Deadly EF-3 Tornado Hit Just North of Birmingham, AL

news image
Top Stories
26 Jan 2021 6:30 PM
Around 10:40 PM Central time a tornado hit the community of Fultondale, AL located just to the north of Birmingham. https://twitter.com/WeatherNation/status/1353944489426100224 The aftermath of the tornado shows significant damage to many areas in Fultondale. Here is the latest drone footage of the damage from the tornado. https://twitter.com/WeatherNation/status/1354112111899598853 https://twitter.com/NWS/status/1354109749395148802 The National Weather Service Office in Birmingham, Alabama, has storm surveys  underway, with preliminary reports of EF-3 tornado damage.  They will have final updates after all surveys are complete.

A Look Back

https://twitter.com/i/status/1354157160733810688 This is the Doppler radar velocity data taken at the time that the tornado moved through Fultondale. There is clearly a tornado showing on the velocity imagery right in this areas. Velocity shows the inbound and outbound winds in relation to the radar.  This is a great tool for tracking a tornado. Just minutes after this imagery, a particular signature showed up on dual-polarization Doppler radar that showed debris that was being flung through the air.  This was the confirmation that a tornado was occurring. The correlation coefficient is a great tool for showing debris getting blow around by a tornado. There is another risk of severe weather for the Southeast again today. Here is a look at what areas could see severe storms---> SEVERE      
All Weather News
More
Tropics: Champi Bears Down on Guam, Pacific Staying Active

Tropics: Champi Bears Down on Guam, Pacific Staying Active

Isaias ended the late-season streak of no hur

17 Oct 2026 1:30 AM
Frost & Freeze Alerts Issued Behind Strong Cold Front

Frost & Freeze Alerts Issued Behind Strong Cold Front

After record heat impacted much of the Centra

17 Oct 2026 1:30 AM
Several Fires Break Out in SoCal Amid Santa Ana Wind Event

Several Fires Break Out in SoCal Amid Santa Ana Wind Event

Santa Ana winds helped several fires grow qui

16 Oct 2026 9:00 PM
Severe Risk Diminishing Saturday Morning for the Northeast

Severe Risk Diminishing Saturday Morning for the Northeast

Severe Storm PotentialSevere risk is decreasi

16 Oct 2026 10:20 AM
Flooding & Severe Storms Persist in the Southern Plains

Flooding & Severe Storms Persist in the Southern Plains

Extreme rainfall has been hitting areas of Te

16 Oct 2026 2:00 AM
Cooler Air & Lingering Snow for The Rockies

Cooler Air & Lingering Snow for The Rockies

A digging trough is bringing cooler temperatu

15 Oct 2026 10:00 AM
Rachel Spreading Moisture Across the Southwest

Rachel Spreading Moisture Across the Southwest

Rachel came ashore in far northwestern Mexico

13 Oct 2026 12:10 AM