2021 Fultondale tornado
2021 Fultondale tornado occurred on the evening of Monday, January 25, 2021, causing severe damage to areas of northern Fultondale, including at least one death, and significant damage along a 1,500-foot wide path toward Center Point and Clay.
Estimates by the National Weather Service Birmingham suggested that the tornado was an EF-3 on the Enhanced Fujita scale, with winds of up to 150 miles per hour when it touched down just east of I-65 in the vicinity of Walker Chapel Road. From there it tracked northeast toward Fultondale High School. Though the tornado weakened, it continued its path for nearly 10 miles, as far as Old Springville Road near Deerfoot Parkway in Clay.
Locations that reported extensive damage include the Hampton Inn-Fultondale, Hurst Towing, and Black Creek Park, where a large number of trees were felled.
The tornado caused the death of 14-year-old Elliott Hernandez, who was sheltering with his family in the basement of their home when a tree fell onto it. Eighteen others were hospitalized with serious injuries and 11 people were treated on the scene during the night. Many residents whose homes were destroyed were transported to shelter at the Gardendale Civic Center.
References
- Robinson, Carol (January 25, 2021) "Fultondale tornado kills 1, injures dozens; search and rescue continues: ‘Like a bomb went off’." The Birmingham News
- Morgan, Leigh (January 26, 2021) "National Weather Service to survey storm damage in Jefferson County today." The Birmingham News
- Fulmore, Miranda (January 26, 2021) "Tornado Destroys Areas In North Jefferson County Killing At Least One" WBHM.org
- Robinson, Carol (January 26, 2021) "‘A tragic day’: Fultondale High School freshman killed in EF-2 tornado." The Birmingham News
- Morgan, Leigh (January 26, 2021) "Fultondale tornado update: National Weather Service upgrades rating to EF-3 with 150 mph estimated winds." The Birmingham News