National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Coaling (Tuscaloosa and Jefferson Counties) EF-3 Tornado
April 27, 2011
 

 
EF-3
Estimated Maximum Wind:
155 mph
Injuries/Fatalities:
None
Damage Path Length:
20.26 miles
Maximum Path Width:
200 yards
Approximate Start Point/Time:
33.1630/-87.3716 at 517 am
Approximate End Point/Time:
33.2960/-87.0594 at 535 am

National Weather Service meteorologists surveyed damage across eastern Tuscaloosa and far southwest Jefferson Counties. It has been determined that the damage was consistent with a tornado. Winds were estimated up to 155 mph. This tornado developed along a Quasi-Linear Convective System in southeast Tuscaloosa County, near Coaling and moved northeastward for approximately 18 miles. It crossed into Jefferson County between Interstate 20 and Bucksville, then continued for nearly 2 miles into Jefferson County. The tornado touched down in the southwestern extent of Coaling, north of CR 14, along Staghorne Dr where it damaged many trees. The tornado quickly strengthened as it moved through Coaling to an EF3 rating with winds of 155 mph as it remained south of US Hwy 11. At least a dozen homes sustained damage. Several homes were completely destroyed. The tornado weakened as it moved east of Coaling and crossed US Hwy 11. The tornado moved across the Mercedes Plant where it caused minor roof damage to one building. It also  knocked down several light poles along Interstate 20 and snapped numerous trees. This damage was consistent with an EF1 rating and winds of 100 mph. The tornado continued to cause tree damage as it moved northeast and approached the Jefferson County line.

The tornado crossed into Jefferson County between Interstate 20 and Bucksville and  continued for nearly 2 miles into Jefferson County. The tornado weakened as it entered Jefferson County near Tingle Springs Circle to an EF0 and its path width gradually became less until the tornado lifted near the intersection of Old Tuscaloosa Highway and Lowetown Rd. Along its path in Jefferson County, the tornado caused tree damage.

 

 
Radar Data 

Radar Image
This is an image of the 0.5 degree reflectivity data from KBMX at 521 am as the circulation passed between Coaling and Vance.
Click to enlarge.

Radar Image
This is an image of the 0.5 degree velocity (SRM) data from KBMX at 521 am as the circulation passed between Coaling and Vance.
Click to enlarge

 
Storm Damage Images 

Storm Damage Image
Garage removed from home

Storm Damage Image
Storm shelter still standing in garage

 

Storm Damage Image
Major home damage

Storm Damage Info
Major home damage