Severe thunderstorms generating torrential rains, large hail and tornadoes struck parts of Alabama on February 18, 2009. The storms, which arrived mid-afternoon, prompted numerous tornado warnings and reports of possible funnel clouds, particularly in east Alabama. Warnings continued into the evening for several southern counties.USA Today: 1 dead, 7 injured as severe storms hammer South
Another storm entered the area on February 27, 2009, prompting several warnings, including in Lee County, home of Auburn University. Damage was reported in downtown Salem and shut down highway 280.OANow.com: Storm Leaves Trail of Destruction
February 18, 2009, Tornadoes
Despite the storms, damage reports were limited and isolated. An apparent tornado touched down in the south Alabama town of Geneva, uprooting trees and downing power lines. No injuries were reported.USA Today: 1 dead, 7 injured as severe storms hammer South
Alabama Tornadoes
Tornadoes are formed when hot, moist air meets cold, dry air. When hot air rises, it can begin to circulate if there are winds coming from different directions. A cone or funnel then drops out from the cloud; if the funnel reaches the ground, it is called a tornado.BBC: Animated guide: Tornadoes
Tornadoes in Alabama are not a rare occurrence. Overall, Alabama ranks 13th among all U.S. states for the frequency of tornadoes. The storms are often extremely violent and deadly—Alabama ranks third in the nation for tornado fatalities.DisasterCenter: Alabama Tornadoes
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References
Fast Facts
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Numerous tornado warnings were issued across Alabama on February 18, 2009
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Scattered damage was reported in several counties; no storm-related injuries were reportedUSA Today: 1 dead, 7 injured as severe storms hammer South
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Tornado watches were issued ahead of the storms for numerous counties
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Storms raced across the state beginning in the late afternoon hours
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An approaching cold front was entering the state, triggering many of the stormsTuscaloosanews: Tornado watch until 8 p.m. for west Alabama
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Tornado warnings were issued for parts of Georgia as the storms exited AlabamaAtlanta Journal-Constitution: Tornado warnings reach metro area (February 18, 2009)
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At least one person was killed and others injured in a possible tornado touchdown in Sparta, Georgia, about 90 miles southeast of AtlantaUSA Today: 1 dead, 7 injured as severe storms hammer South
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Severe weather outbreak came just one week before the official start of the "tornado season" in the SouthAtlanta Journal-Constitution: Tornado warnings reach metro area (February 18, 2009)
