TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — A series of likely tornadoes tore through Alabama on Saturday, leaving a path of destruction in several counties, according to the Storm Prediction Center.
Shelby County’s city of Calera reported extensive damage to a trailer park, with a possible tornado implicated. Also in Shelby County, they experienced significant damage near the I-65/US-31 intersection in Calera, affecting both businesses and homes.
In Pickens County, numerous trees were snapped along US-82 near the northwest city limits of Gordo. Homes were damaged along State Route 159 north of Gordo. County Road 16, also known as Bostic Road, was closed to everyone except people who lived on there and first responders. Gordo Police Chief Johnny Stephenson said the damage was extensive on CR-16. Stephenson said there were some entrapments in homes, but first responders were able to reach them. No injuries have been reported. Four chicken farms also had severe damage.
Tuscaloosa County saw numerous trees snapped and uprooted, with at least one house suffering roof damage. A spotter reported seeing a tornado cross US-82 near Minas Road. Also in Tuscaloosa County, numerous trees were downed around the Samantha and Lake Tuscaloosa areas, including Tierce Patton Road. A tree blocked Highway 43, and trees and power lines were down on AL-69 between Buffalo Ridge Road and Yellow Creek Road, leaving debris scattered across the road. Several large trees were also down on AL-69 just south of the Tuscaloosa and Walker County line.
Walker County’s fire department responded to numerous reports of trees down, including some on houses in Sipsey. Several houses on Campbellville Road northeast of Sipsey sustained significant damage, with possible injuries reported. A tornado debris signature was observed on radar at the time. Walker County reported trees down on Paul Bolton Road, with a possible tornado suspected.
Wind damage reports included downed trees in Hale County on AL-25 and CR-57 in the southern part of the county, with possible tornado activity. Trees blocked roads on AL-61 and near CR-16 in and near Newbern.
