NWS Confirms Three EF2 Tornadoes In West Alabama During Deadly Storms Thursday

BIRMINGHAM, AL — The National Weather Service Forecast Office in Birmingham says three EF2 tornadoes hit west Alabama on Thursday, resulting in one death and multiple injuries in the Hale County community of Sawyerville.

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The NWS said preliminary storm damage surveys had been completed across Bibb, Hale, Greene, Sumter and Tuscaloosa counties, which confirmed the multiple tornados.

What's more, while several areas of rotation were examined near Vance and Woodstock during this particular severe weather event, no damage was reported or observed in Tuscaloosa County.

The Enhanced Fujita Scale classifies tornadoes based on their wind speed, with EF2 tornadoes considered "strong"

EF2 tornadoes are those with winds ranging from 111 to 135 mph.

Here's a breakdown of each confirmed tornado on Thursday, Feb. 3

• The first tornado has a confirmed path width of roughly 900 yards and traveled a distance of 15.47 miles on the ground, packing winds of 120 mph. This tornado touched down six miles south of the Cuba community in Sumter County on Jarman Road at 12:52 p.m., reaching its maximum intensity near Jemison and Campbell streets. It dissipated roughly three miles northwest of Lilita roughly half an hour later.
• The deadly tornado that struck Sawyerville was estimated to have been 1,700 yards wide, traveling a distance of 25.91 miles, according to the NWS damage survey. With peak estimated wind speeds of 135 mph, this tornado touched down at approximately 1:41 p.m. near Harper Hill in Hale County, before weakening around 2:16 p.m. two miles east of Tishabee in Greene County. The survey summary for this tornado is expected to be updated as assessments continue.
• The third tornado that struck west Alabama Thursday was approximately 400 yards wide and traveled a distance of just over seven miles after forming three miles east of Phipps in Hale County. This tornado, with peak wind speeds estimated at 125 mph, touched down southwest of Eagle Drive off of Hale County Road 49, causing extensive tree damage before eventually dissipating three miles north of Low Gap in southern Tuscaloosa County. This tornado lasted from 2:31 p.m. until 2:42 p.m.

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