National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Inland Lake Tornado - Blount County
August 25th, 2008

EF-1
Estimated Maximum Wind:
90 MPH
Injuries/Fatalities:
None
Damage Path Length:
0.41 of a Mile
Maximum Path Width:
60 Yards
Approximate Start Point:
33.86/-86.47 at 11:25 AM
Approximate End Point:
33.86/-86.48 at 11:26 AM 

 

A National Weather Service damage assessment team surveyed the storm damage in Blount County.  It was determined that the damage was the result of a tornado.  The tornado was rated an EF-1 on the Enhanced Fujita scale.  Damage estimates were consistent with winds around 90 MPH.  The total tornado damage path was 0.41 of a mile long and was 60 yards wide at its widest point.

The tornado touched down near the south shore on the eastern end of Inland Lake, directly across the lake from the boat launch.  The tornado then moved northwestward across the lake, across the boat launch area, and lifted about a quarter mile northwest just off of Boat Landing Road.  Numerous trees were snapped off or were uprooted.  Two structures sustained light damage, and a few power poles were knocked down.  The tornado was witnessed by a Blount County Sheriff's Deputy and a Birmingham Water Works employee.  These witnesses were aware of a tornado warning and took cover quickly as the tornado formed.

Tree Damage  Minor Building Damage  Minor Damage

          Trees damaged near touch down.       Minor building damage where witnesses     Building where witnesses took shelter.

                                                                                           were located.

Tree Damage  Tree Damage  Tree Damage

                       Tree snapped.                                              Tree snapped.                              Minor damage as tornado lifted.