Event Summary
National Weather Service meteorologists surveyed damage in North Central Lee County just north of Opelika and determined that the damage was consistent with an EF-0 tornado. Maximum winds were estimated to be around 70-75 mph.
The tornado touched down just north of downtown Opelika, west of Oak Bowery Road where numerous trees were uprooted east of the road. The tornado then traveled east-southeast crossing Morris Avenue where additional small pine trees were uprooted. Further to the east, the tornado crossed U.S. 431 and Industrial Blvd. where minimal damage was observed. The tornado finally lifted near the Opelika sports complex on Andrews Road where several more soft and hardwood trees were snapped and uprooted. Along the path, 20 to 30 trees sustained damage. However, little to no structure damage was noted.
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