued NE with
only minor tree damage occurring before the tornado dissipated
along Cameron Mill Rd.
..Cobb County Tornado...
Rating: EF1
Estimated Peak Wind: 110 mph
Path Length /statute/: 1.5 miles
Path Width /maximum/: 150 yards
Fatalities: 0
Injuries: 0
Start Date: 01/12/2023
Start Time: 03:30 PM EST
Start Location: 2 NNE Sweetwater Creek State Park /
Douglas County / GA
Start Lat/Lon: 33.7830 / -84.6071
End Date: 01/12/2023
End Time: 03:33 PM EST
End Location: 2 WNW Six Flags Over Georgia / Cobb
County / GA
End Lat/Lon: 33.7867 / -84.5823
Survey Summary:
As a line of strong to severe thunderstorms moved through the
west Atlanta metropolitan area and into southwest Cobb county, a
brief tornado spun up near the intersection of Oak Ridge Rd and
Oak Ridge Pkwy SW, which is about a half-mile to the north of I-
20. The tornado immediately caused damage to the 18 Wheeler Truck
Parts & Chrome building, causing a portion of an exterior wall to
collapse. A door was open on the back side of the building,
providing a failure point as tornado winds entered the building.
The tornado moved northeastward across Ivy Pointe Row SW and Ivy
Log Dr SW, where several large and tall trees were snapped and
caused damage to roofs and walls of homes. The tornado then
turned east-northeast, bringing down additional trees onto Ivy
Log Dr SW, Maple Log Pl SW, and Poplar Log Pl SW. Two homes on
Poplar Log Pl SW sustained major damage as large trees fell on
the home, removing portions of the roof and walls, which were
then tossed by the tornado winds. The tornado then turned east-
southeastward, uprooting several trees on Hembree Ln SW and Blair
Bridge Rd SW, once again falling on homes and causing structural
damage. The tornado continued onto William Rd, snapping and
uprooting about a dozen trees before finally lifting and
dissipating over Myra Ln SW. No other notable damage was observed
beyond this point. There were locations along the track over
which it appears the tornado lifted just enough to bring taller,
larger trees down onto homes, but leave objects on the ground
mostly undisturbed. Maximum winds based on damage is estimated to
be 110 mph which equates to an EF-1 rating.
..Troup County (LaGrange) Tornado...
Rating: EF2
Estimated Peak Wind: 120 mph
Path Length /statute/: 12.3 miles
Path Width /maximum/: 1060 yards
Fatalities: 0
Injuries: 4
Start Date: 01/12/2023
Start Time: 03:34 PM EST
Start Location: 3 NE Cannonville / Troup County / GA
Start Lat/Lon: 32.9927 / -85.0735
End Date: 01/12/2023
End Time: 03:47 PM EST
End Location: 1 ENE Mountville / Troup County / GA
End Lat/Lon: 33.0428 / -84.8720
Survey Summary:
Re-cycling from a parent supercell tracking from Chambers County
(Alabama) into Troup County (Georgia), this tornado touched down
just south of Callaway Airport, snapping several trees along
Pegasus Pkwy. Damage quickly picked up just to the northeast
approaching Whitesville Road (just north of I-85) where several
one-story metal buildings had significant roof damage, along with
their garage doors and windows blown in. Numerous trees in this
area were either snapped or uprooted. Several power poles along
Orchard Hill Road were broken off near the top. Maximum winds in
this area were determined to be in the 90-100 mph range (EF-1).As
the tornado continued northeast, a large warehouse building at
the Vaughan Xpress transportation facility sustained significant
damage. About 1/4 of the large warehouse was completely destroyed
with several metal bolt anchors stretched or ripped up out of the
concrete pad. Winds were estimated between 110-120 mph at this
time and as it crossed I-85, a large number of trees were snapped
(some near the base) or uprooted. Widespread significant damage
by this strong tornado continued across the Baldwin Park
community. In this location, more than 30 homes had significant
damage; one and two-story homes lost major parts of the roof and
upper level floors along with at least partial-collapse of
exterior walls. Debris was thrown for hundreds of yards. Winds in
this area likely maxed out around 120 mph, making this an EF-
2 tornado. The tornado continued east-northeast, cutting down
trees across Upper Big Springs Road, I-185, and Stewart Road
(east of I-185). There's a fairly rural/wooded area between
Stewart Road and the next road (Parmer road) about 2 miles apart
but damage picked back up along Hwy 109/Greenville Road (mostly
trees snapped/uprooted). The tornado then ripped through the town
of Mountville, snapping and uprooting multiple medium to large
trees along Trippe and College streets. A couple more trees were
uprooted along Wood Road, but little to no damage was seen beyond
this area. Seeing this and what was on radar, this fairly long-
track tornado finally lifted just before the Meriwether County
line.
..Meriwether/Northwest Pike/Southwest Spalding Tornado...
Rating: EF2
Estimated Peak Wind: 120 mph
Path Length /statute/: 27.6 miles
Path Width /maximum/: 1500 yards
Fatalities: 0
Injuries: 0
Start Date: 01/12/2023
Start Time: 03:45 PM EST
Start Location: 2 ENE Mountville / Meriwether County / GA
Start Lat/Lon: 33.0517 / -84.8527
End Date: 01/12/2023
End Time: 04:17 PM EST
End Location: 3 SW Zetella / Spalding County / GA
End Lat/Lon: 33.2147 / -84.4300
Survey Summary:
As the Troup County tornado lifted southeast of LaGrange just
west of the Troup-Meriwether County line, another long-track and
powerful tornado formed just east of the county line near Keith Rd
0.9 miles north of GA109. The tornado initially traveled north
then turned to a east-northeast direction crossing Wilbur Keith Rd
and Piney Woods Rd downing hundreds of trees. The tornado
broadened and intensified as it approached GA100 with a diameter
of 0.9 miles and winds over 100 mph uprooting and snapping over
1000 trees. A home on Forrest Rd had its entire roof blown off
where max winds were estimated at 120 mph and first reached EF- 2
intensity. The tornado continued at 100 to 120 mph intensity as it
continued east-northeast into neighborhoods south of Allie Rd
along Mount Pilgram Rd where several homes were damaged or
destroyed by trees falling on them. One double-wide manufactured
home on Ground Hog Dr had its roof blown off and was shifted 20
yards off its foundation, breaking the home in half.
The tornado continued east-northeast along Allie Rd crossing
US27. Just east of US27 a very large stand of trees were snapped
and a large recently-constructed two-story barn was destroyed.
Just east of this location, two single-wide mobile home completely
destroyed. The residents of one of the homes was at the hospital
when the tornado struck and returned home early next morning to
find it in shambles. Here, maximum winds were also rated at EF- 2
intensity (120 mph). The tornado began to weaken east of this
point and it tracked a bit more northeast in direction, crossing
Rocky Mountain Rd and Malcom Rd before it traveled along Callaway
Rd downing several hundred more trees as it moved near the Alps
community. While the tornado remained weak east of this area, the
overall storm remained extremely strong and the tornado did not
dissipate, continuing east-northeast cross GA362 and paralleling
the Flint River as it crossed into the far SW tip of Spalding
County, crossing Hollonville Rd, and briefly crossing into the
Pike County side of the Flint River. Here winds were only 75- 80
mph downing several trees as far as could be seen from public
roadways. The tornado lifted somewhere east of Blanton Mill Rd
about 0.3 miles north of the Pike-Spalding County line.
..Pike/Spalding/Henry County Tornado...
Rating: EF3
Estimated Peak Wind: 150 mph
Path Length /statute/: 31.9 miles
Path Width /maximum/: TBD
Fatalities: 0
Injuries: 18
Start Date: 01/12/2023
Start Time: 4:11 PM EST
Start Location: 1 W Hollonville / Pike County / GA
Start Lat/Lon: 33.1643 / -84.4861
End Date: 01/12/2023
End Time: 4:44 PM EST
End Location: 3 SW Fincherville / Henry County / GA
End Lat/Lon: 33.3740 / -84.0014
Survey Summary:
Per radar data, areal surveys and ground surveys it has been
determined that there were 3 tornadoes on the ground
simultaneously in southwest Spalding and Northwestern Pike
Counties. The tornadoes were part of a larger mesocyclone which
can be traced west all the way back to the Selma Alabama tornado.
This particular tornado would become the dominant circulation
which impacted Griffin and much of Spalding County and Southern
Henry County. The tornado first touched down in Northwest Pike
County along HWY 362 west of Irish Hill Drive where a few trees
were snapped and uprooted and quickly increased in intensity to
EF1 as it crossed Kings Bridge Road, Huff Creek Rd and Scott Road
where numerous trees were snapped and uprooted. As the storm
crossed Blanton Mill Road more severe damage was noted both on
the
ground and areal survey and it was determined that EF2 damage was
present in the area around Nunnally Rd and Bethany Road where
widespread snapping of trees occurred and a few structures were
severely damaged. The storm continued ENE crossing into Spalding
County southwest of Williamson Road where EF2 damage was noted.
As
the storm passed Rover-Zetella Rd it was noted on radar that the
merging of circulations began to occur with the tornado which
formed briefly in SW Spalding county. It was near this point the
tornado and the wind damage was noted as widespread spanning
nearly 2 miles across with very strong inflow winds noted to the
south near Rover Rd and Rover-Zetella Rds. It was at this point
the tornado reached peak intensity of 145-150 mph and several
homes were completely destroyed along Kendall Drive. 2 homes in
particular were noted to be completely destroyed down to the
foundation however further inspection of the homes revealed that
the walls were not anchored fully anchored into the concrete thus
a higher rating could not be determined from those homes. The
resident of one of those homes rode out the storm in his bathtub,
however the bathtub and all plumbing fixtures were torn away from
the slab and tossed into the nearby woods. The survivor of the
home was miraculously uninjured and got out to help neighbors.
Further west along Kendall Drive several homes were also
completely destroyed with several others suffering major damage
thus the EF3 rating. Major to severe damage was also noted along
Maloy Road, Hwy 16, areas around Griffin High School, The club at
Shoal Creek and North Pine Hill Road. As the tornado approached
Hwy 19, per UGA faculty, the UGA facility at Dempsey Farm
recorded
a wind speed of 81.1 mph before the anemometer/wind combo
instrument blew off the tower. The tornado continued ENE through
the community of Experiment to the NW of the town of Griffin
crossing HWY 92 where numerous business and homes suffered damage
either from wind or fallen trees consistent with EF0 through EF1
damage. A weather instrument on the south end of the tornado
swath
at the UGA Griffin Campus recorded a 73.9 mph wind gust as the
storm passed by. Damage in the area was consistent with EF0 type
wind damage. The tornado struck a Hobby Lobby building in an
around Experiment St and Hwy 92 which suffered severe damage to
the roof, and exterior walls on the northeast side. Damage to the
building was consistent with EF2 winds of approximately 130 mph.
The tornado continued Northeast through the northside of Griffin
with mostly EF0-EF1 type wind damage. Pockets of more severe
damage were noted along Northside Drive and McIntosh Road
consistent with high end EF1 damage. The tornado continued
northeast crossing Smoak Road and N. McDonough road where it was
noted both on the ground and from the air that the circulation
weakened and the damage become more sporadic in nature
particularly the area from Amelia rd eastward to I75 in southern
Henry County. Once the circulation crossed I75 intensity of the
tornado increased to a mid to high end E1 with damage in the city
of Locust Grove. The tornado crossed LG Griffin Road where it
impacted numerous homes in a subdivision and snapped or uprooted
trees. The storm crossed Stanley K Tanger Road and through
another
neighborhood affecting several homes including some high end EF1
damage. As the storm crossed Hwy 23 numerous trees were snapped
or
uprooted and a new TDS appeared on radar. The tornado continued
NE across Jackson St, Grove Park Drive, Skyland Dr, S. Unity
Grove
Road and S Ola grove road snapping and uprooting trees as well as
causing EF0 or in some cases EF1 damage to homes. The storm
continued ENE snapping and uprooting trees through Peaksville
Road
where it shortly there after become less defined and eventually
merged with the circulation/tornado ongoing to the south in the
Jenkinsburg area. According to Spalding County officials,
approximately 1465 homes were affected in the city of Griffin and
754 were affected in the county with at least 250+ suffering
major
damage or destroyed with assessments still ongoing. Additional
numbers from Pike and Henry county will be added to the total
when
assessments are completed. Additional data will be examined to
determine the maximum width of the tornado. As mentioned in the
summary, the damage area west of Griffin is approximately 2 miles
wide, however, areal survey confirms a wide area of EF0 and EF1
inflow wind damage from the south thus determining a max width
will take more examination of the data.
..Southwest Spalding County Tornado...
Rating: EF1
Estimated Peak Wind: 90 mph
Path Length /statute/: 3.7 miles
Path Width /maximum/: 200 yards
Fatalities: 0
Injuries: 0
Start Date: 01/12/2023
Start Time: 04:19 PM EST
Start Location: 3 SSW Zetella / Spalding County / GA
Start Lat/Lon: 33.2089 / -84.4154
End Date: 01/12/2023
End Time: 04:22 PM EST
End Location: 1 E Zetella / Spalding County / GA
End Lat/Lon: 33.2346 / -84.3602
Survey Summary:
Per both radar data, areal surveys and ground surveys it has been
determined that there were 3 tornadoes on the ground
simultaneously in southwest Spalding and Northwestern Pike
Counties. The tornadoes were part of a larger mesocyclone which
can be traced west all the way back to the Selma Alabama tornado.
This particular tornado briefly spun up near the Pike and
Spalding
county line just west of Scott Branch Road per both radar
confirmed Tornado Debris Signature (TDS) and ground truth with
snapped or uprooted trees in that area. This tornado continued
East North east crossing Yarborough Mill Road snapping and
uprooting trees before crossing near the intersection of Blanton-
Mill Rd and Rover-Zetella Road where trees were snapped and
uprooted. As the tornado tracked east it became absorbed into the
circulation that was simultaneously tracking NE out of northern
Pike County just to the west of the Kendall Drive area. It was as
this tornado and the other circulation came together the overall
intensity peaked over and to the Northeast of the Kendall Drive
area along Hwy 16 west of Griffin which ultimately became the
longer track tornado which tracked through Griffin. This tornado
track will end in the approximate area where it came together
with
the other circulation.
..Warren/McDuffie County Tornado...
Rating: EF1
Estimated Peak Wind: 110 mph
Path Length /statute/: 5.2 miles
Path Width /maximum/: 75 yards
Fatalities: 0
Injuries: 0
Start Date: 01/12/2023
Start Time: 04:30 PM EST
Start Location: Camak / Warren County / GA
Start Lat/Lon: 33.4518 / -82.6411
End Date: 01/12/2023
End Time: 04:39 PM EST
End Location: 2 NNE Mesena / McDuffie County / GA
End Lat/Lon: 33.4897 / -82.565
Survey Summary:
A National Weather Service survey team confirmed an EF-1 tornado
with peak winds of 110 mph that tracked from Camak in eastern
Warren County to west of Thomson in western McDuffie County. The
total tornado path was 5.17 miles, with about 3.15 miles in
Warren County and 2.02 miles in McDuffie County. The Georgia
State Patrol (GSP) Aviation Division used a helicopter to
determine that the tornado began in Camak, just east of Church
Street, and moved toward the northeast. Damage to trees was seen
from the helicopter extending from Camak Rd to the intersection
of Wire Road and Otis Jones Road. A NWS survey team determined
the tornado strengthened to EF-1 intensity as it approached
Mesena Road and continued northeast across the county line to
Foster Sprouse Road. In this area, a couple of homes had roof and
fascia damage, a metal work shed and outdoor kitchen were
destroyed, and a swath of large and healthy pine trees were
snapped and uprooted. As the tornado crossed Foster Sprouse Road,
it continued to snap and uproot trees, one of which fell on a
house. The tornado then weakened as it crossed Union Church Road
and dissipated before reaching West Bypass.
..Butts County Tornado...
Rating: EF1
Estimated Peak Wind: 90 mph
Path Length /statute/: 5.16 miles
Path Width /maximum/: 150 yards
Fatalities: 0
Injuries: 0
Start Date: 01/12/2023
Start Time: 04:35 PM EST
Start Location: 4 SW McKibben / Butts County / GA
Start Lat/Lon: 33.2502 / -84.1095
End Date: 01/12/2023
End Time: 04:38 PM EST
End Location: 1 NE McKibben / Butts County / GA
End Lat/Lon: 33.2848 / -84.0312
Survey Summary:
Radar and ground survey confirm that a EF1 tornado briefly
touched down west of I75 along Windy Lane. The tornado was part
of a larger mesocyclone which can be traced west all the way back
to the Selma Alabama tornado which spawned numerous tornadoes
during its lifecycle. This particular tornado spun up quickly
along Windy Lane before striking a large warehouse along Midway
drive. Sections of the roof were torn off and thrown
northeastward into the parking lot and nearby woods. The
tornado snapped a few trees before crossing I75 just south of hwy
16 before crossing Mattie Thomason Road, Colwell Road and
paralleling Hwy 16 snapping and uprooting trees along both sides
of the highway. The tornado lifted after crossing Joe Lane road
and around High Falls road. A brief TDS can be seen on radar
shortly after the tornado hit the warehouse west of I75.
&&
EF Scale: The Enhanced Fujita Scale classifies tornadoes into the
following categories:
EF0...Weak......65 to 85 mph
EF1...Weak......86 to 110 mph
EF2...Strong....111 to 135 mph
EF3...Strong....136 to 165 mph
EF4...Violent...166 to 200 mph
EF5...Violent...>200 mph
NOTE:
The information in this statement is preliminary and subject to
change pending final review of the events and publication in
NWS Storm Data.
ALABAMA:
NWS Damage Survey for 01/12/2023 Tornado Event Update #10...
.Update...Increased maximum wind speed for the Standing Rock
tornado in Chambers County to 130 mph based on timber damage near
County Road 283.
Various forms of aerial and satellite imagery will be analyzed
over the coming days which could result in path length or width
changes to any of these tornadoes. Any additional analysis or
survey work that results in information changes will be passed
along as it becomes available.
.Overview...Numerous strong to severe thunderstorms impacted
Central Alabama during the morning and afternoon hours of
Thursday January 12th, 2023. Several supercell thunderstorms
spawned significant tornadoes which caused paths of damage over
several areas. Thunderstorms also produced damaging straight-line
winds over many areas, as well as hail up to golf ball size. A
total of 9 tornadoes occurred across Central Alabama. Notably, the
Old Kingston-Lake Martin EF3 Tornado had a long-track path of
over 76 miles and was at least 1,500 yards wide. This tornado
caused 7 fatalities and 16 injuries.
.Tornado #1 Delmar Tornado (Winston County)...
Rating: EF2
Estimated Peak Wind: 125 mph
Path Length /statute/: 9.18 miles
Path Width /maximum/: 425 yards
Fatalities: 0
Injuries: 0
Start Date: 01/12/2023
Start Time: 08:05 AM CST
Start Location: 1 E Delmar / Winston County / AL
Start Lat/Lon: 34.1658 / -87.5864
End Date: 01/12/2023
End Time: 08:18 AM CST
End Location: 3 SE Ashridge / Winston County / AL
End Lat/Lon: 34.204 / -87.4334
Survey Summary:
The tornado touched down east of Delmar near County Rd 20 where
timber damage was observed in addition to minor structural damage. The
tornado continued northeast into a heavily wooded area near
Tanyard Creek then crossing County Rd 28 where trees were
uprooted. The width here was approximately 150 yards wide. The
tornado continued northeast into additional heavily wooded areas
near Clear Creek then impacting a residence on County Rd 432
uprooting and snapping trees, causing structural damage, and
overturning an RV. The tornado continued to grow in width as it
moved northeast, approximately 425 yards wide as it crossed
Macedonia Rd. The tornado continued to cause additional timber
damage in a heavily wooded area before it impacted a farm near
County Rd 55 and 3182. Here the highest degree of damage occurred
as two large chicken coops were completely destroyed in addition
to 3 other small farm buildings. Nearby structural damage occurred
to at least 4 residences. Adjacent timber damage also occurred.
The tornado continued east-northeast toward Highway 195 where it
dissipated before crossing County Rd 6. Around 25 structures were
damaged due to the tornado. NWS Birmingham would like to thank
Darone and Mike (NWS Memphis) and Alabama Law Enforcement Agency
(ALEA) for their assistance with this survey.
.Tornado #2 Emelle Tornado (Sumter County)...
Rating: EF2
Estimated Peak Wind: 120 mph
Path Length /statute/: 12.87 miles
Path Width /maximum/: 440 yards
Fatalities: 0
Injuries: 1
Start Date: 01/12/2023
Start Time: 09:24 AM CST
Start Location: 2 W Emelle / Sumter County / AL
Start Lat/Lon: 32.7288 / -88.3463
End Date: 01/12/2023
End Time: 09:40 AM CST
End Location: 3 SSE Gainesville / Sumter County / AL
End Lat/Lon: 32.7715 / -88.1314
Survey Summary:
This tornado began near Sumter 24 uprooting trees. The tornado
continued east-northeast along Sumter 24 where it destroyed a
grain bin near Ramsey Lane along with snapping and uprooting a few more
softwood trees. The tornado moved through Emelle where it caused
damage to roofs in the community along with uprooting and snapping
numerous trees. The tornado crossed Highway 74 and took the roof
off of a home and destroyed an outbuilding near the intersection
of Highway 74 and Sunlight Church Road. The tornado was at it's
strongest intensity at this point with a max wind of 120 mph. The
tornado crossed Highway 39 and destroyed a mobile home on Hodges
Place Road. The tornado ended just east of Sumter 21 uprooting and
snapping a few more trees along the way. At least 3 dozen
structures suffered varying degrees of damage. NWS Birmingham
would like to thank Dan (NWS Jackson) for the assistance with this
survey.
.Tornado #3 Eutaw Tornado (Greene, Hale, Tuscaloosa, and Bibb
Counties)...
Rating: EF2
Estimated Peak Wind: 130 mph
Path Length /statute/: 38.76 miles
Path Width /maximum/: 600 yards
Fatalities: 0
Injuries: 0
Start Date: 01/12/2023
Start Time: 09:54 AM CST
Start Location: 1 W Eutaw / Greene County / AL
Start Lat/Lon: 32.842 / -87.9158
End Date: 01/12/2023
End Time: 10:43 AM CST
End Location: 1 WNW Harmon / Bibb County / AL
End Lat/Lon: 33.039 / -87.294
Survey Summary:
This tornado began just west of West End Avenue and moved across
West End Avenue where it destroyed a shed, caused roof damage,
snapped and uprooted trees. The tornado continued to move into the northern
portions of Eutaw where it snapped and uprooted numerous trees
along with minor roof damage to several homes. Trees also fell on
at least 2 homes causing significant damage to the homes. A
rooftop observation deck was taken off of one home and thrown
across the street off of Ashby Drive. The tornado continued east-
northeast before ending just east of Highway 11 snapping and
uprooting several trees along the way. Additional survey work
determined the tornado continued northeast after crossing US Hwy
11 in Greene County, moving into the Oak Village area of Hale
County near Lock 8 Boat Landing on the Black Warrior River. Tree
damage could be seen on both sides of the river from Lock 8. Most
significant damage was on the Hale County side along Flemming Rd
and Oak Village Road. Many mobile homes were destroyed on Flemming
Rd, mostly due to tree fall. Tree fall consisted of hardwood
trees being snapped or uprooted. One home in Oak village sustained
significant damage after garage failure occurred. This resulted
in adjacent walls collapsing and most of the roof structure being
blown north into the river. Additional timber and varying degrees
of structural damage was observed to the end of Oak Village Rd.
This survey was somewhat difficult as this exact area was damaged
by an EF1 tornado just 6 weeks ago. The tornado continued
northeast, but is believed to have weakened or skipped along its
path. Only minor timber damage was found near Stewart and up to
Hwy 69. However, more significant timber damage was found
downstream on County Rd 50, entering the Talladega National
Forest. Hardwood trees were snapped and uprooted with a path width
around 300 yards at this point as the tornado seemingly
strengthened. The tornado then continued over the Elliott's Creek
EF3 path from March 25th, 2021 before crossing into Tuscaloosa
County where high-end timber damage was observed. The path here
was nearly 600 yards wide with the center portion consisting of
most trees snapped at their base, generally 200 yards wide or
more. The rating here was assigned 130 mph, high-end EF2. The
tornado continued northeast crossing US Hwy 82 near Hagler causing
additional timber damage and some minor structural damage at two
homes. It is believed the tornado weakened and dissipated
thereafter, generally north of US Hwy 82 in western Bibb County.
This area was not accessible. At least 60 structures suffered
varying degrees of damage.
.Tornado #4 Greensboro Tornado (Hale and Perry Counties)...
Rating: EF2
Estimated Peak Wind: 115 mph
Path Length /statute/: 21.22 miles
Path Width /maximum/: 500 yards
Fatalities: 0
Injuries: 0
Start Date: 01/12/2023
Start Time: 10:47 AM CST
Start Location: 2 S Duffys Bend / Hale County / AL
Start Lat/Lon: 32.6221 / -87.7543
End Date: 01/12/2023
End Time: 11:15 AM CST
End Location: Morgan Springs / Perry County / AL
End Lat/Lon: 32.7394 / -87.4184
Survey Summary:
The tornado touched down in a remote area of Hale County, near
Clements Bend on the Black Warrior River. From there, it moved
east-northeast across CR-35, where downed numerous trees on a farm
near the State Cattle Ranch. From there, it continued to snap and
uproot numerous trees in a largely rural area, before causing
considerable damage to the roof of a house along AL-69. The
tornado grew to EF-2 strength as it approached the southern part
of the city Of Greensboro. At AL-25, it snapped and uprooted
numerous trees, rolled and destroyed a single-wide manufactured
home, and caused lighter damage to several other structures. The
remaining damage along the path was mostly to timber, including
along AL-61 just southeast of Greensboro, and AL-14 just east of
the city. The tornado then weakened to high EF-0 to low EF- 1
strength as it moved into Perry County near Griffin Cemetery Road,
and ultimately dissipated after snapping off its final few trees
on Morgan Springs Road. At least 30 structures suffered varying
degrees of damage.
.Tornado #5 Fire Tower Road Tornado (Perry and Bibb Counties)...
Rating: EF1
Estimated Peak Wind: 105 mph
Path Length /statute/: 16.80 miles
Path Width /maximum/: 500 yards
Fatalities: 0
Injuries: 0
Start Date: 01/12/2023
Start Time: 11:30 AM CST
Start Location: 1 E Ellards / Perry County / AL
Start Lat/Lon: 32.8096 / -87.2363
End Date: 01/12/2023
End Time: 11:51 AM CST
End Location: 2 NE Talladega National Forest / Bibb
County / AL
End Lat/Lon: 32.8965 / -86.9672
Survey Summary:
The tornado began near the Cahaba River west of National Forest
Road 401D (NF-401D) and Barton Road based on radar estimation of a TDS.
It developed quickly into a high end EF-0 by the time it brushed
Double Branch Rd as it moved east-northeasterly over the forest.
As it crossed Fire Tower Road, it reached maximum EF-1 intensity
of 105 mph based on scores of snapped and uprooted pine trees
right on the ridge. The tornado continued over forested land
before crossing Pawtucky Road, where several pines and hardwoods
were snapped. The tornado then began to weaken as it approached
and crossed Alabama Highway 219 north of the Bibb/Perry county
line. The decaying tornado continued eastward across U.S. Highway
82, where storm chaser video showed a weak circulation crossing
the highway. Dissipation occurred about one mile east of the
highway.
.Tornado #6 Selma Tornado (Dallas County)...
Rating: EF2
Estimated Peak Wind: 130 mph
Path Length /statute/: 22.72 miles
Path Width /maximum/: 800 yards
Fatalities: 0
Injuries: 2
Start Date: 01/12/2023
Start Time: 12:04 PM CST
Start Location: 1 NE Orrville / Dallas County / AL
Start Lat/Lon: 32.3173 / -87.2278
End Date: 01/12/2023
End Time: 12:31 PM CST
End Location: 1 SE Burnsville / Dallas County / AL
End Lat/Lon: 32.4561 / -86.8786
Survey Summary:
National Weather Surveys have concluded that the damage across
Dallas County was consistent with a high-end EF-2 tornado. The
tornado began just east of Orrville near the intersection of Hwy
22 and Cahaba Rd. As it moved northeast, it intensified as the
damage path was nearly parallel with Hwy 22. The damage consisted
of mainly uprooted trees with trunks that were snapped. There were
also several manufactured homes that sustained roof and some foundation
damage. As the tornado continued down Hwy 22, additional tree
damage was observed as it neared the southwestern sections of
Selma. The tornado quickly intensified as it entered the city
limits of Selma, nearly parallel to Hwy 22/W Dallas Ave. the main
damage indicators used were the uprooted hardwood trees and the
snapped softwood trees. Most of the softwood trees were snapped
about halfway up on the trunks. The daycare on W Dallas Ave and
Cooper Dr sustained heavy exterior wall damage and was consistent
with the higher-end EF2 wind speeds. Some debris rowing was also
noted in the downstream vicinity. The second area of higher-end
EF2 damage was noted downstream at the Selma Country Club where
buildings had significant roof and exterior wall damage and there
was a complete blow down of extremely large hardwood trees.
Additional softwood trees were also snapped in and around adjacent
streets. As the tornado continued further north and east, it
entered the northern sections of downtown Selma. Nearly all of the
damage continued to consist of mainly trees, with hard and
softwood trees uprooted. The homes that sustained damage were
observed to have roof material missing or fallen trees that
impacted the structure. Very little damage observed to homes was
directly wind related likely due to the sheltering nature of the
very large and older trees that were embedded within the historic
neighborhoods. However, the tree fall damage remained consistent
with high-end EF-1 or low end EF-2. As the tornado exited
downtown, it crossed Hwy 14, east of Selma, crossing Parkway Dr.
Additional structure damage was noted with exterior walls the were
collapsed consistent once again with higher EF-2 wind speeds. The
tornado finally began to weaken and lift just east near the
Brantley community near River Rd, but not before some significant
damage was observed at the Dallas County Jail on Selfield Rd.
.Tornado #7 Old Kingston-Lake Martin Tornado (Autauga, Elmore,
Coosa, Tallapoosa, and Chambers Counties)...
Rating: EF3
Estimated Peak Wind: 150 mph
Path Length /statute/: 76.67 miles
Path Width /maximum/: 1500 yards
Fatalities: 7
Injuries: 16
Start Date: 01/12/2023
Start Time: 12:48 PM CST
Start Location: 2 ESE Vida Junction / Autauga County / AL
Start Lat/Lon: 32.5565 / -86.646
End Date: 01/12/2023
End Time: 02:08 PM CST
End Location: 1 E Penton / Chambers County / AL
End Lat/Lon: 33.0069 / -85.4552
Survey Summary:
This long-track tornado began just east of U.S. Highway 82, where
a manufactured home was rolled along Autauga County Road 40. Over
the next two miles, the tornado rapidly strengthened as it
approached the Old Kingston community, where EF-3 damage began
along County Road 43. At this location, at least three
manufactured homes were obliterated with their frames thrown up to 100
yards. A pickup truck was sent airborne and landed 120 yards to
the northeast, where a shallow crater was formed by its impact.
The tornado became deadly as it impacted several homes along Sandy
Ridge Road. The frame of a manufactured home at the western end
of the road was thrown 250 yards to the north-northeast and came
to rest in a field. Just downstream, several manufactured homes in
a cluster were shredded and thrown considerable distances. Trees
were snapped off relatively close to the ground and partially
debarked. In total, five fatalities occurred along Sandy Ridge
Road at three separate residences. Similar damage continued to the
northeast along County Road 140, where a total of two fatalities
occurred in two separate residences at the eastern end of the
road. At least five manufactured homes were blown away with their
frames thrown considerable distances. Several vehicles were picked
up and thrown, and one pickup truck had its cab separated from
the bed. From this area to the northeast to County Rd 42, the
tornado caused massive tree damage and what appeared to be stands
of debarked trees along Autauga Creek. In the three mile stretch
of most severe damage from County Road 43 to County Road 42, wind
speeds reached at least 150 mph. Based on the damage scene and
contextual evidence, it is plausible that winds were stronger.
However, with only manufactured homes in the path, there appear to
be no damage indicators that will allow a higher rating. The
tornado moved across County Road 57 at a slightly weaker state,
where numerous trees were snapped and uprooted with several homes
sustaining significant roof damage with one site-built home also
sustaining partial wall failure.
The tornado crossed Interstate 65 where trees were downed. In the
Pine Level community, several homes sustained roof damage and a
manufactured home was rolled off its foundation and onto County
Road 68 E. Many trees were uprooted and snapped as the tornado
crossed through the Pine Flat community. Additional homes
sustained roof damage and other damage from fallen trees, and a
manufactured home was rolled and destroyed. Residential structure
damage intensified as the tornado neared the Autauga/Elmore
county line where site-built homes sustained majority or entire
roof removal along County Road 68 E near Poplar Springs Road.
Similar residential structure damage was observed in northwest
Elmore County as the tornado neared areas west of the Coosa River.
The tornado then crossed the Coosa River, affecting Neely Road on
the west bank and Kelly Road on the east bank, as well as nearby
roads. As the tornado crossed Grays Ferry Road on the northeast
side of Titus, the volume of snapped pine trees increased notably.
Countless trees were snapped and uprooted as the tornado moved
northeastward toward the Elmore/Coosa county line at Highway 231.
Structural damage continued to consist of roof uplift or removal
and damage from wind-blown debris and fallen trees. Radar showed a
debris ball in southern Coosa County which match ground
observation of a truly extensive area of snapped pine trees at and
on either side (downstream and upstream) of the southern portion
of McKissick Road, located between the communities Speed and
Equality. The volume of snapped trees was enough to assign an EF-
3 rating for this segment of the tornado's path. Additional
significant damage occurred along County Road 18 where vehicles
were moved or flipped, numerous trees were snapped, and site-
built homes were heavily damaged with one destroyed. This was
another area assigned EF-3 intensity. The tornado continued
northeastward toward the Coosa/Tallapoosa county line where
additional, relatively less intense timber damage was noted.
Tornado damage continued into Tallapoosa County with a corridor
of timber damaged observed along Cedar Creek and Elkahatchee
Roads. Timber was snapped and uprooted and consistent with EF-1
damage here. The tornado continued northeast crossing Highway 63 S
approaching the Wind Creek State Park area. Timber damage was
observed here. The tornado then moved toward Coven Abbett Road and
then Elbert Road. Several homes sustained damage here, some
significant with roofs blown off, boat houses destroyed, and
adjacent significant timber damage as dozens of large hardwood
trees were snapped and uprooted. Areas impacted near here were
Elbert Drive, Loblolly Lane, and Elbert Rd. The tornado then
crossed the northern section of Lake Martin before impacting
additional lakefront homes. Numerous homes were damaged on River
Run Road and the adjacent side streets. Some homes sustained
significant damage with entire roofs blown away and exterior walls
collapsed or removed. At least two home were shifted from their
foundation. The high-end EF-2 damage here could be partly due to
the interaction of the tornado with the lake surface, as well as
the exposed nature of these homes since most structures inland
seemed to be "sheltered" from adjacent heavily wooded areas. The
tornado also damaged homes along Lake Ridge Drive. The tornado
continued northeast causing pockets of EF-1 timber damage as it
crossed US Highway 280. The tornado then moved across the rest of
Tallapoosa County causing mainly varying degrees of timber damage
in the EF-0 to EF-1 range, including the Sessions area. The
tornado continued northeast into Chambers County causing
additional swaths of mainly timber damage in the EF-0 to EF-1
range. The tornado began its final weakening stage as it neared
Highway 77, dissipating shortly after crossing County Road 114.
.Tornado #8 Standing Rock Tornado (Chambers County)...
Rating: EF2
Estimated Peak Wind: 130 mph
Path Length /statute/: 12.62 miles
Path Width /maximum/: 1600 yards
Fatalities: 0
Injuries: 0
Start Date: 01/11/2023
Start Time: 02:08 PM CST
Start Location: 1 WSW White Plains / Chambers County / AL
Start Lat/Lon: 32.9871 / -85.4131
End Date: 01/11/2023
End Time: 02:24 PM CST
End Location: 2 E Standing Rock / Chambers County / AL
End Lat/Lon: 33.0742 / -85.2257
Survey Summary:
NWS meteorologists have surveyed damage in northeastern Chambers
County and determined it was consistent with an EF2 tornado. The
start point was a bit uncertain due to sporadic timber damage
around Five Points, but appears to be near County Road 114 west
of Highway 431 to the southwest of Five Points. Northeast of Five
Points, the tornado intensified, snapping and uprooting many
trees along County Road 267 and causing roof damage to a barn.
The swath of timber damage became almost a mile wide along County
Roads 281 and 282 and at least one residence there suffered roof
damage. The tornado continued to intensify as it crossed County
Road 268 where large swaths of pine trees were snapped. A
manufactured home was completely destroyed and blown downstream
near County Road 278; thankfully the family was not home at the
time. Most of the structural damage happened along County Road
284. A couple residences suffered significant shingle damage, one
had siding damage, and a manufactured home had its porch ripped
off, impacting its walls. Another manufactured building was blown
off its footings. Another significant swath of snapped pines was
observed on County Road 283, some snapped off only a couple feet
off the ground. The tornado then crossed into Georgia, continuing
to snap trees along West Point Lake.
.Tornado #9 Teals Crossroads Tornado (Barbour County)...
Rating: EF1
Estimated Peak Wind: 105 mph
Path Length /statute/: 10.96 miles
Path Width /maximum/: 900 yards
Fatalities: 0
Injuries: 0
Start Date: 01/12/2023
Start Time: 03:25 PM CST
Start Location: 1 S Doster / Barbour County / AL
Start Lat/Lon: 31.6251 / -85.6726
End Date: 01/12/2023
End Time: 03:38 PM CST
End Location: 1 E Blue Springs State Park / Barbour
County / AL
End Lat/Lon: 31.6616 / -85.4934
Survey Summary:
The tornado initially touched down near Bethel on Sutton Dairy Rd
Causing timber damage near Buck Branch. The tornado continued
northeast into a heavily wooded area and caused continued timber
damage near Dewey Ivey Rd, snapping numerous pines. Additional
damage downstream occurred near farm structures near Huey Faulk
Rd. A home sustained damage due to a fallen tree on County Rd 15.
The tornado continued northeast towards Teals Crossroads where
additional timber damage occurred near Roberts Rd. Some minor
structural damage was observed. The tornado continued east-
northeast crossing County Rd 33 and Turner Rd before dissipating
near Highway 10. NWS Birmingham would like to thank Molly and
Karleisa (NWS Tallahassee) for their assistance with this damage
survey.
&&
EF Scale: The Enhanced Fujita Scale classifies tornadoes into the
following categories:
EF0...Weak......65 to 85 mph
EF1...Weak......86 to 110 mph
EF2...Strong....111 to 135 mph
EF3...Strong....136 to 165 mph
EF4...Violent...166 to 200 mph
EF5...Violent...>200 mph
NOTE:
The information in this statement is preliminary and subject to
change pending final review of the event and publication in NWS
Storm Data.
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