National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

 

Blount Mountain EF-1 Tornado (Blount/St. Clair Counties)
  March 19, 2018

 
 

Event Summary

National Weather Service meteorologists surveyed damage in extreme southeast Blount County and northern St. Clair County and determined that the damage was consistent with an EF-1  tornado. The tornado began near Jones Chapel Loop Road with minor tree damage. The tornado then moved east and crossed Daylily Road where dozens of trees were blown down. The tornado crossed Blount Mountain along Walker Gap Road and crossed Crawford Cove Road near Highway 11. Trees in this area were mainly uprooted with only a few snapped off. The tornado continued eastbound and eventually lifted near the Interstate 59 rest area just south of the Ashville exit. The majority of the damage was due to trees falling on structures and power lines. 

 
EF-1
Estimated Maximum Wind:
90 mph
Injuries/Fatalities:
None
Damage Path Length:
6.43 miles
Maximum Path Width:
880 yards
Approximate Start Point/Time:
3 S Highland Lake
33.8515/-86.4152
at 7:50 pm CDT
Approximate End Point/Time:
1 S Whitney Junction
33.8539/-86.3042
at 7:56 pm CDT


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 Radar Data & Damage Pictures
Radar Image  

This is an image of the 0.5 degree reflectivity (left) and velocity (right) data from KBMX at 750 pm as the tornado touched down.

 

 

Damage Image Damage Image

Tree Damage

Roof Damage