Storm data and unusual weather phenomena
Storm Data, Dec, 2008
Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena
December 2008
Time Path Path
Local/ Length Width
Location Date Standard (Miles) (Yards)
ALABAMA, Central
ALZ020-021 Cherokee--Cleburne
01 0000CST
16 0700CST
Rainfall from several storm systems was
enough to finally bring an end to the
Severe (D2) Drought that had begun in
March of 2007.
Marion County
1 N Bexar 09 2130CST
Note: The estimated wind gust of 52 knots
is equivalent to 60 mph.
Lamar County
1 NE Detroit 09 2136CST
Several trees were blown down on AL-17,
near the Detroit Community.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 50 knots
is equivalent to 58 mph.
Marion County
1 N Hamilton 09 2200CST
Several trees were blown down in
Hamilton, and other locations around
Marion County.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 50 knots
is equivalent to 58 mph.
Lamar County
1 W Crews 10 0015CST
0200CST
Street flooding, up to one and a half
feet deep, was reported on AL-118, west
of Sulligent.
Fayette County
1 W Berry 10 0025CST
Straight line winds snapped or uprooted
several trees southwest of Berry. A few
of these trees landed on outbuildings
producing significant damage. One mobile
home had its roof torn off.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 55 knots
is equivalent to 63 mph.
Walker County
1 ESE Oakman 10 0043CST
Coal Vly 0045CST 0.75 400
The tornado touched down just west of
Jackson Street on the north side of
Oakman. It then traveled northeastward,
crossed School Street and AL-69, and
lifted on Watts Street just east of
AL-69. Metal bleachers were twisted and
thrown at the Oakman School athletic
field, and the concession stand at the
ball field was heavily damaged. Oakman
Elementary School sustained only light
structural damage directly from the
tornado. However, rain leaking through
the damaged roof and ceiling caused
extensive water damage to parts of the
school building. Several houses along
AL-69 suffered also significant roof
damage. Approximately 150 trees were
either uprooted or snapped off.
Walker County
1 N Jasper Walker Co 10 0051CST
Arp
A portion of the roof on a church was
torn off, resulting in extensive water
damage to the inside of the building.
Several ceilings collapsed due to the
water damage, and several multimedia
equipment items and one electric scooter
were also damaged.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 55 knots
is equivalent to 63 mph.
Walker County
4 W Sipsey 10 0101CST
0107CST 4.66 400
The tornado touched down near the
intersection of Snow Drive and Old
Pineywoods Road, just north of US-78. It
then traveled northeastward and crossed
CR-77 and lifted shortly thereafter. One
mobile home was totally destroyed and
rolled approximately 50 feet. At least
two additional mobile homes suffered
significant damage. Two chicken houses
were damaged. A few hundred trees were
either snapped off or were uprooted along
the path.
Walker County
Manchester 10 0105CST
Blount County
2 N Oneonta 10 0230CST
A few trees were blown down north of
Oneonta, and several other locations in
the northern part of Blount County.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 50 knots
is equivalent to 58 mph.
Blount County
1 NE Hayden 10 0240CST
A few trees were blown down near Hayden.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 50 knots
is equivalent to 58 mph.
St. Clair County
2 N Acmar 10 0434CST
2 E Branchville 0440CST 3.92 300
The tornado touched down near the
intersection ofUS-411, Meyers Road, and
Church Road, near the Bethel Baptist
Church. It then traveled northeastward
and lifted just northeast of AL-174. At
least 5 homes suffered extensive roof
damage. At least 4 outbuildings were
completely destroyed. Approximately 100
trees were either uprooted or snapped
off. A glass enclosed sun- room was
completely destroyed.
Etowah County
Reece City 10 0437CST
A tree fell onto and damaged a house,
near the intersection of I-59 and
Noccalula Parkway.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 45 knots
is equivalent to 52 mph.
Etowah County
2 E Rainbow City 10 0437CST
Several trees were blown down on Oakland
Drive, near Whorton Bend, south of
Gadsden.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 50 knots
is equivalent to 58 mph.
Etowah County
1 NNW East Gasden 10 0535CST
0630CST
Several streets were closed on downtown
Gadsden, due to high water from heavy
rain, including Meighan Drive, 4th
Street, and Bay Street.
Pike County
1 N Troy 10 0710CST
Numerous trees were blown down around
Troy, and other portions of the county.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 50 knots
is equivalent to 58 mph.
Pike County
2 ESE Brundidge Muni 10 0741CST
Arpt
Several trees were blown down near
Brundidge.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 50 knots
is equivalent to 58 mph.
ALZ012-014-047 Lamar--Lee--Winston
11 0657CST
0900CST
Tuscaloosa County
1 E Samantha 11 1427CST
1600CST
Heavy rain caused water to flow over a
bridge on CR-38, east of the Samantha
Community.
Walker County
1 ENE Sipsey 11 1427CST
1600CST
Heavy rain caused water to flow over a
bridge near the Sipsey Community.
Marion County
2 NNE Hackleburg 11 1449CST
1600CST
Heavy rain caused water to flow over a
bridge just north of Hackelburg.
ALZ011 Marion
11 1500CST
1830CST
A developing strong storm system across
the Southeastern United States caused
several severe thunderstorms and locally
heavy rainfall. Cold air surging in on
the back side of the storm system caused
the rain to turn over to snow, some of
which became heavy.
ALZ018 Etowah
18 1510CST
Locally dense fog on the Coosa River led
to a boating accident.
Walker County
2 SSW Mc Cullum 24 1632CST 0.06 100
The tornado briefly touched down near the
intersection of AL-69 and Dutton Hill
Road. It damaged 1 carport, 2 sheds, a
trailer, and several trees in the area.
Walker County
1 NNW Cordova 24 1650CST
Walker County
Empire 24 1702CST
Several trees were blown down near the
intersection of Empire Road and Hill
Road.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 50 knots
is equivalent to 58 mph.
Etowah County
1 N Altoona 24 1740CST
Several trees were blown down.
A cold front pushing through the state
brought showers and thunderstorms to
portions of Central Alabama, which
produced one tornado and isolated wind
damage. Note: The estimated wind gust of
50 knots is equivalent to 58 mph.
ALABAMA, North
ALZ001-003 Franklin--Lauderdale
01 0000CST
1200CST
Cold air behind a strong storm system
changed rain over to snow late Sunday
night into Monday across portions of
northern Alabama. Due to warm ground
temperatures, only a dusting to around 1
inch of snow accumulated on grassy
surfaces.
ALZ009-010 Dekalb--Jackson
01 0000CST
15 2359CST
Very heavy rainfall put an end to drought
conditions in Jackson and Dekalb
Counties.
ALZ006-008-016 Cullman--Jackson--Madison--Marshall
01 0130CST
1200CST
Cold air behind a strong storm system
changed rain over to snow late Sunday
night into Monday across portions of
northern Alabama. Due to warm ground
temperatures, only a dusting to around 1
inch of snow accumulated on grassy
surfaces.
ALZ009 Jackson
01 0300CST
1200CST
Cold air behind a strong storm system
changed rain over to snow late Sunday
night into Monday across De Kalb county
in northeastern Alabama. Two to three
inch accumulations occurred in higher
elevations, along with widespread
accumulations around l inch.
Franklin County
1 SE Red Bay Muni Arpt 09 2120CST
2130CST
Severe thunderstorm winds knocked down
utility poles in the Red Bay area.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 56 knots
is equivalent to 64 mph.
Lawrence County
1 SE Hatton 09 2125CST
2135CST
A tree was blown down across highway 101
in the Hatton area near mile marker 2.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 52 knots
is equivalent to 60 mph.
Colbert County
2 NNW Cherokee 09 2155CST
10 0700CST
A trained spotter reported heavy rainfall
causing ditches and creeks to flood in
and near the city of Cherokee.
Colbert County
2 SW Colbert Hgts 09 2155CST
2205CST
Some trees were blown down by severe
thunderstorm winds along Underwood
Mountain road near Colbert Heights.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 56 knots
is equivalent to 64 mph.
Franklin County
1 W Waco 09 2200CST
2210CST
Some trees were blown down by severe
thunderstorms winds along highway 724
near Russellville. Time estimated by
radar.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 56 knots
is equivalent to 64 mph.
Lauderdale County
Weeden Hgts 09 2230CST
1 S East Florence 10 0700CST
Heavy rainfall caused flash flooding
under the overpass of US highway 43 and
State highway 20 in Florence.
Lawrence County
1 SE Flower Hill 09 2255CST
4 ESE Kimo 10 0700CST
Heavy rainfall caused flash flooding over
portions of highway 101 near Town Creek
and Moulton and along portions of county
road 222.
Morgan County
2 WNW Moulton Hgts 09 2315CST
4 SW Griffin Addition 10 0900CST
Four to Six inches of rainfall produced
flash flooding on several roads in Morgan
County. Some of the roads which were
flooded included the followed: Ipsco, Mud
Tavern, Gum Springs Cutoff, Ruth
Mountain, Foreman Bottom, Six-Mile Creek,
Pleasant Valley, Wilson and River Loop. A
few of the roads were washed out.
Madison County
1 WNW Madison Co Jet 09 2345CST
Port
2 ENE (HSV) Huntsville 10 0700CST
Jone
Widespread flash flooding was reported
over portions of western and northwestern
Madison County. Flood waters were most
prevalent in Harvest, Toney, Madison, and
central and northern portions of
Huntsville. Flood reports began at 11:45
PM on the 9th, lasting into morning rush
hour. Roads that experienced significant
flash flooding included: Old Railroad Bed
road, Ford Chapel Road, Production Road
at Huntsville International Airport, Wall
Triana Highway, County Line Road, Pulaski
Pike, Moores Mill Road near Winchester
Road, the intersection of Kelly Springs
Road and Bob Wade Lane, and Martin Luther
King Jr. Highway. Several vehicles
stalled out in flood water around 1:00 AM
at the intersection of Nick Fitchard Road
and Highway 53. Floodwaters forced the
evacuation of a trailer park at the
intersection of Trademark Drive and James
Record Road in Huntsville around 4:25 AM
on the 10th. Several cars were underwater
at this location. Between 3 and 6 inches
of rain fell in these areas in less than
12 hours.
Madison County
1 N Normal 09 2345CST
10 0005CST
Several house fires were sparked by
lightning strikes in Huntsville. A
transformer was damaged by a direct
lightning strike just off Winchester Road
in north Huntsville.
Limestone County
2 NNE Union Hill 10 0030CST
4 WSW Wheeler Lake 0700CST
North
Limestone County 911 center reported
flash flooding occurring throughout the
entire county, especially in the Belle
Mina area.
Cullman County
1 N Centerville 10 0031CST
0041CST
Thunderstorm winds knocked down a tree
across county road 1261.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 56 knots
is equivalent to 64 mph.
Cullman County
1 ESE Bethel 10 0035CST
0045CST
Thunderstorm winds snapped a treetop off
near a house east southeast of Bethel.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 56 knots
is equivalent to 64 mph.
Cullman County
Cold Spgs 10 0038CST
0048CST
Thunderstorm winds knocked down a tree
across county road 109.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 56 knots
is equivalent to 64 mph.
Cullman County
4 E Bremen 10 0040CST
Thunderstorm wind knocked down a tree
across county road 38.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 52 knots
is equivalent to 60 mph.
Cullman County
5 SW Garden City 10 0043CST
0053CST
Thunderstorm winds knocked down a tree
across highway 91 near the American
Protein Plant.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 52 knots
is equivalent to 60 mph.
Colbert County
1 N Tuscumbia 10 0100CST
0700CST
Heavy rainfall produced flash flooding in
portions of Tuscumbia. Cave street was
officially closed due to flash flooding
near Deshler High School.
Jackson County
1 SE Tupelo 10 0102CST
2 ENE Pikeville 01 0110CST 4.46 300
A tornado struck portions of central
Jackson county around 1 AM CST Wednesday
morning. This tornado initially snapped
several cedar trees near county road 21,
before toppling three TVA high voltage
power line towers near Pikeville Alabama.
It then rapidly proceeded northeast
snapping trees, collapsing several hams,
and ripping off roofs before lifting near
the end of county road 34. According to
Jackson County Emergency Management, the
tornado and adjacent straight-line winds
were to blame for up to twenty homes
being damaged. Three mobile homes were
destroyed and seven more were damaged.
Nine barns were destroyed and three were
damaged. The maximum wind speed with this
tornado was estimated at 125 mph.
Marshall County
Arab 10 0110CST
0115CST
Nickel sized hail was reported at the
intersection of Highway 231 and Highway
69.
Marshall County
2 N Guntersville 10 0110CST
0112CST
Thunderstorm winds blew a tree down on a
road in Alder Springs and another in
Grant. Time estimated.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 50 knots
is equivalent to 58 mph.
Marshall County
1 SE Grant 10 0110CST
0112CST
Thunderstorm winds blew a tree down on a
road in Alder Springs and another in
Grant. Time estimated.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 50 knots
is equivalent to 58 mph.
Jackson County
1 NE Hollywood 10 0120CST
The mayor of the city of Hollywood, also
a volunteer fire fighter was knocked down
by a lightning strike in front of the
City Hall building while preparing to go
out on an emergency call. The victim was
examined by medical personnel but was
found to be not injured. However, a hole
was carved out in his office wall.
A warm front pushed northeast from
Mississippi into northern Alabama
producing widespread rainfall during the
afternoon of the 9th. A squall line then
produced another round of heavy rainfall,
along with several small bow echoes. One
of these stronger bow echoes resulted in
an EF-2 tornado in Jackson County after
midnight on the 10th. Widespread rain
amounts of 3 to 5 inches, locally near 6
inches, fell in Madison, Limestone,
Morgan, and Lawrence counties resulting
in widespread river and local flash
flooding.
ALZ005 Limestone
11 0630CST
0635CST
Two waves of strong winds damaged trees
across northwest Alabama. Saturated soils
enabled trees to be uprooted rather
easily by sub-severe winds in the 40 to
50 mph range. The first wave of wind
around 6:30 AM uprooted a tree in the
Athens area, toppling a powerline and
knocking out power to 5000 utility
customers in the area. The second and
more widespread wave of strong winds was
produced by a suspected gravity wave
during the late morning hours, resulting
in several reports of tree and power line
damage in Colbert and Lauderdale
Counties.
Madison County
3 W Gurley 11 0730CST
2315CST
Moderate to heavy rainfall atop already
saturated soils produced renewed flooding
on small creeks and streams in central
Madison County in and around the Hampton
Cove community. Little Cove, Cherry Tree,
and Bailey Cove Roads experienced
flooding. Little Cove Road was impassible
during much of this period.
Lauderdale County
4 SSE Anderson 11 0800CST
1 ESE Whitehead 12 1328CST
A second round of heavy rainfall on the
11th and 12th caused flooding to occur on
Turner Lindsey Road.
Lauderdale County
Lexington 11 0800CST
12 1328CST
A second round of heavy rain on the 11th
and 12th caused flooding on county road
502, 2 miles east of Lexington.
Lauderdale County
2 NE Pritton 11 0800CST
12 1328CST
A second round of heavy rainfall caused
county road 298 to flood in the Zip City
area.
Lauderdale County
4 SSE Anderson 11 0800CST
1 ESE Whitehead 12 1328CST
A second round of heavy rainfall on the
11th through the 12th, caused many roads
to be flooded and closed due to high
water. A few of these locations in the
Anderson area included: county road 524,
county road 156, and county road 96.
Widespread heavy rainfall elevated river
and stream levels with many going into
flood.
ALZ002 Colbert
11 0945CST
1015CST
ALZ001 Lauderdale
11 1000CST
1100CST
Two waves of strong winds damaged trees
across northwest Alabama. Saturated soils
enabled trees to be uprooted rather
easily by sub-severe winds in the 40 to
50 mph range. The first wave of wind
around 6:30 AM uprooted a tree in the
Athens area, toppling a powerline and
knocking out power to 5000 utility
customers in the area. The second and
more widespread wave of strong winds was
produced by a suspected gravity wave
during the late morning hours, resulting
in several reports of tree and power line
damage in Colbert and Lauderdale
Counties.
ALZ001>003 Colbert--Franklin--Lauderdale
11 1500CST
1900CST
Snow fell across a large portion of
northwest Alabama during the afternoon
and early evening hours. Snow amounts of
1 to 3 inches were reported.
Lauderdale County
2 WSW Murphy Xrds 20 1830CST
1833CST
Severe thunderstorm winds knocked down 18
trees and heavily damaged 4 mobile homes.
Two mobile homes were blown off their
foundation. One roof was torn off. This
damage occurred along the 7100 block of
County Road 8.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 87 knots
is equivalent to 100 mph.
Morgan County
1 S Huntsville Laceys
Sp 20 1830CST
2 ESE Talucah 1845CST
Trees were reported down at the
intersection of highway 231 and Bell
Point Road. Also, trees were reported
down near the intersection of Vista lane
and Cabbage Patch Drive.
Abundant low level moisture ahead of a
strong cold front aided the development
of a quasi-linear convective system
(QLCS). One of the storms produced heavy
damage in northwestern Lauderdale County
Alabama. Note: The estimated wind gust of
56 knots is equivalent to 64 mph.
ALZ001>004-006-016 Colbert--Cullman--Franklin--Lauderdale--
Lawrence--Madison
23 0730CST
1300CST
A strong surface high over the
Appalachian mountains kept temperatures
at or just below freezing across much of
northern Alabama Tuesday morning. At the
same time, a strong southerly low level
jet developed and lifted Gulf of Mexico
moisture northward over this cold air.
This caused widespread light freezing
rain and sleet to occur in portions of
southern middle Tennessee and northern
central Alabama. Most locations received
a glaze to 1/10 of an inch of icing.
Colbert County
1 SSE Muscle Shoals 24 1425CST
1429CST
Thunderstorm winds partially collapsed an
aluminum porch canopy in the Muscle
Shoals area on Highland Avenue. Trees
were blown down nearby.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 56 knots
is equivalent to 64 mph.
Lauderdale County
1 E Upper Green Hill 24 1426CST
1430CST
Thunderstorm winds tore off a canopy from
a porch at a residence in the Hickory
Flats neighborhood.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 56 knots
is equivalent to 64 mph.
Limestone County
2 ESE Orrville 24 1533CST
1 NNE Belle Mina 1535CST 1.65 50
A tornado tracked through the northern
portions of the community of Belle Mina
on Christmas Eve. The tornado developed
in a forested area just east of
interstate 65 north of Garrett Road. It
toppled trees onto a vehicle being used
by hunters. The tornado tracked through a
cotton field for about 1/2 of a mile
before intensifying to EF-1 strength and
destroying two single wide trailer homes.
One was lifted off its foundation
entirely with debris found several
hundred yards downwind. Fortunately, no
occupants were in either location. The
tornado then tracked into a farmstead
along Mooresville Road, completely
destroying two large tractor sheds. Two
of the adjacent homes sustained minor
damage to the roof. Several cedar and
cypress trees were either snapped or
uprooted. One tree landed atop a vehicle.
No injuries occurred. The tornado then
crossed Mooresville Road, uprooting and
snapping additional trees, and collapsing
a small shed onto vehicles. One wall of
an old small farmhouse also collapsed. No
occupants were in the home at the time.
Madison County
2 WSW Redstone Aaf 24 1548CST
1552CST
Severe thunderstorm winds downed trees
and caused power outages in the Edgewater
subdivision.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 52 knots
is equivalent to 60 mph.
Madison County
2 WSW Fletcher Chapel 24 1548CST
1552CST
Thunderstorm winds knocked down large
trees along Skyline road.
A potent cold front pushed across
northern Alabama during the afternoon and
evening hours. Intense low level shear
and weak instability was present along
and ahead of this front. A few severe
thunderstorms developed along the front.
One of the storms produced a bow echo
just north of Decatur which resulted in a
brief EF-1 tornado within the comma head
of the storm in Belle Mina in Limestone
county. Note: The estimated wind gust of
56 knots is equivalent to 64 mph.
Lauderdale County
1 N Zip City 27 2300CST
2301CST
A 28 year old female was struck by
lightning while standing on a carport.
The person was ambulanced to a local
hospital. F28PS
A band of showers and thunderstorms
produced occasional lightning. A woman in
northern Lauderdale County was struck by
lightning. F28PS
ALABAMA, Southeast
Coffee County
2 ENE Elba 10 0600CST
1200CST
A portion of County Road 250 was closed
due to high water.
Coffee County
2 ESE Marvin Chapel 10 0600CST
1200CST
Three dirt roads were washed out. A
portion of County Road 682 was closed
with water over a bridge.
Four to eight inches of rain fell across
much of southeast Alabama from late on
the 9th through the 10th. Areal flooding
was reported in Coffee County, where
several dirt roads were washed out and a
few county roads were closed.
ALZ065>067 Coffee--Dale--Henry
11 0300EST
0600EST
Strong winds associated with a line of
heavy showers produced numerous reports
of damage to trees, power lines and
several trailers in Coffee, Dale and
Henry counties in southeast Alabama.
ALABAMA, Southwest
Crenshaw County
Brantley 10 0635CST
0637CST
Trees were downed in Brantley and a roof
was damaged.
Severe thunderstorms moved across
southwest Alabama producing wind damage
and large hail. Note: The estimated wind
gust of 50 knots is equivalent to 58 mph.
Escambia County
Appleton 10 0718CST
Brewton 1000CST
Slow moving thunderstorms produced 6 to 8
inches of rain across portions of of
southwest Alabama. Several roads were
flooded and closed for a period of time
around Andalusia. Other roads were
flooded and closed for a period of time
around Brewton and Robertsdale.
Covington County
8 N Falco 10 0725CST
0727CST
Severe thunderstorms moved across
southwest Alabama producing wind damage
and large hail.
Baldwin County
Robertsdale 10 0730CST
1030CST
Covington County
Andalusia 10 0745CST
1030CST
Slow moving thunderstorms produced 6 to 8
inches of rain across portions of of
southwest Alabama. Several roads were
flooded and closed for a period of time
around Andalusia. Other roads were
flooded and closed for a period of time
around Brewton and Robertsdale.
ALZ051>053 Choctaw--Clarke--Washington
11 0900CST
1800CST
A strong upper level low pressure system
moved across the southeast and caused
snow showers to develop across parts of
southwest Alabama. Most areas received a
dusting of snow. A few areas observed
around one half inch of snow.
Monroe County
Monroeville 24 1610CST
1612CST
A Travel Inn on 136 near Highway 184 had
the roof blown off by winds estimated at
60-70 mph. A few hundred yards down from
the motel a couple of dead tees were
blown down. A trailer had its skirting
blown out and a limb was blown into to
the top of the trailer.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 61 knots
is equivalent to 70 mph.
Baldwin County
Bay Minette 24 1740CST
1742CST
Severe thunderstorms produced large hail
and damaging winds across portions of
southwest Alabama.
ALASKA, Northern
AKZ216 Lower Koyukuk Middle Yukon Valleys
03 1800AKS
04
A 980 mb low 350 miles south of Saint
Lawrence Island brought snowfall to the
lower Koyukuk and middle Yukon Valleys.
The cooperative observer in Galena
observed 7 inches of snow.
AKZ213 St Lawrence Island Bering Strait
04 1435AKS
1930AKS
A 980 mb low 350 miles south of Saint
Lawrence Island combined with a 1033 mb
high across eastern Russia to produce a
period of very strong wind on Saint
Lawrence Island. The wind frequently
gusted to 53 kts (61 mph) at the Gambell
AWOS from 1435AKST through 1930AKST.
AKZ219 Upper Koyukuk Valley
04 1900AKS
06 1400AKS
A 980 mb low 350 miles south of Saint
Lawrence Island on the afternoon of the
4th weakened to 1002 mb near Kodiak
Island during the afternoon of the 6th. A
moist flow of air from the Bering Sea
brought a prolonged period of snowfall to
the Bettles area. A total of 6.7 inches
of snow was observed from 1900AKST on the
4th through 1400AKST on the 6th.
AKZ212-221 Eastern Norton Sound Nulato Hills--
Western Tanana Valley Western Yukon
Valley
08 1445AKS
0116AKS
A 958 mb low in the Gulf of Alaska
combined with a 1039 mb high across
northern Canada to produce a strong
pressure gradient across central Alaska.
Wind damage was observed at lake
Minchumina, with tree branches down. Wood
paneling on a log frame porch on the
north side of the lake was blown off on 2
sides and scattered across the yard.
Unconfirmed estimated cost of damage was
$150.
AKZ216-218 Lower Koyukuk Middle Yukon
Valleys--South, Slopes of Eastern
Brooks Range
09 0303AKS
1800AKS
A strong pressure gradient between high
pressure over the North Slope and a low
in the Gulf of Alaska produced strong
winds of 50 mph with local gusts to 61
kts (70 mph) observed at the Koyukuk
National Wildlife Refuge RAWS.
AKZ203 Central Beaufort Sea Coast
09 1700AKS
10 0300AKS
A strong surface trough extended from a
980 mb low near the Bering Strait along
the Arctic Coast and produced blizzard
conditions for about 10 hours in
Deadhorse. An east wind of 35 to 45 mph
with occasional gusts to 48 kts (55 mph)
were observed.
AKZ213 St Lawrence Island Bering Strait
12 0157AKS
0750AKS
Ahead of a strong occluded front a period
of very strong wind was observed at Wales
along the Bering Strait coast. Sustained
winds of 50 to 60 mph were observed with
frequent gusts to 70 mph and a peak wind
gust of 68 kts (78 mph).
AKZ209 Baldwin Peninsula & Selawik Valley
12 0850AKS
1600AKS
A strong occluded front brought a period
of blizzard conditions to Kotzebue. The
wind frequently gusted to 45 mph and the
visibility was reduced to one quarter
mile or less in snow and blowing snow.
AKZ201-213 St Lawrence Island Bering Strait--Western
Arctic Coast
13 0456AKS
2040AKS
A strong pressure gradient between a 1056
mb high across interior Alaska and a 998
mb low that moved off the eastern Russian
Coast and into the Chukchi Sea produced
high winds on Saint Lawrence Island, the
Bering Strait and along the Western
Arctic Coast. Wind gusts of 57 to 64 kts
(66 to 74 mph) were observed.
14 1148AKS
1749AKS
A low pressure system over the western
Bering Sea created blizzard conditions
over the Bering Strait during the
afternoon of the 14th. Blizzard
conditions likely occurred at the village
of Wales for 8 hours, as reported by the
AWIS. Occasional wind gusts to near 52
kts (60 mph) were reported by the Wales
AWIS during the afternoon.
AKZ203-208 Central Beaufort Sea Coast--Eastern
Beaufort Sea Coast--Lower Kobuk & Noatak
Valleys
15 0200AKS
1000AKS
A 998 mb low tracked from the southern
Chukchi Sea and just off the northwest
coast of Alaska and produced blizzard
conditions at the Red Dog mine at times
during the night of the 14th into the
morning hours of the 15th.
AKZ213 St Lawrence Island Bering Strait
17 0900AKS
1600AKS
A strong pressure gradient between a 1045
mb high in the Yukon and a 996 mb low in
the Gulf of Anadyr produced a period of
high winds along the Bering Strait Coast.
The strongest winds were observed at
Wales. A peak wind gust of 60 kts (69
mph) was observed at the Wales AWIS.
AKZ218>226 Deltana and Tanana--Denali--Middle Tanana
Valley--Northeast Slopes of the Eastern
AK Range--South. Slopes of Eastern Brooks
Range--Upper Koyukuk Valley--Upper Tanana
Valley Fortymile--Western Tanana Valley
Western Yukon Valley--Yukon Flats Nearby
Uplands
27 0000AKS
31 2359AKS
A significant cold snap developed across
interior Alaska on December 27th and
continued into January. A cold upper
level low across Siberia moved into
northern Alaska on December 26th, and
remained in place through the end of the
month. Although no new temperature
records were established, it brought the
first widespread significant cold to
interior Alaska. Temperatures at the
Fairbanks International Airport dropped
to 40 below on the 28th, and reached a
low of 43 degrees on the 31st. The cold
temperatures produced significant ice fog
in Fairbanks, and the visibilities were
frequently reduced to 1/4 mile or less in
Fairbanks on New Year's Eve. The coldest
temperatures were observed on the Yukon
Flats, where temperatures dropped into
the 50s below on New Year's Eve.
Here are some of the coldest temperatures
that were observed through December 31
st:
Zone 218: Arctic Village: 49 below
Zone 219: Bettles: 45 below
Zone 220: Chalkyitsik: 58 below Beaver
Creek: 57 below Circle Hot Springs: 55
below Fort Yukon: 54 below Central: 50
below
Zone 221: Nenana: 44 below
Zone 222: North Pole KJNP: 55 below
Fairbanks International Airport: 43 below
Zone 223: Delta Junction: 44 below
Zone 224: O'Brien Creek: 57 below Tok: 52
below Chicken: 52 below Eagle: 50 below
Northway: 49 below
Zone 225: Denali Park HQ: 34 below
Zone 226: Dry Creek: 50 below Chisana: 47
below
All of these low temperatures were
observed on either December 30th or the
31st.
ALASKA, Southeast
AKZ020-029 Glacier Bay--Misty Fjords
04 0000AKS
1800AKS
A 1047 MB arctic high pressure cell over
the Yukon on 12/2 slowly weakened and
moved southeastward through Friday, 12/5.
A planetary scale storm force low moved
into Bristol Bay on 12/4 which caused a
series of fronts to move over SE Alaska
from the Gulf through 12/5. Storm totals
were from 9.6 inches to up to 2 feet of
new snow.
AKZ017 Cape Fairweather to Cape Suckling Coastal
Area
08 1500AKS
09 0000AKS
08 1800AKS
09 0600AKS
AKZ019-021-025 Eastern Chichagof Island--Haines Borough
and Lynn Canal--Juneau Borough and
Northern Admiralty Island
08 1800AKS
09
AKZ022-027 Cape Decision to Salisbury Sound Coastal
Area--Dixon Entrance to Cape Decision
Coastal Area--Salisbury Sound to Cape
Fairweather Coastal Area
08 2100AKS
10 0300AKS
AKZ018-019 Haines Borough and Lynn Canal--Taiya
Inlet and Klondike Highway
09 0000AKS
1800AKS
Arctic High pressure remained over the
eastern Yukon on the night of 12/8 which
supported a stationary arctic front over
the northern Panhandle. This combined
with a 958 MB storm force low that moved
into the western Gulf of Alaska on on the
evening of 12/8 to cause both high wind
and heavy snow for much of SE Alaska.
Rare blizzard conditions persisted during
the nighttime hours into 12/9 over the
Klondike Highway and Haines areas during
this storm. Storm totals of snow ranged
from around 9 inches to 18 inches. The
highest wind estimate was around 75 MPH.
20 2153AKS
21 1200AKS
AKZ025 Juneau Borough and Northern Admiralty
Island
21 0600AKS
1200AKS
Strong, cold arctic high pressure
remained over the Yukon and northern
British Columbia on the evening of 12/22.
Local outflow winds developed on the
evening of 12/20 into the morning of
40168 for areas in the northern Panhandle
as a moderate low pressure system moved
to the Queen Charlotte Islands. Estimated
gusts to 75 MPH were the strongest winds
encountered during this storm.
AKZ022-027 Cape Decision to Salisbury Sound Coastal
Area--Dixon Entrance to Cape Decision
Coastal Area--Salisbury Sound to Cape
Fairweather Coastal Area
23 1300AKS
24 0600AKS
On 12/23 arctic high pressure over the
Yukon had moved well SE but cold air
remained over the Panhandle. A 983 MB
storm force low had moved into the
central Gulf with a strong front
approaching the coast. This caused warm
moist air to move over the colder air at
the surface causing heavy snow along the
outer coast. Storm totals over 12 hours
ranged from 7.4 inches to around a foot
of new snow.
AKZ017-020>022-025
Cape Fairweather to Cape Suckling Coastal
Area--Eastern Chichagof Island--Glacier
Bay--Juneau Borough and Northern
Admiralty Island--Salisbury Sound to Cape
Fairweather Coastal Area
25 1900AKS
27 1500AKS
AKZ018-024-026-029 Astern Baranof Island and Southern
Admiralty Island--Haines Borough and Lynn
Canal--Inner Channels from Kupreanof
Island to Etolin Island--Misty
Fjords--Taiya Inlet and Klondike Highway
26 0000AKS
27 2100AKS
A major snowstorm buried SE Alaska from
the night of 12/25 persisting to the
early morning of 12/27. A secondary gale
force low developed in the western Gulf
of Alaska on the afternoon of 12/25, and
it became the main surface low in the
central Gulf on the morning of 12/26.
This system caused a strong front to move
over the Panhandle on the 12/26 with
plenty of moisture where it stalled on
the 27th and 28th. Storm total snow
accumulations ranged from one to two feet
during this storm.
AKZ027-028 Dixon Entrance to Cape Decision Coastal
Area--Southern Inner Channels
27 2122AKS
28 0300AKS
Although the arctic front had moved over
the northern Panhandle, cold air remained
over the southern part of SE Alaska on
the evening of 12/27. A low pressure
system off the eastern Gulf coast
developed a front that pushed warm moist
air over the cold air which caused heavy
snow on 12/28. Storm total snow
accumulations ranged from 4.6 to 17.8
inches.
ALASKA, Southern
AKZ185 Eastern Aleutians
01 0715AKS
1730AKS
AKZ195 Pribilof Islands
01 0845AKS
1330AKS
A strong storm south of the Aleutians
produced snow and strong northeast wind
across the Pribilof Islands resulting in
a blizzard. This storm also produced
strong southeast wind across the Eastern
Aleutians in Unalaska. The peak wind
measured at the Dutch Harbor Airport was
68 KT. Residents reported wind gusts
estimated between 80 to 100 mph during
this storm.
AKZ131 Northeastern Prince William Sound
08 2100AKS
09 1800AKS
An intense storm moved into the northern
Gulf of Alaska producing high wind and
snow in the Chugach Mountains. The
combination of high wind and snow
resulted in blizzard conditions through
Thompson Pass.
11 1800AKS
12 0800AKS
A weak low in the Gulf of Alaska coupled
with a strengthening high in the Copper
River Basin produced strong gap wind
through the channeled terrain of the
Chugach Mountains. The strong gusty wind
produced blowing snow due to the re
suspension of the freshly fallen snow
that resulted in a blizzard in the
Thompson Pass area.
AKZ191 Western Aleutians
15 0800AKS
1200AKS
A deep intense low moved into the Western
Bering Sea while pushing a front across
the western Aleutians. Strong wind in
advance of this front occurred in the
western Aleutians.
AKZ187 Central Aleutians
17 2030AKS
18 0415AKS
A strong low crossed the central
Aleutians December 17th and 18th. Strong
north to northwest wind around the west
side of the low coupled with snow
resulted in a blizzard in Adak.
AKZ155 Kuskokwim Delta
24 1630AKS
25 1600AKS
A strong front moved into the Bering Sea
coast producing strong wind and snow that
resulted in a Blizzard Christmas eve and
Christmas day.
AKZ131 Northeastern Prince William Sound
26 0500AKS
27
Strong north wind produced by a strong
low in the Gulf of Alaska resulted in re
suspension of snow. The resulting blowing
snow produce blizzard conditions through
Thompson Pass.
AKZ171 Kodiak Peninsula
26 0922AKS
1200AKS
A strong Gulf of Alaska low combined with
building high pressure in the Bering Sea
produced strong northwest wind across
Kodiak Island. The peak wind was 91 mph
during this event.
AKZ181 Alaska Peninsula
27 0915AKS
29 0130AKS
An intense low in the eastern Gulf of
Alaska and strong high pressure over the
Bering Sea produced strong northwest wind
and snow across the Alaska Peninsula that
resulted in a blizzard.
AKZ135 Southeastern Prince William Sound
28 1400AKS
30 1200AKS
A large strong high pressure system over
interior Alaska coupled with a strong low
in the Gulf of Alaska produced the
typical strong gap wind through the
Chugach Mountains. This is a data void
region and wind speed is estimated from
the pressure and temperature gradients
and satellite imagery.
ARIZONA, Central and Northeast
AZZ012 Little Colorado River Valley in Coconino
County
13 0740MST
1400MST
13 1000MST
1900MST
13 1030MST
1900MST
AZZ013-015-040 Little Colorado River Valley in Navajo
County--Northeast Plateaus and Mesas
South of Highway 264--Western Mogollon
Rim
13 1030MST
2000MST
Strong southwest winds developed ahead of
a strong cold front moving across
Arizona. The strongest winds were 10 to
50 miles east of Flagstaff. The strongest
reported gust was 58 MPH at Two Guns. The
strong winds also caused areas of blowing
dust and sand.
Gila County
1 WNW Pine 15 0800MST
15 NNE Young 18
Heavy rain in the lower elevations of
Gila County caused Tonto Creek to be come
impassable. Residents were stranded on
one side of the creek for several days.
Between 400 and 600 people live on one
side of the creek and often become
stranded when the all three crossings
become flooded.
AZZ004-006>008-015>016 Coconino Plateau--Eastern Mogollon
Rim--Grand Canyon Country--Kaibab
Plateau--Western Mogollon Rim--Yavapai
County Mountains
15 1400MST
18 0800MST
AZZ018 Northern Gila County
16 0600MST
18
AZZ005 Marble Canyon and Glen Canyon
17 1800MST
18 0500MST
A large scale trough of low pressure
brought two back to back storms to
northern Arizona over much of a four day
period. These storms brought close to two
feet of new snow over the Western
Mogollon Rim at 7000 feet and close to
four feet of new snow above 9000 feet.
The first storm was cold enough to lower
the snow level to the floor of the Grand
Canyon. The snow level rose to the 7000
foot level for an hour or two with the
second storm. During this event the
Department of Public Safety for northern
Arizona responded to 188 slideoffs on
highways in the northern region. Officers
also responded to 65 collisions, 12 of
which involved injury. Two people were
transported to Flagstaff Medical Center
to be treated for their injuries.
AZZ014>018-039 Black Mesa Area--Eastern Mogollon Rim--
Little Colorado River Valley in Apache
County--Northern Gila County--Western
Mogollon Rim--White Mountains
22 1400MST
23 0800MST
The first in a series of winter storms
brought significant snowfall to portions
of Northern Arizona from the afternoon of
40169 through early morning of December
23. The heaviest snow from this system
fell across the Mogollon Rim and White
Mountains with Flagstaff receiving 7 to
10 inches of new snow and the Arizona
Snowbowl received 12 to 16 inches.
25 2000MST
26 0400MST
AZZ012>014 Little Colorado River Valley in Apache
County--Little Colorado River Valley in
Coconino County--Little Colorado River
Valley in Navajo County
25 2200MST
26 0200MST
A strong cold front moved through Western
and Central Arizona Christmas night
through the afternoon of December 26th. A
variety of winter weather moved across
the area including heavy snow, blowing
snow, drifting snow, strong winds, and
heavy rain in the lower elevations. Some
warm air was pulled into the state ahead
of the front ... this caused snow levels
to be higher than what was originally
expected. Much of the heavier snow fell
above 7500 feet ... with a mix of rain
... sleet ... and snow from 6500-7000
feet. However ... very strong winds also
accompanied this front-causing severe
blowing and drifting snow ... as well as
reduced visibility. Some roofs collapsed
in the Flagstaff area from the weight of
accumulated snow and ice.
ARIZONA, Northwest
AZZ003 Northwest Deserts
13 1318MST
High winds buffeted the Mojave Desert and
southern Great Basin ahead of a strong
cold front.
15 1000MST
16 0200MST
15 1200MST
16 0400MST
A Pacific storm pushed moisture over cold
air in the Mojave Desert and southern
Great Basin, producing significant snow
as low as 3000 feet.
25 2007MST
AZZ001 Northwest Plateau
25 2306MST
A strong Pacific storm and associated
cold front traversed the Mojave Desert
and southern Great Basin, bringing heavy
snow to the higher elevations and high
winds to the lower elevations.
ARIZONA, South
Cochise County
4 S Whetstone 08 0600MST
0800MST
Small hail resulted in numerous accidents
on Highway 90 south of Benson. One of
these accidents resulted in the fatality
as a truck slid off the road into a
concrete culvert.
An upper level low with cold temperatures
aloft caused instability resulting in
thunderstorms with small hail across
Southeast Arizona.
AZZ019-030-033 Northern Greenlee--Tucson Metro/Marana/
Green Valley--Upper Gila River Valley
25 0500MST
26 1700MST
AZZ029-032-034-035 Cochise County--Santa Cruz County--
Southeast Pinal County--Tohono Oodham
Nation
26 0700MST
2100MST
Two storm systems moved through Southeast
Arizona on December 25th and 26th. The
system on December 25th was a lead system
that moved through and produced rain and
mountain snowfall generally above 6500
feet. The follow up system on December
26th was a much colder storm with origins
in the Gulf of Alaska that moved through
Southeast Arizona with much lower snow
levels.
ARIZONA, Southwest
AZZ024 Southern Gila/Tonto Nf Foothills
26 0300MST
1900MST
A deep low pressure system brought
considerable moisture into Arizona with
much colder air plunging southward. The
snowfall amounts ranged from 2 inches
Globe to 4 inches along route 60, about 5
miles west of Miami.
ARKANSAS, Central and North Central
Pope County
2 S Russellville 09 1410CST
1411CST
A funnel cloud was photographed over the
southern part of Russellville.
[ILLUSTRATION OMIITED]
ARZ003>005-007-012>013 Baxter--Boone--Marion--Newton--Searcy--
Sharp
10 0200CST
0900CST
A strong cold front moved across Arkansas
on the 9th, accompanied by numerous
showers and thunderstorms. Colder air
moved in quickly behind the front, with
temperatures plunging more than 20
degrees within just a few hours after
frontal passage. Lingering moisture
behind the front, coupled with weak areas
of low pressure aloft, brought some
wintry precipitation to parts of northern
Arkansas early on the morning of the
10th.
15 0100CST
16 1300CST
ARZ004-012-021 Baxter--Johnson--Marion--Newton
15 0100CST
16 0900CST
ARZ037 Scott
15 0500CST
16 0900CST
ARZ013-030-040 Logan--Polk--Searcy
15 0500CST
16 0800CST
ARZ038 Yell
15 0800CST
16 0900CST
ARZ022-041 Montgomery--Pope
15 0800CST
16
ARZ006-023 Fulton--Van Buren
15 0900CST
16 1300CST
ARZ015 Izard
15 0900CST
16 1400CST
ARZ007-014-016- Cleburne--Conway--Independence--Perry--
024-031-039 Sharp--Stone
15 1000CST
16 1300CST
ARZ042 Garland
15 1200CST
16 0900CST
ARZ025-032>034 Faulkner--Jackson--White--Woodruff
15 1300CST
16 1400CST
ARZ043>047-052>054 Clark--Hot Spring--Lonoke--Monroe--
Pike--Prairie--Pulaski--Saline
15 1400CST
16 0700CST
ARZ055>057-062>069 Arkansas--Bradley--Calhoun--Cleveland--
Dallas--Desha--Drew--Grant--Jefferson--
Lincoln--Ouachita
16 0200CST
1400CST
A strong Arctic cold front moved across
Arkansas on the night of the 14th and the
morning of the 15th. Temperatures plunged
25 to 30 degrees in just a few hours. An
overrunning pattern soon developed, with
warmer, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico
moving up and over the top of the colder
air. The result was freezing rain and
sleet over the entire county warning
area, with some light snow mixed in over
the northern part of the state. The
wintry mix began on the morning of the
15th in the northwest part of the warning
area, and then spread across the
remainder of the area later on the 15th
and during the wee hours of the 16th.
Precipitation diminished to freezing
drizzle on the morning of the 16th and
then continued into the afternoon hours.
The wintry precipitation brought
hazardous driving conditions throughout
the area.
ARZ003>007-012> Arkansas--Baxter--Boone--Clark--
016-021>025-030> Cleburne--Conway--Desha--Drew--Faulkner--
034-037>047-052> Fulton--Garland--Grant--Hot Spring--
057-064>065-069 Independence--Izard--Jackson--Jefferson--
Johnson--Lincoln--Logan--Lonoke--Marion--
Monroe--Montgomery--Newton--Perry--Pike--
Polk--Pope--Prairie--Pulaski--Saline--
Scott--Searcy--Sharp--Stone--Van Buren--
White--Woodruff--Yell
23 0400CST
1330CST
An Arctic air mass was retreating on the
23rd, but before temperatures could rise
above freezing, warmer, moist air from
the Gulf of Mexico moved over the top of
the cold air. The result was freezing
rain, freezing drizzle, and sleet over
most areas. Although precipitation
amounts were small, an icy glaze
developed on many bridges and overpasses,
as well as other elevated roadways.
Hazardous driving conditions developed
quickly, in time for the morning rush
hour in most areas. Hundreds of vehicle
accidents resulted. From late morning
into the afternoon hours, temperatures
gradually rose above freezing, putting an
end to the icy conditions.
Pope County
Russellville 27 1330CST
Large trees and power lines were down on
the south side of Russellville.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 50 knots
is equivalent to 58 mph.
Yell County
Dardanelle 27 1339CST
A roof was blown off a mobile home on
Waterplant Road in Dardanelle.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 50 knots
is equivalent to 58 mph.
Baxter County
3 NNE Mountain Home 27 1345CST
Note: The estimated wind gust of 53 knots
is equivalent to 61 mph.
Searcy County
Marshall 27 1345CST
Trees were down on roads across the city.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 50 knots
is equivalent to 58 mph.
Baxter County
1 NNE Herron 27 1402CST
A large tree was down on Sheid Road.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 50 knots
is equivalent to 58 mph.
Izard County
1 S Melbourne 27 1438CST
Large limbs were down on Arkansas
Highway 9.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 50 knots
is equivalent to 58 mph.
White County
Searcy 27 1555CST
Limbs were down on roads across the city.
Very cold air just before Christmas was
replaced by near record high temperatures
in the 60s and 70s on the 26th. This was
ahead of a storm system riding a
southwest wind flow aloft toward
Arkansas. Ahead of the system, the
atmosphere became rather unstable. A cold
front moving through the Plains tapped
into this unstable air, and a line of
thunderstorms resulted.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 50 knots
is equivalent to 58 mph.
ARKANSAS, East
ARZ026 Craighead
15 0400CST
16 0900CST
ARZ009-018-026 Clay--Craighead--Greene
15 0400CST
16 0300CST
ARZ008-017 Lawrence--Randolph
15 0400CST
16 0000CST
A strong cold front pushed into Northeast
Arkansas during the early morning hours
of December 15th, 2008. Very shallow
arctic air filtered into the region
behind the front. Rain changed over to
freezing rain and sleet. Ice and sleet
accumulations occurred with amounts
ranging from an quarter of an inch to up
to an inch. The ice accumulations made
roads hazardous to travel and many
accidents occurred as a result.
ARZ027 Poinsett
23 0400CST
1200CST
Light freezing rain fell during the day
on December 23rd, 2008. Minor ice
accumulations occurred across Eastern
Arkansas. This made roads hazardous to
travel and many accidents occurred as a
result. Two deaths occurred from traffic
accidents.
Randolph County
Maynard 27 1608CST
1613CST
Straight line winds knocked down trees in
Maynard.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 50 knots
is equivalent to 58 mph.
Greene County
5 NW Walcott 27 1610CST
Note: The estimated wind gust of 52 knots
is equivalent to 60 mph.
Clay County
Peach Orchard 27 1635CST
Note: The estimated wind gust of 52 knots
is equivalent to 60 mph.
Clay County
Rector 27 1655CST
Note: The estimated wind gust of 52 knots
is equivalent to 60 mph.
Clay County
Piggott 27 1700CST
1705CST
Straight line winds knocked down trees
and power lines in Piggott.
A strong cold front moved through the
Midsouth during the afternoon and evening
hours of December 27th, 2008. Showers and
thunderstorms developed out ahead of the
front. Some of the thunderstorms became
severe and produced damaging winds and
flash flooding. Note: The estimated wind
gust of 50 knots is equivalent to 58 mph.
ARKANSAS, Northwest
Washington County
2 N Odell 27 1020CST
Thunderstorm winds estimated at 70 miles
an hour blew down numerous large tree
limbs, removed siding from a trailer and
damaged the roof of a tin building.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 61 knots
is equivalent to 70 mph.
Crawford County
3 SE Cedarville 27 1100CST
Thunderstorm winds estimated at 70 miles
an hour blew down a tree.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 61 knots
is equivalent to 70 mph.
Sebastian County
Greenwood 27 1137CST
Thunderstorm winds estimated at 70 miles
an hour blew down several trees and power
lines.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 61 knots
is equivalent to 70 mph.
Madison County
1 S Pettigrew 27 1155CST
Thunderstorm winds estimated at 70 miles
an hour blew down a tree. The tree
blocked a road.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 61 knots
is equivalent to 70 mph.
Franklin County
Charleston 27 1205CST
Thunderstorm winds estimated at 60 miles
an hour blew down tree limbs.
A few severe thunderstorms occurred
across northwest Arkansas during the
morning hours of the 27th. Note: The
estimated wind gust of 61 knots is
equivalent to 70 mph.
ARKANSAS, Southeast
ARZ074-075 Ashley--Chicot
16 0623CST
0806CST
An area of light freezing rain developed
in a shallow cold airmass across the
delta region of the ARKLAMISS. No
significant amounts of icing was noted
with this system.
ARKANSAS, Southwest
ARZ050-059>061-070>073 Columbia--Hempstead--Howard--Lafayette--
Little River--Miller--Nevada--Sevier--
Union
23 0453CST
0646CST
A shallow arctic airmass moved into the
region a few days earlier resulting in
near to slightly below freezing
temperatures across much of southwest
Arkansas. A warm ... moist layer of air
overran the shallower, colder air at the
surface with patchy light drizzle and
light rain falling across the region. The
drizzle and light rain became freezing
drizzle and light freezing rain across
much of southwest Arkansas during the
predawn hours of December 23rd. The ice
froze to elevated bridges and overpasses
which in turn, resulted in several
vehicle accidents.
Number of Estimated
Persons Damage
Location Killed Injured Property Crops
ALABAMA, Central
ALZ020-021
0 0
Rainfall from several storm systems was
enough to finally bring an end to the
Severe (D2) Drought that had begun in
March of 2007.
Marion County
1 N Bexar 0 0 0.00K 0.00K
Note: The estimated wind gust of 52 knots
is equivalent to 60 mph.
Lamar County
1 NE Detroit 0 0 1.00K 0.00K
Several trees were blown down on AL-17,
near the Detroit Community.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 50 knots
is equivalent to 58 mph.
Marion County
1 N Hamilton 0 0 2.00K 0.00K
Several trees were blown down in
Hamilton, and other locations around
Marion County.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 50 knots
is equivalent to 58 mph.
Lamar County
1 W Crews
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
Street flooding, up to one and a half
feet deep, was reported on AL-118, west
of Sulligent.
Fayette County
1 W Berry 0 0 10.00K 0.00K
Straight line winds snapped or uprooted
several trees southwest of Berry. A few
of these trees landed on outbuildings
producing significant damage. One mobile
home had its roof torn off.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 55 knots
is equivalent to 63 mph.
Walker County
1 ESE Oakman
Coal Vly 0 0 215.00K 0.00K
The tornado touched down just west of
Jackson Street on the north side of
Oakman. It then traveled northeastward,
crossed School Street and AL-69, and
lifted on Watts Street just east of
AL-69. Metal bleachers were twisted and
thrown at the Oakman School athletic
field, and the concession stand at the
ball field was heavily damaged. Oakman
Elementary School sustained only light
structural damage directly from the
tornado. However, rain leaking through
the damaged roof and ceiling caused
extensive water damage to parts of the
school building. Several houses along
AL-69 suffered also significant roof
damage. Approximately 150 trees were
either uprooted or snapped off.
Walker County
1 N Jasper Walker Co 0 0 5.00K 0.00K
Arp
A portion of the roof on a church was
torn off, resulting in extensive water
damage to the inside of the building.
Several ceilings collapsed due to the
water damage, and several multimedia
equipment items and one electric scooter
were also damaged.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 55 knots
is equivalent to 63 mph.
Walker County
4 W Sipsey
0 0 100.00K 0.00K
The tornado touched down near the
intersection of Snow Drive and Old
Pineywoods Road, just north of US-78. It
then traveled northeastward and crossed
CR-77 and lifted shortly thereafter. One
mobile home was totally destroyed and
rolled approximately 50 feet. At least
two additional mobile homes suffered
significant damage. Two chicken houses
were damaged. A few hundred trees were
either snapped off or were uprooted along
the path.
Walker County
Manchester 0 0 0.00K 0.00K
Blount County
2 N Oneonta 0 0 2.00K 0.00K
A few trees were blown down north of
Oneonta, and several other locations in
the northern part of Blount County.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 50 knots
is equivalent to 58 mph.
Blount County
1 NE Hayden 0 0 1.00K 0.00K
A few trees were blown down near Hayden.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 50 knots
is equivalent to 58 mph.
St. Clair County
2 N Acmar
2 E Branchville 0 0 82.00K 0.00K
The tornado touched down near the
intersection of US-411, Meyers Road, and
Church Road, near the Bethel Baptist
Church. It then traveled northeastward
and lifted just northeast of AL-174. At
least 5 homes suffered extensive roof
damage. At least 4 outbuildings were
completely destroyed. Approximately 100
trees were either uprooted or snapped
off. A glass enclosed sun- room was
completely destroyed.
Etowah County
Reece City 0 0 5.00K 0.00K
A tree fell onto and damaged a house,
near the intersection of I-59 and
Noccalula Parkway.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 45 knots
is equivalent to 52 mph.
Etowah County
2 E Rainbow City 0 0 1.00K 0.00K
Several trees were blown down on Oakland
Drive, near Whorton Bend, south of
Gadsden.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 50 knots
is equivalent to 58 mph.
Etowah County
1 NNW East Gasden
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
Several streets were closed on downtown
Gadsden, due to high water from heavy
rain, including Meighan Drive, 4th
Street, and Bay Street.
Pike County
1 N Troy 0 0 5.00K 0.00K
Numerous trees were blown down around
Troy, and other portions of the county.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 50 knots
is equivalent to 58 mph.
Pike County
2 ESE Brundidge Muni 0 0 1.00K 0.00K
Arpt
Several trees were blown down near
Brundidge.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 50 knots
is equivalent to 58 mph.
ALZ012-014-047
0 0 75.0K 0.00K
Tuscaloosa County
1 E Samantha
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
Heavy rain caused water to flow over a
bridge on CR-38, east of the Samantha
Community.
Walker County
1 ENE Sipsey
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
Heavy rain caused water to flow over a
bridge near the Sipsey Community.
Marion County
2 NNE Hackleburg
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
Heavy rain caused water to flow over a
bridge just north of Hackelburg.
ALZ011
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
A developing strong storm system across
the Southeastern United States caused
several severe thunderstorms and locally
heavy rainfall. Cold air surging in on
the back side of the storm system caused
the rain to turn over to snow, some of
which became heavy.
ALZ018
0 0 20.0K 0.00K
Locally dense fog on the Coosa River led
to a boating accident.
Walker County
2 SSW Mc Cullum 0 0 5.00K 0.00K
The tornado briefly touched down near the
intersection of AL-69 and Dutton Hill
Road. It damaged 1 carport, 2 sheds, a
trailer, and several trees in the area.
Walker County
1 NNW Cordova 0 0 0.00K 0.00K
Walker County
Empire 0 0 1.00K 0.00K
Several trees were blown down near the
intersection of Empire Road and Hill
Road.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 50 knots
is equivalent to 58 mph.
Etowah County
1 N Altoona 0 0 1.00K 0.00K
Several trees were blown down.
A cold front pushing through the state
brought showers and thunderstorms to
portions of Central Alabama, which
produced one tornado and isolated wind
damage. Note: The estimated wind gust of
50 knots is equivalent to 58 mph.
ALABAMA, North
ALZ001-003
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
Cold air behind a strong storm system
changed rain over to snow late Sunday
night into Monday across portions of
northern Alabama. Due to warm ground
temperatures, only a dusting to around 1
inch of snow accumulated on grassy
surfaces.
ALZ009-010
0 0
Very heavy rainfall put an end to drought
conditions in Jackson and Dekalb
Counties.
ALZ006-008-016
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
Cold air behind a strong storm system
changed rain over to snow late Sunday
night into Monday across portions of
northern Alabama. Due to warm ground
temperatures, only a dusting to around 1
inch of snow accumulated on grassy
surfaces.
ALZ009
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
Cold air behind a strong storm system
changed rain over to snow late Sunday
night into Monday across De Kalb county
in northeastern Alabama. Two to three
inch accumulations occurred in higher
elevations, along with widespread
accumulations around l inch.
Franklin County
1 SE Red Bay Muni Arpt
0 0 4.50K 0.00K
Severe thunderstorm winds knocked down
utility poles in the Red Bay area.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 56 knots
is equivalent to 64 mph.
Lawrence County
1 SE Hatton
0 0 1.00K 0.00K
A tree was blown down across highway 101
in the Hatton area near mile marker 2.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 52 knots
is equivalent to 60 mph.
Colbert County
2 NNW Cherokee
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
A trained spotter reported heavy rainfall
causing ditches and creeks to flood in
and near the city of Cherokee.
Colbert County
2 SW Colbert Hgts
0 0 3.00K 0.00K
Some trees were blown down by severe
thunderstorm winds along Underwood
Mountain road near Colbert Heights.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 56 knots
is equivalent to 64 mph.
Franklin County
1 W Waco
0 0 3.00K 0.00K
Some trees were blown down by severe
thunderstorms winds along highway 724
near Russellville. Time estimated by
radar.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 56 knots
is equivalent to 64 mph.
Lauderdale County
Weeden Hgts
1 S East Florence 0 0 0.00K 0.00K
Heavy rainfall caused flash flooding
under the overpass of US highway 43 and
State highway 20 in Florence.
Lawrence County
1 SE Flower Hill
4 ESE Kimo 0 0 0.00K 0.00K
Heavy rainfall caused flash flooding over
portions of highway 101 near Town Creek
and Moulton and along portions of county
road 222.
Morgan County
2 WNW Moulton Hgts
4 SW Griffin Addition 0 0 50.00K 0.00K
Four to Six inches of rainfall produced
flash flooding on several roads in Morgan
County. Some of the roads which were
flooded included the followed: Ipsco, Mud
Tavern, Gum Springs Cutoff, Ruth
Mountain, Foreman Bottom, Six-Mile Creek,
Pleasant Valley, Wilson and River Loop. A
few of the roads were washed out.
Madison County
1 WNW Madison Co Jet
Port
2 ENE (HSV) Huntsville 0 0 120.00K 0.00K
Jone
Widespread flash flooding was reported
over portions of western and northwestern
Madison County. Flood waters were most
prevalent in Harvest, Toney, Madison, and
central and northern portions of
Huntsville. Flood reports began at 11:45
PM on the 9th, lasting into morning rush
hour. Roads that experienced significant
flash flooding included: Old Railroad Bed
road, Ford Chapel Road, Production Road
at Huntsville International Airport, Wall
Triana Highway, County Line Road, Pulaski
Pike, Moores Mill Road near Winchester
Road, the intersection of Kelly Springs
Road and Bob Wade Lane, and Martin Luther
King Jr. Highway. Several vehicles
stalled out in flood water around 1:00 AM
at the intersection of Nick Fitchard Road
and Highway 53. Floodwaters forced the
evacuation of a trailer park at the
intersection of Trademark Drive and James
Record Road in Huntsville around 4:25 AM
on the 10th. Several cars were underwater
at this location. Between 3 and 6 inches
of rain fell in these areas in less than
12 hours.
Madison County
1 N Normal
0 0 2.00K 0.00K
Several house fires were sparked by
lightning strikes in Huntsville. A
transformer was damaged by a direct
lightning strike just off Winchester Road
in north Huntsville.
Limestone County
2 NNE Union Hill
4 WSW Wheeler Lake 0 0 0.00K 0.00K
North
Limestone County 911 center reported
flash flooding occurring throughout the
entire county, especially in the Belle
Mina area.
Cullman County
1 N Centerville
0 0 1.00K 0.00K
Thunderstorm winds knocked down a tree
across county road 1261.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 56 knots
is equivalent to 64 mph.
Cullman County
1 ESE Bethel
0 0 1.00K 0.00K
Thunderstorm winds snapped a treetop off
near a house east southeast of Bethel.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 56 knots
is equivalent to 64 mph.
Cullman County
Cold Spgs
0 0 1.00K 0.00K
Thunderstorm winds knocked down a tree
across county road 109.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 56 knots
is equivalent to 64 mph.
Cullman County
4 E Bremen 0 0 1.00K 0.00K
Thunderstorm wind knocked down a tree
across county road 38.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 52 knots
is equivalent to 60 mph.
Cullman County
5 SW Garden City
0 0 1.00K 0.00K
Thunderstorm winds knocked down a tree
across highway 91 near the American
Protein Plant.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 52 knots
is equivalent to 60 mph.
Colbert County
1 N Tuscumbia
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
Heavy rainfall produced flash flooding in
portions of Tuscumbia. Cave street was
officially closed due to flash flooding
near Deshler High School.
Jackson County
1 SE Tupelo
2 ENE Pikeville 0 0 300.00K 0.00K
A tornado struck portions of central
Jackson county around 1 AM CST Wednesday
morning. This tornado initially snapped
several cedar trees near county road 21,
before toppling three TVA high voltage
power line towers near Pikeville Alabama.
It then rapidly proceeded northeast
snapping trees, collapsing several hams,
and ripping off roofs before lifting near
the end of county road 34. According to
Jackson County Emergency Management, the
tornado and adjacent straight-line winds
were to blame for up to twenty homes
being damaged. Three mobile homes were
destroyed and seven more were damaged.
Nine barns were destroyed and three were
damaged. The maximum wind speed with this
tornado was estimated at 125 mph.
Marshall County
Arab
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
Nickel sized hail was reported at the
intersection of Highway 231 and Highway
69.
Marshall County
2 N Guntersville
0 0 0.00K 1.00K
Thunderstorm winds blew a tree down on a
road in Alder Springs and another in
Grant. Time estimated.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 50 knots
is equivalent to 58 mph.
Marshall County
1 SE Grant
0 0 0.00K 1.00K
Thunderstorm winds blew a tree down on a
road in Alder Springs and another in
Grant. Time estimated.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 50 knots
is equivalent to 58 mph.
Jackson County
1 NE Hollywood 0 0 5.00K 0.00K
The mayor of the city of Hollywood, also
a volunteer fire fighter was knocked down
by a lightning strike in front of the
City Hall building while preparing to go
out on an emergency call. The victim was
examined by medical personnel but was
found to be not injured. However, a hole
was carved out in his office wall.
A warm front pushed northeast from
Mississippi into northern Alabama
producing widespread rainfall during the
afternoon of the 9th. A squall line then
produced another round of heavy rainfall,
along with several small bow echoes. One
of these stronger bow echoes resulted in
an EF-2 tornado in Jackson County after
midnight on the 10th. Widespread rain
amounts of 3 to 5 inches, locally near 6
inches, fell in Madison, Limestone,
Morgan, and Lawrence counties resulting
in widespread river and local flash
flooding.
ALZ005
0 0 3.0K 0.00K
Two waves of strong winds damaged trees
across northwest Alabama. Saturated soils
enabled trees to be uprooted rather
easily by sub-severe winds in the 40 to
50 mph range. The first wave of wind
around 6:30 AM uprooted a tree in the
Athens area, toppling a powerline and
knocking out power to 5000 utility
customers in the area. The second and
more widespread wave of strong winds was
produced by a suspected gravity wave
during the late morning hours, resulting
in several reports of tree and power line
damage in Colbert and Lauderdale
Counties.
Madison County
3 W Gurley
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
Moderate to heavy rainfall atop already
saturated soils produced renewed flooding
on small creeks and streams in central
Madison County in and around the Hampton
Cove community. Little Cove, Cherry Tree,
and Bailey Cove Roads experienced
flooding. Little Cove Road was impassible
during much of this period.
Lauderdale County
4 SSE Anderson
1 ESE Whitehead 0 0 0.00K 0.00K
A second round of heavy rainfall on the
11th and 12th caused flooding to occur on
Turner Lindsey Road.
Lauderdale County
Lexington
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
A second round of heavy rain on the 11th
and 12th caused flooding on county road
502, 2 miles east of Lexington.
Lauderdale County
2 NE Pritton
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
A second round of heavy rainfall caused
county road 298 to flood in the Zip City
area.
Lauderdale County
4 SSE Anderson
1 ESE Whitehead 0 0 0.00K 0.00K
A second round of heavy rainfall on the
11th through the 12th, caused many roads
to be flooded and closed due to high
water. A few of these locations in the
Anderson area included: county road 524,
county road 156, and county road 96.
Widespread heavy rainfall elevated river
and stream levels with many going into
flood.
ALZ002
0 0 25.0K 0.00K
ALZ001
0 0 2.0K 0.00K
Two waves of strong winds damaged trees
across northwest Alabama. Saturated soils
enabled trees to be uprooted rather
easily by sub-severe winds in the 40 to
50 mph range. The first wave of wind
around 6:30 AM uprooted a tree in the
Athens area, toppling a powerline and
knocking out power to 5000 utility
customers in the area. The second and
more widespread wave of strong winds was
produced by a suspected gravity wave
during the late morning hours, resulting
in several reports of tree and power line
damage in Colbert and Lauderdale
Counties.
ALZ001>003
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
Snow fell across a large portion of
northwest Alabama during the afternoon
and early evening hours. Snow amounts of
1 to 3 inches were reported.
Lauderdale County
2 WSW Murphy Xrds
0 0 70.00K 0.00K
Severe thunderstorm winds knocked down 18
trees and heavily damaged 4 mobile homes.
Two mobile homes were blown off their
foundation. One roof was torn off. This
damage occurred along the 7100 block of
County Road 8.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 87 knots
is equivalent to 100 mph.
Morgan County
1 S Huntsville Laceys
Sp
2 ESE Talucah 0 0 4.00K
Trees were reported down at the
intersection of highway 231 and Bell
Point Road. Also, trees were reported
down near the intersection of Vista lane
and Cabbage Patch Drive.
Abundant low level moisture ahead of a
strong cold front aided the development
of a quasi-linear convective system
(QLCS). One of the storms produced heavy
damage in northwestern Lauderdale County
Alabama. Note: The estimated wind gust of
56 knots is equivalent to 64 mph.
ALZ001>004-006-016
0 0
A strong surface high over the
Appalachian mountains kept temperatures
at or just below freezing across much of
northern Alabama Tuesday morning. At the
same time, a strong southerly low level
jet developed and lifted Gulf of Mexico
moisture northward over this cold air.
This caused widespread light freezing
rain and sleet to occur in portions of
southern middle Tennessee and northern
central Alabama. Most locations received
a glaze to 1/10 of an inch of icing.
Colbert County
1 SSE Muscle Shoals
0 0 4.00K 0.00K
Thunderstorm winds partially collapsed an
aluminum porch canopy in the Muscle
Shoals area on Highland Avenue. Trees
were blown down nearby.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 56 knots
is equivalent to 64 mph.
Lauderdale County
1 E Upper Green Hill
0 0 10.00K 0.00K
Thunderstorm winds tore off a canopy from
a porch at a residence in the Hickory
Flats neighborhood.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 56 knots
is equivalent to 64 mph.
Limestone County
2 ESE Orrville
1 NNE Belle Mina 0 0 200.00K 0.00K
A tornado tracked through the northern
portions of the community of Belle Mina
on Christmas Eve. The tornado developed
in a forested area just east of
interstate 65 north of Garrett Road. It
toppled trees onto a vehicle being used
by hunters. The tornado tracked through a
cotton field for about 1/2 of a mile
before intensifying to EF-1 strength and
destroying two single wide trailer homes.
One was lifted off its foundation
entirely with debris found several
hundred yards downwind. Fortunately, no
occupants were in either location. The
tornado then tracked into a farmstead
along Mooresville Road, completely
destroying two large tractor sheds. Two
of the adjacent homes sustained minor
damage to the roof. Several cedar and
cypress trees were either snapped or
uprooted. One tree landed atop a vehicle.
No injuries occurred. The tornado then
crossed Mooresville Road, uprooting and
snapping additional trees, and collapsing
a small shed onto vehicles. One wall of
an old small farmhouse also collapsed. No
occupants were in the home at the time.
Madison County
2 WSW Redstone Aaf
0 0 2.00K 0.00K
Severe thunderstorm winds downed trees
and caused power outages in the Edgewater
subdivision.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 52 knots
is equivalent to 60 mph.
Madison County
2 WSW Fletcher Chapel
0 0 4.00K 0.00K
Thunderstorm winds knocked down large
trees along Skyline road.
A potent cold front pushed across
northern Alabama during the afternoon and
evening hours. Intense low level shear
and weak instability was present along
and ahead of this front. A few severe
thunderstorms developed along the front.
One of the storms produced a bow echo
just north of Decatur which resulted in a
brief EF-1 tornado within the comma head
of the storm in Belle Mina in Limestone
county. Note: The estimated wind gust of
56 knots is equivalent to 64 mph.
Lauderdale County
1 N Zip City
1 0 0.00K 0.00K
A 28 year old female was struck by
lightning while standing on a carport.
The person was ambulanced to a local
hospital. F28PS
A band of showers and thunderstorms
produced occasional lightning. A woman in
northern Lauderdale County was struck by
lightning. F28PS
ALABAMA, Southeast
Coffee County
2 ENE Elba
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
A portion of County Road 250 was closed
due to high water.
Coffee County
2 ESE Marvin Chapel
0 0 5.00K 0.00K
Three dirt roads were washed out. A
portion of County Road 682 was closed
with water over a bridge.
Four to eight inches of rain fell across
much of southeast Alabama from late on
the 9th through the 10th. Areal flooding
was reported in Coffee County, where
several dirt roads were washed out and a
few county roads were closed.
ALZ065>067
0 0 65.0K 0.00K
Strong winds associated with a line of
heavy showers produced numerous reports
of damage to trees, power lines and
several trailers in Coffee, Dale and
Henry counties in southeast Alabama.
ALABAMA, Southwest
Crenshaw County
Brantley
0 0 20.00K 0.00K
Trees were downed in Brantley and a roof
was damaged.
Severe thunderstorms moved across
southwest Alabama producing wind damage
and large hail. Note: The estimated wind
gust of 50 knots is equivalent to 58 mph.
Escambia County
Appleton
Brewton 0 0 0.00K 0.00K
Slow moving thunderstorms produced 6 to 8
inches of rain across portions of of
southwest Alabama. Several roads were
flooded and closed for a period of time
around Andalusia. Other roads were
flooded and closed for a period of time
around Brewton and Robertsdale.
Covington County
8 N Falco
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
Severe thunderstorms moved across
southwest Alabama producing wind damage
and large hail.
Baldwin County
Robertsdale
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
Covington County
Andalusia
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
Slow moving thunderstorms produced 6 to 8
inches of rain across portions of of
southwest Alabama. Several roads were
flooded and closed for a period of time
around Andalusia. Other roads were
flooded and closed for a period of time
around Brewton and Robertsdale.
ALZ051>053
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
A strong upper level low pressure system
moved across the southeast and caused
snow showers to develop across parts of
southwest Alabama. Most areas received a
dusting of snow. A few areas observed
around one half inch of snow.
Monroe County
Monroeville
0 0 200.00K 0.00K
A Travel Inn on 136 near Highway 184 had
the roof blown off by winds estimated at
60-70 mph. A few hundred yards down from
the motel a couple of dead tees were
blown down. A trailer had its skirting
blown out and a limb was blown into to
the top of the trailer.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 61 knots
is equivalent to 70 mph.
Baldwin County
Bay Minette
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
Severe thunderstorms produced large hail
and damaging winds across portions of
southwest Alabama.
ALASKA, Northern
AKZ216
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
A 980 mb low 350 miles south of Saint
Lawrence Island brought snowfall to the
lower Koyukuk and middle Yukon Valleys.
The cooperative observer in Galena
observed 7 inches of snow.
AKZ213
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
A 980 mb low 350 miles south of Saint
Lawrence Island combined with a 1033 mb
high across eastern Russia to produce a
period of very strong wind on Saint
Lawrence Island. The wind frequently
gusted to 53 kts (61 mph) at the Gambell
AWOS from 1435AKST through 1930AKST.
AKZ219
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
A 980 mb low 350 miles south of Saint
Lawrence Island on the afternoon of the
4th weakened to 1002 mb near Kodiak
Island during the afternoon of the 6th. A
moist flow of air from the Bering Sea
brought a prolonged period of snowfall to
the Bettles area. A total of 6.7 inches
of snow was observed from 1900AKST on the
4th through 1400AKST on the 6th.
AKZ212-221
0 0 0.15K 0.00K
A 958 mb low in the Gulf of Alaska
combined with a 1039 mb high across
northern Canada to produce a strong
pressure gradient across central Alaska.
Wind damage was observed at lake
Minchumina, with tree branches down. Wood
paneling on a log frame porch on the
north side of the lake was blown off on 2
sides and scattered across the yard.
Unconfirmed estimated cost of damage was
$150.
AKZ216-218
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
A strong pressure gradient between high
pressure over the North Slope and a low
in the Gulf of Alaska produced strong
winds of 50 mph with local gusts to 61
kts (70 mph) observed at the Koyukuk
National Wildlife Refuge RAWS.
AKZ203
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
A strong surface trough extended from a
980 mb low near the Bering Strait along
the Arctic Coast and produced blizzard
conditions for about 10 hours in
Deadhorse. An east wind of 35 to 45 mph
with occasional gusts to 48 kts (55 mph)
were observed.
AKZ213
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
Ahead of a strong occluded front a period
of very strong wind was observed at Wales
along the Bering Strait coast. Sustained
winds of 50 to 60 mph were observed with
frequent gusts to 70 mph and a peak wind
gust of 68 kts (78 mph).
AKZ209
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
A strong occluded front brought a period
of blizzard conditions to Kotzebue. The
wind frequently gusted to 45 mph and the
visibility was reduced to one quarter
mile or less in snow and blowing snow.
AKZ201-213
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
A strong pressure gradient between a 1056
mb high across interior Alaska and a 998
mb low that moved off the eastern Russian
Coast and into the Chukchi Sea produced
high winds on Saint Lawrence Island, the
Bering Strait and along the Western
Arctic Coast. Wind gusts of 57 to 64 kts
(66 to 74 mph) were observed.
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
A low pressure system over the western
Bering Sea created blizzard conditions
over the Bering Strait during the
afternoon of the 14th. Blizzard
conditions likely occurred at the village
of Wales for 8 hours, as reported by the
AWIS. Occasional wind gusts to near 52
kts (60 mph) were reported by the Wales
AWIS during the afternoon.
AKZ203-208
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
A 998 mb low tracked from the southern
Chukchi Sea and just off the northwest
coast of Alaska and produced blizzard
conditions at the Red Dog mine at times
during the night of the 14th into the
morning hours of the 15th.
AKZ213
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
A strong pressure gradient between a 1045
mb high in the Yukon and a 996 mb low in
the Gulf of Anadyr produced a period of
high winds along the Bering Strait Coast.
The strongest winds were observed at
Wales. A peak wind gust of 60 kts (69
mph) was observed at the Wales AWIS.
AKZ218>226
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
A significant cold snap developed across
interior Alaska on December 27th and
continued into January. A cold upper
level low across Siberia moved into
northern Alaska on December 26th, and
remained in place through the end of the
month. Although no new temperature
records were established, it brought the
first widespread significant cold to
interior Alaska. Temperatures at the
Fairbanks International Airport dropped
to 40 below on the 28th, and reached a
low of 43 degrees on the 31st. The cold
temperatures produced significant ice fog
in Fairbanks, and the visibilities were
frequently reduced to 1/4 mile or less in
Fairbanks on New Year's Eve. The coldest
temperatures were observed on the Yukon
Flats, where temperatures dropped into
the 50s below on New Year's Eve.
Here are some of the coldest temperatures
that were observed through December 31
st:
Zone 218: Arctic Village: 49 below
Zone 219: Bettles: 45 below
Zone 220: Chalkyitsik: 58 below Beaver
Creek: 57 below Circle Hot Springs: 55
below Fort Yukon: 54 below Central: 50
below
Zone 221: Nenana: 44 below
Zone 222: North Pole KJNP: 55 below
Fairbanks International Airport: 43 below
Zone 223: Delta Junction: 44 below
Zone 224: O'Brien Creek: 57 below Tok: 52
below Chicken: 52 below Eagle: 50 below
Northway: 49 below
Zone 225: Denali Park HQ: 34 below
Zone 226: Dry Creek: 50 below Chisana: 47
below
All of these low temperatures were
observed on either December 30th or the
31st.
ALASKA, Southeast
AKZ020-029
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
A 1047 MB arctic high pressure cell over
the Yukon on 12/2 slowly weakened and
moved southeastward through Friday, 12/5.
A planetary scale storm force low moved
into Bristol Bay on 12/4 which caused a
series of fronts to move over SE Alaska
from the Gulf through 12/5. Storm totals
were from 9.6 inches to up to 2 feet of
new snow.
AKZ017
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
AKZ019-021-025
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
AKZ022-027
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
AKZ018-019
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
Arctic High pressure remained over the
eastern Yukon on the night of 12/8 which
supported a stationary arctic front over
the northern Panhandle. This combined
with a 958 MB storm force low that moved
into the western Gulf of Alaska on on the
evening of 12/8 to cause both high wind
and heavy snow for much of SE Alaska.
Rare blizzard conditions persisted during
the nighttime hours into 12/9 over the
Klondike Highway and Haines areas during
this storm. Storm totals of snow ranged
from around 9 inches to 18 inches. The
highest wind estimate was around 75 MPH.
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
AKZ025
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
Strong, cold arctic high pressure
remained over the Yukon and northern
British Columbia on the evening of 12/22.
Local outflow winds developed on the
evening of 12/20 into the morning of
40168 for areas in the northern Panhandle
as a moderate low pressure system moved
to the Queen Charlotte Islands. Estimated
gusts to 75 MPH were the strongest winds
encountered during this storm.
AKZ022-027
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
On 12/23 arctic high pressure over the
Yukon had moved well SE but cold air
remained over the Panhandle. A 983 MB
storm force low had moved into the
central Gulf with a strong front
approaching the coast. This caused warm
moist air to move over the colder air at
the surface causing heavy snow along the
outer coast. Storm totals over 12 hours
ranged from 7.4 inches to around a foot
of new snow.
AKZ017-020>022-025
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
AKZ018-024-026-029
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
A major snowstorm buried SE Alaska from
the night of 12/25 persisting to the
early morning of 12/27. A secondary gale
force low developed in the western Gulf
of Alaska on the afternoon of 12/25, and
it became the main surface low in the
central Gulf on the morning of 12/26.
This system caused a strong front to move
over the Panhandle on the 12/26 with
plenty of moisture where it stalled on
the 27th and 28th. Storm total snow
accumulations ranged from one to two feet
during this storm.
AKZ027-028
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
Although the arctic front had moved over
the northern Panhandle, cold air remained
over the southern part of SE Alaska on
the evening of 12/27. A low pressure
system off the eastern Gulf coast
developed a front that pushed warm moist
air over the cold air which caused heavy
snow on 12/28. Storm total snow
accumulations ranged from 4.6 to 17.8
inches.
ALASKA, Southern
AKZ185
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
AKZ195
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
A strong storm south of the Aleutians
produced snow and strong northeast wind
across the Pribilof Islands resulting in
a blizzard. This storm also produced
strong southeast wind across the Eastern
Aleutians in Unalaska. The peak wind
measured at the Dutch Harbor Airport was
68 KT. Residents reported wind gusts
estimated between 80 to 100 mph during
this storm.
AKZ131
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
An intense storm moved into the northern
Gulf of Alaska producing high wind and
snow in the Chugach Mountains. The
combination of high wind and snow
resulted in blizzard conditions through
Thompson Pass.
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
A weak low in the Gulf of Alaska coupled
with a strengthening high in the Copper
River Basin produced strong gap wind
through the channeled terrain of the
Chugach Mountains. The strong gusty wind
produced blowing snow due to the re
suspension of the freshly fallen snow
that resulted in a blizzard in the
Thompson Pass area.
AKZ191
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
A deep intense low moved into the Western
Bering Sea while pushing a front across
the western Aleutians. Strong wind in
advance of this front occurred in the
western Aleutians.
AKZ187
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
A strong low crossed the central
Aleutians December 17th and 18th. Strong
north to northwest wind around the west
side of the low coupled with snow
resulted in a blizzard in Adak.
AKZ155
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
A strong front moved into the Bering Sea
coast producing strong wind and snow that
resulted in a Blizzard Christmas eve and
Christmas day.
AKZ131
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
Strong north wind produced by a strong
low in the Gulf of Alaska resulted in re
suspension of snow. The resulting blowing
snow produce blizzard conditions through
Thompson Pass.
AKZ171
0 0 15.0K 0.00K
A strong Gulf of Alaska low combined with
building high pressure in the Bering Sea
produced strong northwest wind across
Kodiak Island. The peak wind was 91 mph
during this event.
AKZ181
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
An intense low in the eastern Gulf of
Alaska and strong high pressure over the
Bering Sea produced strong northwest wind
and snow across the Alaska Peninsula that
resulted in a blizzard.
AKZ135
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
A large strong high pressure system over
interior Alaska coupled with a strong low
in the Gulf of Alaska produced the
typical strong gap wind through the
Chugach Mountains. This is a data void
region and wind speed is estimated from
the pressure and temperature gradients
and satellite imagery.
ARIZONA, Central and Northeast
AZZ012
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
AZZ013-015-040
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
Strong southwest winds developed ahead of
a strong cold front moving across
Arizona. The strongest winds were 10 to
50 miles east of Flagstaff. The strongest
reported gust was 58 MPH at Two Guns. The
strong winds also caused areas of blowing
dust and sand.
Gila County
1 WNW Pine 0 0 0.00K 0.00K
15 NNE Young
Heavy rain in the lower elevations of
Gila County caused Tonto Creek to be come
impassable. Residents were stranded on
one side of the creek for several days.
Between 400 and 600 people live on one
side of the creek and often become
stranded when the all three crossings
become flooded.
AZZ004-006>008-015>016
0 10 0.00K 0.00K
AZZ018
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
AZZ005
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
A large scale trough of low pressure
brought two back to back storms to
northern Arizona over much of a four day
period. These storms brought close to two
feet of new snow over the Western
Mogollon Rim at 7000 feet and close to
four feet of new snow above 9000 feet.
The first storm was cold enough to lower
the snow level to the floor of the Grand
Canyon. The snow level rose to the 7000
foot level for an hour or two with the
second storm. During this event the
Department of Public Safety for northern
Arizona responded to 188 slideoffs on
highways in the northern region. Officers
also responded to 65 collisions, 12 of
which involved injury. Two people were
transported to Flagstaff Medical Center
to be treated for their injuries.
AZZ014>018-039
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
The first in a series of winter storms
brought significant snowfall to portions
of Northern Arizona from the afternoon of
40169 through early morning of December
23. The heaviest snow from this system
fell across the Mogollon Rim and White
Mountains with Flagstaff receiving 7 to
10 inches of new snow and the Arizona
Snowbowl received 12 to 16 inches.
0 0 0.00K
AZZ012>014
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
A strong cold front moved through Western
and Central Arizona Christmas night
through the afternoon of December 26th. A
variety of winter weather moved across
the area including heavy snow, blowing
snow, drifting snow, strong winds, and
heavy rain in the lower elevations. Some
warm air was pulled into the state ahead
of the front ... this caused snow levels
to be higher than what was originally
expected. Much of the heavier snow fell
above 7500 feet ... with a mix of rain
... sleet ... and snow from 6500-7000
feet. However ... very strong winds also
accompanied this front-causing severe
blowing and drifting snow ... as well as
reduced visibility. Some roofs collapsed
in the Flagstaff area from the weight of
accumulated snow and ice.
ARIZONA, Northwest
AZZ003
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
High winds buffeted the Mojave Desert and
southern Great Basin ahead of a strong
cold front.
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
A Pacific storm pushed moisture over cold
air in the Mojave Desert and southern
Great Basin, producing significant snow
as low as 3000 feet.
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
AZZ001
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
A strong Pacific storm and associated
cold front traversed the Mojave Desert
and southern Great Basin, bringing heavy
snow to the higher elevations and high
winds to the lower elevations.
ARIZONA, South
Cochise County
4 S Whetstone
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
Small hail resulted in numerous accidents
on Highway 90 south of Benson. One of
these accidents resulted in the fatality
as a truck slid off the road into a
concrete culvert.
An upper level low with cold temperatures
aloft caused instability resulting in
thunderstorms with small hail across
Southeast Arizona.
AZZ019-030-033
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
AZZ029-032-034-035
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
Two storm systems moved through Southeast
Arizona on December 25th and 26th. The
system on December 25th was a lead system
that moved through and produced rain and
mountain snowfall generally above 6500
feet. The follow up system on December
26th was a much colder storm with origins
in the Gulf of Alaska that moved through
Southeast Arizona with much lower snow
levels.
ARIZONA, Southwest
AZZ024
0 0 0.00K
A deep low pressure system brought
considerable moisture into Arizona with
much colder air plunging southward. The
snowfall amounts ranged from 2 inches
Globe to 4 inches along route 60, about 5
miles west of Miami.
ARKANSAS, Central and North Central
Pope County
2 S Russellville
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
A funnel cloud was photographed over the
southern part of Russellville.
ARZ003>005-007-012>013
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
A strong cold front moved across Arkansas
on the 9th, accompanied by numerous
showers and thunderstorms. Colder air
moved in quickly behind the front, with
temperatures plunging more than 20
degrees within just a few hours after
frontal passage. Lingering moisture
behind the front, coupled with weak areas
of low pressure aloft, brought some
wintry precipitation to parts of northern
Arkansas early on the morning of the
10th.
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
ARZ004-012-021
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
ARZ037
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
ARZ013-030-040
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
ARZ038
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
ARZ022-041
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
ARZ006-023
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
ARZ015
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
ARZ007-014-016-
024-031-039
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
ARZ042
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
ARZ025-032>034
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
ARZ043>047-052>054
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
ARZ055>057-062>069
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
A strong Arctic cold front moved across
Arkansas on the night of the 14th and the
morning of the 15th. Temperatures plunged
25 to 30 degrees in just a few hours. An
overrunning pattern soon developed, with
warmer, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico
moving up and over the top of the colder
air. The result was freezing rain and
sleet over the entire county warning
area, with some light snow mixed in over
the northern part of the state. The
wintry mix began on the morning of the
15th in the northwest part of the warning
area, and then spread across the
remainder of the area later on the 15th
and during the wee hours of the 16th.
Precipitation diminished to freezing
drizzle on the morning of the 16th and
then continued into the afternoon hours.
The wintry precipitation brought
hazardous driving conditions throughout
the area.
ARZ003>007-012>
016-021>025-030>
034-037>047-052>
057-064>065-069
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
An Arctic air mass was retreating on the
23rd, but before temperatures could rise
above freezing, warmer, moist air from
the Gulf of Mexico moved over the top of
the cold air. The result was freezing
rain, freezing drizzle, and sleet over
most areas. Although precipitation
amounts were small, an icy glaze
developed on many bridges and overpasses,
as well as other elevated roadways.
Hazardous driving conditions developed
quickly, in time for the morning rush
hour in most areas. Hundreds of vehicle
accidents resulted. From late morning
into the afternoon hours, temperatures
gradually rose above freezing, putting an
end to the icy conditions.
Pope County
Russellville 0 0 0.00K 0.00K
Large trees and power lines were down on
the south side of Russellville.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 50 knots
is equivalent to 58 mph.
Yell County
Dardanelle 0 0 0.00K 0.00K
A roof was blown off a mobile home on
Waterplant Road in Dardanelle.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 50 knots
is equivalent to 58 mph.
Baxter County
3 NNE Mountain Home 0 0 0.00K 0.00K
Note: The estimated wind gust of 53 knots
is equivalent to 61 mph.
Searcy County
Marshall 0 0 0.00K 0.00K
Trees were down on roads across the city.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 50 knots
is equivalent to 58 mph.
Baxter County
1 NNE Herron 0 0 0.00K 0.00K
A large tree was down on Sheid Road.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 50 knots
is equivalent to 58 mph.
Izard County
1 S Melbourne 0 0 0.00K 0.00K
Large limbs were down on Arkansas
Highway 9.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 50 knots
is equivalent to 58 mph.
White County
Searcy 0 0 0.00K 0.00K
Limbs were down on roads across the city.
Very cold air just before Christmas was
replaced by near record high temperatures
in the 60s and 70s on the 26th. This was
ahead of a storm system riding a
southwest wind flow aloft toward
Arkansas. Ahead of the system, the
atmosphere became rather unstable. A cold
front moving through the Plains tapped
into this unstable air, and a line of
thunderstorms resulted.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 50 knots
is equivalent to 58 mph.
ARKANSAS, East
ARZ026
1 0 0.00K 0.00K
ARZ009-018-026
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
ARZ008-017
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
A strong cold front pushed into Northeast
Arkansas during the early morning hours
of December 15th, 2008. Very shallow
arctic air filtered into the region
behind the front. Rain changed over to
freezing rain and sleet. Ice and sleet
accumulations occurred with amounts
ranging from an quarter of an inch to up
to an inch. The ice accumulations made
roads hazardous to travel and many
accidents occurred as a result.
ARZ027
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
Light freezing rain fell during the day
on December 23rd, 2008. Minor ice
accumulations occurred across Eastern
Arkansas. This made roads hazardous to
travel and many accidents occurred as a
result. Two deaths occurred from traffic
accidents.
Randolph County
Maynard
0 0 4.00K 0.00K
Straight line winds knocked down trees in
Maynard.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 50 knots
is equivalent to 58 mph.
Greene County
5 NW Walcott 0 0 0.00K 0.00K
Note: The estimated wind gust of 52 knots
is equivalent to 60 mph.
Clay County
Peach Orchard 0 0 0.00K 0.00K
Note: The estimated wind gust of 52 knots
is equivalent to 60 mph.
Clay County
Rector 0 0 0.00K 0.00K
Note: The estimated wind gust of 52 knots
is equivalent to 60 mph.
Clay County
Piggott
0 0 6.00K 0.00K
Straight line winds knocked down trees
and power lines in Piggott.
A strong cold front moved through the
Midsouth during the afternoon and evening
hours of December 27th, 2008. Showers and
thunderstorms developed out ahead of the
front. Some of the thunderstorms became
severe and produced damaging winds and
flash flooding. Note: The estimated wind
gust of 50 knots is equivalent to 58 mph.
ARKANSAS, Northwest
Washington County
2 N Odell 0 0 5.00K 0.00K
Thunderstorm winds estimated at 70 miles
an hour blew down numerous large tree
limbs, removed siding from a trailer and
damaged the roof of a tin building.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 61 knots
is equivalent to 70 mph.
Crawford County
3 SE Cedarville 0 0 0.00K 0.00K
Thunderstorm winds estimated at 70 miles
an hour blew down a tree.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 61 knots
is equivalent to 70 mph.
Sebastian County
Greenwood 0 0 1.00K 0.00K
Thunderstorm winds estimated at 70 miles
an hour blew down several trees and power
lines.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 61 knots
is equivalent to 70 mph.
Madison County
1 S Pettigrew 0 0 0.00K 0.00K
Thunderstorm winds estimated at 70 miles
an hour blew down a tree. The tree
blocked a road.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 61 knots
is equivalent to 70 mph.
Franklin County
Charleston 0 0 0.00K 0.00K
Thunderstorm winds estimated at 60 miles
an hour blew down tree limbs.
A few severe thunderstorms occurred
across northwest Arkansas during the
morning hours of the 27th. Note: The
estimated wind gust of 61 knots is
equivalent to 70 mph.
ARKANSAS, Southeast
ARZ074-075
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
An area of light freezing rain developed
in a shallow cold airmass across the
delta region of the ARKLAMISS. No
significant amounts of icing was noted
with this system.
ARKANSAS, Southwest
ARZ050-059>061-070>073
0 0 0.00K 0.00K
A shallow arctic airmass moved into the
region a few days earlier resulting in
near to slightly below freezing
temperatures across much of southwest
Arkansas. A warm ... moist layer of air
overran the shallower, colder air at the
surface with patchy light drizzle and
light rain falling across the region. The
drizzle and light rain became freezing
drizzle and light freezing rain across
much of southwest Arkansas during the
predawn hours of December 23rd. The ice
froze to elevated bridges and overpasses
which in turn, resulted in several
vehicle accidents.
Location Character of Storm
ALABAMA, Central
ALZ020-021
Drought
Rainfall from several storm systems was
enough to finally bring an end to the
Severe (D2) Drought that had begun in
March of 2007.
Marion County
1 N Bexar Thunderstorm Wind (52EG)
Note: The estimated wind gust of 52 knots
is equivalent to 60 mph.
Lamar County
1 NE Detroit Thunderstorm Wind (50EG)
Several trees were blown down on AL-17,
near the Detroit Community.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 50 knots
is equivalent to 58 mph.
Marion County
1 N Hamilton Thunderstorm Wind (50EG)
Several trees were blown down in
Hamilton, and other locations around
Marion County.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 50 knots
is equivalent to 58 mph.
Lamar County
1 W Crews
Flash Flood
Street flooding, up to one and a half
feet deep, was reported on AL-118, west
of Sulligent.
Fayette County
1 W Berry Thunderstorm Wind (55EG)
Straight line winds snapped or uprooted
several trees southwest of Berry. A few
of these trees landed on outbuildings
producing significant damage. One mobile
home had its roof torn off.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 55 knots
is equivalent to 63 mph.
Walker County
1 ESE Oakman
Coal Vly Tornado (EF1)
The tornado touched down just west of
Jackson Street on the north side of
Oakman. It then traveled northeastward,
crossed School Street and AL-69, and
lifted on Watts Street just east of
AL-69. Metal bleachers were twisted and
thrown at the Oakman School athletic
field, and the concession stand at the
ball field was heavily damaged. Oakman
Elementary School sustained only light
structural damage directly from the
tornado. However, rain leaking through
the damaged roof and ceiling caused
extensive water damage to parts of the
school building. Several houses along
AL-69 suffered also significant roof
damage. Approximately 150 trees were
either uprooted or snapped off.
Walker County
1 N Jasper Walker Co Thunderstorm Wind (55EG)
Arp
A portion of the roof on a church was
torn off, resulting in extensive water
damage to the inside of the building.
Several ceilings collapsed due to the
water damage, and several multimedia
equipment items and one electric scooter
were also damaged.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 55 knots
is equivalent to 63 mph.
Walker County
4 W Sipsey
Tornado (EF2)
The tornado touched down near the
intersection of Snow Drive and Old
Pineywoods Road, just north of US-78. It
then traveled northeastward and crossed
CR-77 and lifted shortly thereafter. One
mobile home was totally destroyed and
rolled approximately 50 feet. At least
two additional mobile homes suffered
significant damage. Two chicken houses
were damaged. A few hundred trees were
either snapped off or were uprooted along
the path.
Walker County
Manchester Hail (1.00)
Blount County
2 N Oneonta Thunderstorm Wind (50EG)
A few trees were blown down north of
Oneonta, and several other locations in
the northern part of Blount County.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 50 knots
is equivalent to 58 mph.
Blount County
1 NE Hayden Thunderstorm Wind (50EG)
A few trees were blown down near Hayden.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 50 knots
is equivalent to 58 mph.
St. Clair County
2 N Acmar
2 E Branchville Tornado (EF1)
The tornado touched down near the
intersection ofUS-411, Meyers Road, and
Church Road, near the Bethel Baptist
Church. It then traveled northeastward
and lifted just northeast of AL-174. At
least 5 homes suffered extensive roof
damage. At least 4 outbuildings were
completely destroyed. Approximately 100
trees were either uprooted or snapped
off. A glass enclosed sun- room was
completely destroyed.
Etowah County
Reece City Thunderstorm Wind (45EG)
A tree fell onto and damaged a house,
near the intersection of I-59 and
Noccalula Parkway.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 45 knots
is equivalent to 52 mph.
Etowah County
2 E Rainbow City Thunderstorm Wind (50EG)
Several trees were blown down on Oakland
Drive, near Whorton Bend, south of
Gadsden.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 50 knots
is equivalent to 58 mph.
Etowah County
1 NNW East Gasden
Flash Flood
Several streets were closed on downtown
Gadsden, due to high water from heavy
rain, including Meighan Drive, 4th
Street, and Bay Street.
Pike County
1 N Troy Thunderstorm Wind (50EG)
Numerous trees were blown down around
Troy, and other portions of the county.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 50 knots
is equivalent to 58 mph.
Pike County
2 ESE Brundidge Muni Thunderstorm Wind (50EG)
Arpt
Several trees were blown down near
Brundidge.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 50 knots
is equivalent to 58 mph.
ALZ012-014-047
Strong Wind
Tuscaloosa County
1 E Samantha
Flash Flood
Heavy rain caused water to flow over a
bridge on CR-38, east of the Samantha
Community.
Walker County
1 ENE Sipsey
Flash Flood
Heavy rain caused water to flow over a
bridge near the Sipsey Community.
Marion County
2 NNE Hackleburg
Flash Flood
Heavy rain caused water to flow over a
bridge just north of Hackelburg.
ALZ011
Heavy Snow
A developing strong storm system across
the Southeastern United States caused
several severe thunderstorms and locally
heavy rainfall. Cold air surging in on
the back side of the storm system caused
the rain to turn over to snow, some of
which became heavy.
ALZ018
Dense Fog
Locally dense fog on the Coosa River led
to a boating accident.
Walker County
2 SSW Mc Cullum Tornado (EF0)
The tornado briefly touched down near the
intersection of AL-69 and Dutton Hill
Road. It damaged 1 carport, 2 sheds, a
trailer, and several trees in the area.
Walker County
1 NNW Cordova Hail (0.88)
Walker County
Empire Thunderstorm Wind (50EG)
Several trees were blown down near the
intersection of Empire Road and Hill
Road.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 50 knots
is equivalent to 58 mph.
Etowah County
1 N Altoona Thunderstorm Wind (50EG)
Several trees were blown down.
A cold front pushing through the state
brought showers and thunderstorms to
portions of Central Alabama, which
produced one tornado and isolated wind
damage. Note: The estimated wind gust of
50 knots is equivalent to 58 mph.
ALABAMA, North
ALZ001-003
Winter Weather
Cold air behind a strong storm system
changed rain over to snow late Sunday
night into Monday across portions of
northern Alabama. Due to warm ground
temperatures, only a dusting to around 1
inch of snow accumulated on grassy
surfaces.
ALZ009-010
Drought
Very heavy rainfall put an end to drought
conditions in Jackson and Dekalb
Counties.
ALZ006-008-016
Winter Weather
Cold air behind a strong storm system
changed rain over to snow late Sunday
night into Monday across portions of
northern Alabama. Due to warm ground
temperatures, only a dusting to around 1
inch of snow accumulated on grassy
surfaces.
ALZ009
Heavy Snow
Cold air behind a strong storm system
changed rain over to snow late Sunday
night into Monday across De Kalb county
in northeastern Alabama. Two to three
inch accumulations occurred in higher
elevations, along with widespread
accumulations around l inch.
Franklin County
1 SE Red Bay Muni Arpt
Thunderstorm Wind (56EG)
Severe thunderstorm winds knocked down
utility poles in the Red Bay area.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 56 knots
is equivalent to 64 mph.
Lawrence County
1 SE Hatton
Thunderstorm Wind (52EG)
A tree was blown down across highway 101
in the Hatton area near mile marker 2.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 52 knots
is equivalent to 60 mph.
Colbert County
2 NNW Cherokee
Flash Flood
A trained spotter reported heavy rainfall
causing ditches and creeks to flood in
and near the city of Cherokee.
Colbert County
2 SW Colbert Hgts
Thunderstorm Wind (56EG)
Some trees were blown down by severe
thunderstorm winds along Underwood
Mountain road near Colbert Heights.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 56 knots
is equivalent to 64 mph.
Franklin County
1 W Waco
Thunderstorm Wind (56EG)
Some trees were blown down by severe
thunderstorms winds along highway 724
near Russellville. Time estimated by
radar.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 56 knots
is equivalent to 64 mph.
Lauderdale County
Weeden Hgts
1 S East Florence Flash Flood
Heavy rainfall caused flash flooding
under the overpass of US highway 43 and
State highway 20 in Florence.
Lawrence County
1 SE Flower Hill
4 ESE Kimo Flash Flood
Heavy rainfall caused flash flooding over
portions of highway 101 near Town Creek
and Moulton and along portions of county
road 222.
Morgan County
2 WNW Moulton Hgts
4 SW Griffin Addition Flash Flood
Four to Six inches of rainfall produced
flash flooding on several roads in Morgan
County. Some of the roads which were
flooded included the followed: Ipsco, Mud
Tavern, Gum Springs Cutoff, Ruth
Mountain, Foreman Bottom, Six-Mile Creek,
Pleasant Valley, Wilson and River Loop. A
few of the roads were washed out.
Madison County
1 WNW Madison Co Jet
Port
2 ENE (HSV) Huntsville Flash Flood
Jone
Widespread flash flooding was reported
over portions of western and northwestern
Madison County. Flood waters were most
prevalent in Harvest, Toney, Madison, and
central and northern portions of
Huntsville. Flood reports began at 11:45
PM on the 9th, lasting into morning rush
hour. Roads that experienced significant
flash flooding included: Old Railroad Bed
road, Ford Chapel Road, Production Road
at Huntsville International Airport, Wall
Triana Highway, County Line Road, Pulaski
Pike, Moores Mill Road near Winchester
Road, the intersection of Kelly Springs
Road and Bob Wade Lane, and Martin Luther
King Jr. Highway. Several vehicles
stalled out in flood water around 1:00 AM
at the intersection of Nick Fitchard Road
and Highway 53. Floodwaters forced the
evacuation of a trailer park at the
intersection of Trademark Drive and James
Record Road in Huntsville around 4:25 AM
on the 10th. Several cars were underwater
at this location. Between 3 and 6 inches
of rain fell in these areas in less than
12 hours.
Madison County
1 N Normal
Lightning
Several house fires were sparked by
lightning strikes in Huntsville. A
transformer was damaged by a direct
lightning strike just off Winchester Road
in north Huntsville.
Limestone County
2 NNE Union Hill
4 WSW Wheeler Lake Flash Flood
North
Limestone County 911 center reported
flash flooding occurring throughout the
entire county, especially in the Belle
Mina area.
Cullman County
1 N Centerville
Thunderstorm Wind (56EG)
Thunderstorm winds knocked down a tree
across county road 1261.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 56 knots
is equivalent to 64 mph.
Cullman County
1 ESE Bethel
Thunderstorm Wind (56EG)
Thunderstorm winds snapped a treetop off
near a house east southeast of Bethel.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 56 knots
is equivalent to 64 mph.
Cullman County
Cold Spgs
Thunderstorm Wind (56EG)
Thunderstorm winds knocked down a tree
across county road 109.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 56 knots
is equivalent to 64 mph.
Cullman County
4 E Bremen Thunderstorm Wind (52EG)
Thunderstorm wind knocked down a tree
across county road 38.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 52 knots
is equivalent to 60 mph.
Cullman County
5 SW Garden City
Thunderstorm Wind (52EG)
Thunderstorm winds knocked down a tree
across highway 91 near the American
Protein Plant.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 52 knots
is equivalent to 60 mph.
Colbert County
1 N Tuscumbia
Flash Flood
Heavy rainfall produced flash flooding in
portions of Tuscumbia. Cave street was
officially closed due to flash flooding
near Deshler High School.
Jackson County
1 SE Tupelo
2 ENE Pikeville Tornado (EF2)
A tornado struck portions of central
Jackson county around 1 AM CST Wednesday
morning. This tornado initially snapped
several cedar trees near county road 21,
before toppling three TVA high voltage
power line towers near Pikeville Alabama.
It then rapidly proceeded northeast
snapping trees, collapsing several hams,
and ripping off roofs before lifting near
the end of county road 34. According to
Jackson County Emergency Management, the
tornado and adjacent straight-line winds
were to blame for up to twenty homes
being damaged. Three mobile homes were
destroyed and seven more were damaged.
Nine barns were destroyed and three were
damaged. The maximum wind speed with this
tornado was estimated at 125 mph.
Marshall County
Arab
Hail (0.88)
Nickel sized hail was reported at the
intersection of Highway 231 and Highway
69.
Marshall County
2 N Guntersville
Thunderstorm Wind (50EG)
Thunderstorm winds blew a tree down on a
road in Alder Springs and another in
Grant. Time estimated.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 50 knots
is equivalent to 58 mph.
Marshall County
1 SE Grant
Thunderstorm Wind (50EG)
Thunderstorm winds blew a tree down on a
road in Alder Springs and another in
Grant. Time estimated.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 50 knots
is equivalent to 58 mph.
Jackson County
1 NE Hollywood Lightning
The mayor of the city of Hollywood, also
a volunteer fire fighter was knocked down
by a lightning strike in front of the
City Hall building while preparing to go
out on an emergency call. The victim was
examined by medical personnel but was
found to be not injured. However, a hole
was carved out in his office wall.
A warm front pushed northeast from
Mississippi into northern Alabama
producing widespread rainfall during the
afternoon of the 9th. A squall line then
produced another round of heavy rainfall,
along with several small bow echoes. One
of these stronger bow echoes resulted in
an EF-2 tornado in Jackson County after
midnight on the 10th. Widespread rain
amounts of 3 to 5 inches, locally near 6
inches, fell in Madison, Limestone,
Morgan, and Lawrence counties resulting
in widespread river and local flash
flooding.
ALZ005
Strong Wind
Two waves of strong winds damaged trees
across northwest Alabama. Saturated soils
enabled trees to be uprooted rather
easily by sub-severe winds in the 40 to
50 mph range. The first wave of wind
around 6:30 AM uprooted a tree in the
Athens area, toppling a powerline and
knocking out power to 5000 utility
customers in the area. The second and
more widespread wave of strong winds was
produced by a suspected gravity wave
during the late morning hours, resulting
in several reports of tree and power line
damage in Colbert and Lauderdale
Counties.
Madison County
3 W Gurley
Flood
Moderate to heavy rainfall atop already
saturated soils produced renewed flooding
on small creeks and streams in central
Madison County in and around the Hampton
Cove community. Little Cove, Cherry Tree,
and Bailey Cove Roads experienced
flooding. Little Cove Road was impassible
during much of this period.
Lauderdale County
4 SSE Anderson
1 ESE Whitehead Flood
A second round of heavy rainfall on the
11th and 12th caused flooding to occur on
Turner Lindsey Road.
Lauderdale County
Lexington
Flood
A second round of heavy rain on the 11th
and 12th caused flooding on county road
502, 2 miles east of Lexington.
Lauderdale County
2 NE Pritton
Flood
A second round of heavy rainfall caused
county road 298 to flood in the Zip City
area.
Lauderdale County
4 SSE Anderson
1 ESE Whitehead Flood
A second round of heavy rainfall on the
11th through the 12th, caused many roads
to be flooded and closed due to high
water. A few of these locations in the
Anderson area included: county road 524,
county road 156, and county road 96.
Widespread heavy rainfall elevated river
and stream levels with many going into
flood.
ALZ002
High Wind
ALZ001
Strong Wind
Two waves of strong winds damaged trees
across northwest Alabama. Saturated soils
enabled trees to be uprooted rather
easily by sub-severe winds in the 40 to
50 mph range. The first wave of wind
around 6:30 AM uprooted a tree in the
Athens area, toppling a powerline and
knocking out power to 5000 utility
customers in the area. The second and
more widespread wave of strong winds was
produced by a suspected gravity wave
during the late morning hours, resulting
in several reports of tree and power line
damage in Colbert and Lauderdale
Counties.
ALZ001>003
Heavy Snow
Snow fell across a large portion of
northwest Alabama during the afternoon
and early evening hours. Snow amounts of
1 to 3 inches were reported.
Lauderdale County
2 WSW Murphy Xrds
Thunderstorm Wind (87EG)
Severe thunderstorm winds knocked down 18
trees and heavily damaged 4 mobile homes.
Two mobile homes were blown off their
foundation. One roof was torn off. This
damage occurred along the 7100 block of
County Road 8.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 87 knots
is equivalent to 100 mph.
Morgan County
1 S Huntsville Laceys
Sp
2 ESE Talucah Thunderstorm Wind (56EG)
Trees were reported down at the
intersection of highway 231 and Bell
Point Road. Also, trees were reported
down near the intersection of Vista lane
and Cabbage Patch Drive.
Abundant low level moisture ahead of a
strong cold front aided the development
of a quasi-linear convective system
(QLCS). One of the storms produced heavy
damage in northwestern Lauderdale County
Alabama. Note: The estimated wind gust of
56 knots is equivalent to 64 mph.
ALZ001>004-006-016
Winter Weather
A strong surface high over the
Appalachian mountains kept temperatures
at or just below freezing across much of
northern Alabama Tuesday morning. At the
same time, a strong southerly low level
jet developed and lifted Gulf of Mexico
moisture northward over this cold air.
This caused widespread light freezing
rain and sleet to occur in portions of
southern middle Tennessee and northern
central Alabama. Most locations received
a glaze to 1/10 of an inch of icing.
Colbert County
1 SSE Muscle Shoals
Thunderstorm Wind (56EG)
Thunderstorm winds partially collapsed an
aluminum porch canopy in the Muscle
Shoals area on Highland Avenue. Trees
were blown down nearby.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 56 knots
is equivalent to 64 mph.
Lauderdale County
1 E Upper Green Hill
Thunderstorm Wind (56EG)
Thunderstorm winds tore off a canopy from
a porch at a residence in the Hickory
Flats neighborhood.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 56 knots
is equivalent to 64 mph.
Limestone County
2 ESE Orrville
1 NNE Belle Mina Tornado (EF1)
A tornado tracked through the northern
portions of the community of Belle Mina
on Christmas Eve. The tornado developed
in a forested area just east of
interstate 65 north of Garrett Road. It
toppled trees onto a vehicle being used
by hunters. The tornado tracked through a
cotton field for about 1/2 of a mile
before intensifying to EF-1 strength and
destroying two single wide trailer homes.
One was lifted off its foundation
entirely with debris found several
hundred yards downwind. Fortunately, no
occupants were in either location. The
tornado then tracked into a farmstead
along Mooresville Road, completely
destroying two large tractor sheds. Two
of the adjacent homes sustained minor
damage to the roof. Several cedar and
cypress trees were either snapped or
uprooted. One tree landed atop a vehicle.
No injuries occurred. The tornado then
crossed Mooresville Road, uprooting and
snapping additional trees, and collapsing
a small shed onto vehicles. One wall of
an old small farmhouse also collapsed. No
occupants were in the home at the time.
Madison County
2 WSW Redstone Aaf
Thunderstorm Wind (52EG)
Severe thunderstorm winds downed trees
and caused power outages in the Edgewater
subdivision.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 52 knots
is equivalent to 60 mph.
Madison County
2 WSW Fletcher Chapel
Thunderstorm Wind (56EG)
Thunderstorm winds knocked down large
trees along Skyline road.
A potent cold front pushed across
northern Alabama during the afternoon and
evening hours. Intense low level shear
and weak instability was present along
and ahead of this front. A few severe
thunderstorms developed along the front.
One of the storms produced a bow echo
just north of Decatur which resulted in a
brief EF-1 tornado within the comma head
of the storm in Belle Mina in Limestone
county. Note: The estimated wind gust of
56 knots is equivalent to 64 mph.
Lauderdale County
1 N Zip City
Lightning
A 28 year old female was struck by
lightning while standing on a carport.
The person was ambulanced to a local
hospital. F28PS
A band of showers and thunderstorms
produced occasional lightning. A woman in
northern Lauderdale County was struck by
lightning. F28PS
ALABAMA, Southeast
Coffee County
2 ENE Elba
Flood
A portion of County Road 250 was closed
due to high water.
Coffee County
2 ESE Marvin Chapel
Flood
Three dirt roads were washed out. A
portion of County Road 682 was closed
with water over a bridge.
Four to eight inches of rain fell across
much of southeast Alabama from late on
the 9th through the 10th. Areal flooding
was reported in Coffee County, where
several dirt roads were washed out and a
few county roads were closed.
ALZ065>067
Strong Wind
Strong winds associated with a line of
heavy showers produced numerous reports
of damage to trees, power lines and
several trailers in Coffee, Dale and
Henry counties in southeast Alabama.
ALABAMA, Southwest
Crenshaw County
Brantley
Thunderstorm Wind (50EG)
Trees were downed in Brantley and a roof
was damaged.
Severe thunderstorms moved across
southwest Alabama producing wind damage
and large hail. Note: The estimated wind
gust of 50 knots is equivalent to 58 mph.
Escambia County
Appleton
Brewton Flash Flood
Slow moving thunderstorms produced 6 to 8
inches of rain across portions of of
southwest Alabama. Several roads were
flooded and closed for a period of time
around Andalusia. Other roads were
flooded and closed for a period of time
around Brewton and Robertsdale.
Covington County
8 N Falco
Hail (0.75)
Severe thunderstorms moved across
southwest Alabama producing wind damage
and large hail.
Baldwin County
Robertsdale
Flash Flood
Covington County
Andalusia
Flash Flood
Slow moving thunderstorms produced 6 to 8
inches of rain across portions of of
southwest Alabama. Several roads were
flooded and closed for a period of time
around Andalusia. Other roads were
flooded and closed for a period of time
around Brewton and Robertsdale.
ALZ051>053
Winter Weather
A strong upper level low pressure system
moved across the southeast and caused
snow showers to develop across parts of
southwest Alabama. Most areas received a
dusting of snow. A few areas observed
around one half inch of snow.
Monroe County
Monroeville
Thunderstorm Wind (61EG)
A Travel Inn on 136 near Highway 184 had
the roof blown off by winds estimated at
60-70 mph. A few hundred yards down from
the motel a couple of dead tees were
blown down. A trailer had its skirting
blown out and a limb was blown into to
the top of the trailer.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 61 knots
is equivalent to 70 mph.
Baldwin County
Bay Minette
Hail (1.00)
Severe thunderstorms produced large hail
and damaging winds across portions of
southwest Alabama.
ALASKA, Northern
AKZ216
Winter Weather
A 980 mb low 350 miles south of Saint
Lawrence Island brought snowfall to the
lower Koyukuk and middle Yukon Valleys.
The cooperative observer in Galena
observed 7 inches of snow.
AKZ213
High Wind
A 980 mb low 350 miles south of Saint
Lawrence Island combined with a 1033 mb
high across eastern Russia to produce a
period of very strong wind on Saint
Lawrence Island. The wind frequently
gusted to 53 kts (61 mph) at the Gambell
AWOS from 1435AKST through 1930AKST.
AKZ219
Winter Weather
A 980 mb low 350 miles south of Saint
Lawrence Island on the afternoon of the
4th weakened to 1002 mb near Kodiak
Island during the afternoon of the 6th. A
moist flow of air from the Bering Sea
brought a prolonged period of snowfall to
the Bettles area. A total of 6.7 inches
of snow was observed from 1900AKST on the
4th through 1400AKST on the 6th.
AKZ212-221
High Wind
A 958 mb low in the Gulf of Alaska
combined with a 1039 mb high across
northern Canada to produce a strong
pressure gradient across central Alaska.
Wind damage was observed at lake
Minchumina, with tree branches down. Wood
paneling on a log frame porch on the
north side of the lake was blown off on 2
sides and scattered across the yard.
Unconfirmed estimated cost of damage was
$150.
AKZ216-218
High Wind
A strong pressure gradient between high
pressure over the North Slope and a low
in the Gulf of Alaska produced strong
winds of 50 mph with local gusts to 61
kts (70 mph) observed at the Koyukuk
National Wildlife Refuge RAWS.
AKZ203
Blizzard
A strong surface trough extended from a
980 mb low near the Bering Strait along
the Arctic Coast and produced blizzard
conditions for about 10 hours in
Deadhorse. An east wind of 35 to 45 mph
with occasional gusts to 48 kts (55 mph)
were observed.
AKZ213
High Wind
Ahead of a strong occluded front a period
of very strong wind was observed at Wales
along the Bering Strait coast. Sustained
winds of 50 to 60 mph were observed with
frequent gusts to 70 mph and a peak wind
gust of 68 kts (78 mph).
AKZ209
Blizzard
A strong occluded front brought a period
of blizzard conditions to Kotzebue. The
wind frequently gusted to 45 mph and the
visibility was reduced to one quarter
mile or less in snow and blowing snow.
AKZ201-213
High Wind
A strong pressure gradient between a 1056
mb high across interior Alaska and a 998
mb low that moved off the eastern Russian
Coast and into the Chukchi Sea produced
high winds on Saint Lawrence Island, the
Bering Strait and along the Western
Arctic Coast. Wind gusts of 57 to 64 kts
(66 to 74 mph) were observed.
Blizzard
A low pressure system over the western
Bering Sea created blizzard conditions
over the Bering Strait during the
afternoon of the 14th. Blizzard
conditions likely occurred at the village
of Wales for 8 hours, as reported by the
AWIS. Occasional wind gusts to near 52
kts (60 mph) were reported by the Wales
AWIS during the afternoon.
AKZ203-208
Blizzard
A 998 mb low tracked from the southern
Chukchi Sea and just off the northwest
coast of Alaska and produced blizzard
conditions at the Red Dog mine at times
during the night of the 14th into the
morning hours of the 15th.
AKZ213
High Wind
A strong pressure gradient between a 1045
mb high in the Yukon and a 996 mb low in
the Gulf of Anadyr produced a period of
high winds along the Bering Strait Coast.
The strongest winds were observed at
Wales. A peak wind gust of 60 kts (69
mph) was observed at the Wales AWIS.
AKZ218>226
Extreme Cold/Wind Chill
A significant cold snap developed across
interior Alaska on December 27th and
continued into January. A cold upper
level low across Siberia moved into
northern Alaska on December 26th, and
remained in place through the end of the
month. Although no new temperature
records were established, it brought the
first widespread significant cold to
interior Alaska. Temperatures at the
Fairbanks International Airport dropped
to 40 below on the 28th, and reached a
low of 43 degrees on the 31st. The cold
temperatures produced significant ice fog
in Fairbanks, and the visibilities were
frequently reduced to 1/4 mile or less in
Fairbanks on New Year's Eve. The coldest
temperatures were observed on the Yukon
Flats, where temperatures dropped into
the 50s below on New Year's Eve.
Here are some of the coldest temperatures
that were observed through December 31
st:
Zone 218: Arctic Village: 49 below
Zone 219: Bettles: 45 below
Zone 220: Chalkyitsik: 58 below Beaver
Creek: 57 below Circle Hot Springs: 55
below Fort Yukon: 54 below Central: 50
below
Zone 221: Nenana: 44 below
Zone 222: North Pole KJNP: 55 below
Fairbanks International Airport: 43 below
Zone 223: Delta Junction: 44 below
Zone 224: O'Brien Creek: 57 below Tok: 52
below Chicken: 52 below Eagle: 50 below
Northway: 49 below
Zone 225: Denali Park HQ: 34 below
Zone 226: Dry Creek: 50 below Chisana: 47
below
All of these low temperatures were
observed on either December 30th or the
31st.
ALASKA, Southeast
AKZ020-029
Heavy Snow
A 1047 MB arctic high pressure cell over
the Yukon on 12/2 slowly weakened and
moved southeastward through Friday, 12/5.
A planetary scale storm force low moved
into Bristol Bay on 12/4 which caused a
series of fronts to move over SE Alaska
from the Gulf through 12/5. Storm totals
were from 9.6 inches to up to 2 feet of
new snow.
AKZ017
High Wind
Heavy Snow
AKZ019-021-025
Heavy Snow
AKZ022-027
High Wind
AKZ018-019
Blizzard
Arctic High pressure remained over the
eastern Yukon on the night of 12/8 which
supported a stationary arctic front over
the northern Panhandle. This combined
with a 958 MB storm force low that moved
into the western Gulf of Alaska on on the
evening of 12/8 to cause both high wind
and heavy snow for much of SE Alaska.
Rare blizzard conditions persisted during
the nighttime hours into 12/9 over the
Klondike Highway and Haines areas during
this storm. Storm totals of snow ranged
from around 9 inches to 18 inches. The
highest wind estimate was around 75 MPH.
High Wind
AKZ025
High Wind
Strong, cold arctic high pressure
remained over the Yukon and northern
British Columbia on the evening of 12/22.
Local outflow winds developed on the
evening of 12/20 into the morning of
40168 for areas in the northern Panhandle
as a moderate low pressure system moved
to the Queen Charlotte Islands. Estimated
gusts to 75 MPH were the strongest winds
encountered during this storm.
AKZ022-027
Heavy Snow
On 12/23 arctic high pressure over the
Yukon had moved well SE but cold air
remained over the Panhandle. A 983 MB
storm force low had moved into the
central Gulf with a strong front
approaching the coast. This caused warm
moist air to move over the colder air at
the surface causing heavy snow along the
outer coast. Storm totals over 12 hours
ranged from 7.4 inches to around a foot
of new snow.
AKZ017-020>022-025
Heavy Snow
AKZ018-024-026-029
Heavy Snow
A major snowstorm buried SE Alaska from
the night of 12/25 persisting to the
early morning of 12/27. A secondary gale
force low developed in the western Gulf
of Alaska on the afternoon of 12/25, and
it became the main surface low in the
central Gulf on the morning of 12/26.
This system caused a strong front to move
over the Panhandle on the 12/26 with
plenty of moisture where it stalled on
the 27th and 28th. Storm total snow
accumulations ranged from one to two feet
during this storm.
AKZ027-028
Heavy Snow
Although the arctic front had moved over
the northern Panhandle, cold air remained
over the southern part of SE Alaska on
the evening of 12/27. A low pressure
system off the eastern Gulf coast
developed a front that pushed warm moist
air over the cold air which caused heavy
snow on 12/28. Storm total snow
accumulations ranged from 4.6 to 17.8
inches.
ALASKA, Southern
AKZ185
High Wind
AKZ195
Blizzard
A strong storm south of the Aleutians
produced snow and strong northeast wind
across the Pribilof Islands resulting in
a blizzard. This storm also produced
strong southeast wind across the Eastern
Aleutians in Unalaska. The peak wind
measured at the Dutch Harbor Airport was
68 KT. Residents reported wind gusts
estimated between 80 to 100 mph during
this storm.
AKZ131
Blizzard
An intense storm moved into the northern
Gulf of Alaska producing high wind and
snow in the Chugach Mountains. The
combination of high wind and snow
resulted in blizzard conditions through
Thompson Pass.
Blizzard
A weak low in the Gulf of Alaska coupled
with a strengthening high in the Copper
River Basin produced strong gap wind
through the channeled terrain of the
Chugach Mountains. The strong gusty wind
produced blowing snow due to the re
suspension of the freshly fallen snow
that resulted in a blizzard in the
Thompson Pass area.
AKZ191
High Wind
A deep intense low moved into the Western
Bering Sea while pushing a front across
the western Aleutians. Strong wind in
advance of this front occurred in the
western Aleutians.
AKZ187
Blizzard
A strong low crossed the central
Aleutians December 17th and 18th. Strong
north to northwest wind around the west
side of the low coupled with snow
resulted in a blizzard in Adak.
AKZ155
Blizzard
A strong front moved into the Bering Sea
coast producing strong wind and snow that
resulted in a Blizzard Christmas eve and
Christmas day.
AKZ131
Avalanche
Strong north wind produced by a strong
low in the Gulf of Alaska resulted in re
suspension of snow. The resulting blowing
snow produce blizzard conditions through
Thompson Pass.
AKZ171
High Wind
A strong Gulf of Alaska low combined with
building high pressure in the Bering Sea
produced strong northwest wind across
Kodiak Island. The peak wind was 91 mph
during this event.
AKZ181
Blizzard
An intense low in the eastern Gulf of
Alaska and strong high pressure over the
Bering Sea produced strong northwest wind
and snow across the Alaska Peninsula that
resulted in a blizzard.
AKZ135
High Wind
A large strong high pressure system over
interior Alaska coupled with a strong low
in the Gulf of Alaska produced the
typical strong gap wind through the
Chugach Mountains. This is a data void
region and wind speed is estimated from
the pressure and temperature gradients
and satellite imagery.
ARIZONA, Central and Northeast
AZZ012
Dust Storm
High Wind
High Wind
AZZ013-015-040
High Wind
Strong southwest winds developed ahead of
a strong cold front moving across
Arizona. The strongest winds were 10 to
50 miles east of Flagstaff. The strongest
reported gust was 58 MPH at Two Guns. The
strong winds also caused areas of blowing
dust and sand.
Gila County
1 WNW Pine Heavy Rain
15 NNE Young
Heavy rain in the lower elevations of
Gila County caused Tonto Creek to be come
impassable. Residents were stranded on
one side of the creek for several days.
Between 400 and 600 people live on one
side of the creek and often become
stranded when the all three crossings
become flooded.
AZZ004-006>008-015>016
Heavy Snow
AZZ018
Heavy Snow
AZZ005
Heavy Snow
A large scale trough of low pressure
brought two back to back storms to
northern Arizona over much of a four day
period. These storms brought close to two
feet of new snow over the Western
Mogollon Rim at 7000 feet and close to
four feet of new snow above 9000 feet.
The first storm was cold enough to lower
the snow level to the floor of the Grand
Canyon. The snow level rose to the 7000
foot level for an hour or two with the
second storm. During this event the
Department of Public Safety for northern
Arizona responded to 188 slideoffs on
highways in the northern region. Officers
also responded to 65 collisions, 12 of
which involved injury. Two people were
transported to Flagstaff Medical Center
to be treated for their injuries.
AZZ014>018-039
Heavy Snow
The first in a series of winter storms
brought significant snowfall to portions
of Northern Arizona from the afternoon of
40169 through early morning of December
23. The heaviest snow from this system
fell across the Mogollon Rim and White
Mountains with Flagstaff receiving 7 to
10 inches of new snow and the Arizona
Snowbowl received 12 to 16 inches.
Winter Storm
AZZ012>014
High Wind
A strong cold front moved through Western
and Central Arizona Christmas night
through the afternoon of December 26th. A
variety of winter weather moved across
the area including heavy snow, blowing
snow, drifting snow, strong winds, and
heavy rain in the lower elevations. Some
warm air was pulled into the state ahead
of the front ... this caused snow levels
to be higher than what was originally
expected. Much of the heavier snow fell
above 7500 feet ... with a mix of rain
... sleet ... and snow from 6500-7000
feet. However ... very strong winds also
accompanied this front-causing severe
blowing and drifting snow ... as well as
reduced visibility. Some roofs collapsed
in the Flagstaff area from the weight of
accumulated snow and ice.
ARIZONA, Northwest
AZZ003
High Wind
High winds buffeted the Mojave Desert and
southern Great Basin ahead of a strong
cold front.
Heavy Snow
Heavy Snow
A Pacific storm pushed moisture over cold
air in the Mojave Desert and southern
Great Basin, producing significant snow
as low as 3000 feet.
High Wind
AZZ001
High Wind
A strong Pacific storm and associated
cold front traversed the Mojave Desert
and southern Great Basin, bringing heavy
snow to the higher elevations and high
winds to the lower elevations.
ARIZONA, South
Cochise County
4 S Whetstone
Hail (0.50)
Small hail resulted in numerous accidents
on Highway 90 south of Benson. One of
these accidents resulted in the fatality
as a truck slid off the road into a
concrete culvert.
An upper level low with cold temperatures
aloft caused instability resulting in
thunderstorms with small hail across
Southeast Arizona.
AZZ019-030-033
Heavy Snow
AZZ029-032-034-035
Heavy Snow
Two storm systems moved through Southeast
Arizona on December 25th and 26th. The
system on December 25th was a lead system
that moved through and produced rain and
mountain snowfall generally above 6500
feet. The follow up system on December
26th was a much colder storm with origins
in the Gulf of Alaska that moved through
Southeast Arizona with much lower snow
levels.
ARIZONA, Southwest
AZZ024
Winter Storm
A deep low pressure system brought
considerable moisture into Arizona with
much colder air plunging southward. The
snowfall amounts ranged from 2 inches
Globe to 4 inches along route 60, about 5
miles west of Miami.
ARKANSAS, Central and North Central
Pope County
2 S Russellville
Funnel Cloud
A funnel cloud was photographed over the
southern part of Russellville.
ARZ003>005-007-012>013
Winter Weather
A strong cold front moved across Arkansas
on the 9th, accompanied by numerous
showers and thunderstorms. Colder air
moved in quickly behind the front, with
temperatures plunging more than 20
degrees within just a few hours after
frontal passage. Lingering moisture
behind the front, coupled with weak areas
of low pressure aloft, brought some
wintry precipitation to parts of northern
Arkansas early on the morning of the
10th.
Winter Weather
ARZ004-012-021
Winter Weather
ARZ037
Winter Storm
ARZ013-030-040
Winter Weather
ARZ038
Winter Storm
ARZ022-041
Winter Weather
ARZ006-023
Winter Storm
ARZ015
Winter Weather
ARZ007-014-016-
024-031-039
Winter Storm
ARZ042
Winter Weather
ARZ025-032>034
Winter Storm
ARZ043>047-052>054
Winter Weather
ARZ055>057-062>069
Winter Weather
A strong Arctic cold front moved across
Arkansas on the night of the 14th and the
morning of the 15th. Temperatures plunged
25 to 30 degrees in just a few hours. An
overrunning pattern soon developed, with
warmer, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico
moving up and over the top of the colder
air. The result was freezing rain and
sleet over the entire county warning
area, with some light snow mixed in over
the northern part of the state. The
wintry mix began on the morning of the
15th in the northwest part of the warning
area, and then spread across the
remainder of the area later on the 15th
and during the wee hours of the 16th.
Precipitation diminished to freezing
drizzle on the morning of the 16th and
then continued into the afternoon hours.
The wintry precipitation brought
hazardous driving conditions throughout
the area.
ARZ003>007-012>
016-021>025-030>
034-037>047-052>
057-064>065-069
Winter Weather
An Arctic air mass was retreating on the
23rd, but before temperatures could rise
above freezing, warmer, moist air from
the Gulf of Mexico moved over the top of
the cold air. The result was freezing
rain, freezing drizzle, and sleet over
most areas. Although precipitation
amounts were small, an icy glaze
developed on many bridges and overpasses,
as well as other elevated roadways.
Hazardous driving conditions developed
quickly, in time for the morning rush
hour in most areas. Hundreds of vehicle
accidents resulted. From late morning
into the afternoon hours, temperatures
gradually rose above freezing, putting an
end to the icy conditions.
Pope County
Russellville Thunderstorm Wind (50EG)
Large trees and power lines were down on
the south side of Russellville.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 50 knots
is equivalent to 58 mph.
Yell County
Dardanelle Thunderstorm Wind (50EG)
A roof was blown off a mobile home on
Waterplant Road in Dardanelle.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 50 knots
is equivalent to 58 mph.
Baxter County
3 NNE Mountain Home Thunderstorm Wind (53EG)
Note: The estimated wind gust of 53 knots
is equivalent to 61 mph.
Searcy County
Marshall Thunderstorm Wind (50EG)
Trees were down on roads across the city.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 50 knots
is equivalent to 58 mph.
Baxter County
1 NNE Herron Thunderstorm Wind (50EG)
A large tree was down on Sheid Road.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 50 knots
is equivalent to 58 mph.
Izard County
1 S Melbourne Thunderstorm Wind (50EG)
Large limbs were down on Arkansas
Highway 9.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 50 knots
is equivalent to 58 mph.
White County
Searcy Thunderstorm Wind (50EG)
Limbs were down on roads across the city.
Very cold air just before Christmas was
replaced by near record high temperatures
in the 60s and 70s on the 26th. This was
ahead of a storm system riding a
southwest wind flow aloft toward
Arkansas. Ahead of the system, the
atmosphere became rather unstable. A cold
front moving through the Plains tapped
into this unstable air, and a line of
thunderstorms resulted.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 50 knots
is equivalent to 58 mph.
ARKANSAS, East
ARZ026
Cold/Wind Chill
ARZ009-018-026
Winter Storm
ARZ008-017
Winter Weather
A strong cold front pushed into Northeast
Arkansas during the early morning hours
of December 15th, 2008. Very shallow
arctic air filtered into the region
behind the front. Rain changed over to
freezing rain and sleet. Ice and sleet
accumulations occurred with amounts
ranging from an quarter of an inch to up
to an inch. The ice accumulations made
roads hazardous to travel and many
accidents occurred as a result.
ARZ027
Winter Weather
Light freezing rain fell during the day
on December 23rd, 2008. Minor ice
accumulations occurred across Eastern
Arkansas. This made roads hazardous to
travel and many accidents occurred as a
result. Two deaths occurred from traffic
accidents.
Randolph County
Maynard
Thunderstorm Wind (50EG)
Straight line winds knocked down trees in
Maynard.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 50 knots
is equivalent to 58 mph.
Greene County
5 NW Walcott Thunderstorm Wind (52EG)
Note: The estimated wind gust of 52 knots
is equivalent to 60 mph.
Clay County
Peach Orchard Thunderstorm Wind (52EG)
Note: The estimated wind gust of 52 knots
is equivalent to 60 mph.
Clay County
Rector Thunderstorm Wind (52EG)
Note: The estimated wind gust of 52 knots
is equivalent to 60 mph.
Clay County
Piggott
Thunderstorm Wind (50EG)
Straight line winds knocked down trees
and power lines in Piggott.
A strong cold front moved through the
Midsouth during the afternoon and evening
hours of December 27th, 2008. Showers and
thunderstorms developed out ahead of the
front. Some of the thunderstorms became
severe and produced damaging winds and
flash flooding. Note: The estimated wind
gust of 50 knots is equivalent to 58 mph.
ARKANSAS, Northwest
Washington County
2 N Odell Thunderstorm Wind (61EG)
Thunderstorm winds estimated at 70 miles
an hour blew down numerous large tree
limbs, removed siding from a trailer and
damaged the roof of a tin building.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 61 knots
is equivalent to 70 mph.
Crawford County
3 SE Cedarville Thunderstorm Wind (61EG)
Thunderstorm winds estimated at 70 miles
an hour blew down a tree.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 61 knots
is equivalent to 70 mph.
Sebastian County
Greenwood Thunderstorm Wind (61EG)
Thunderstorm winds estimated at 70 miles
an hour blew down several trees and power
lines.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 61 knots
is equivalent to 70 mph.
Madison County
1 S Pettigrew Thunderstorm Wind (61EG)
Thunderstorm winds estimated at 70 miles
an hour blew down a tree. The tree
blocked a road.
Note: The estimated wind gust of 61 knots
is equivalent to 70 mph.
Franklin County
Charleston Thunderstorm Wind (61EG)
Thunderstorm winds estimated at 60 miles
an hour blew down tree limbs.
A few severe thunderstorms occurred
across northwest Arkansas during the
morning hours of the 27th. Note: The
estimated wind gust of 61 knots is
equivalent to 70 mph.
ARKANSAS, Southeast
ARZ074-075
Winter Weather
An area of light freezing rain developed
in a shallow cold airmass across the
delta region of the ARKLAMISS. No
significant amounts of icing was noted
with this system.
ARKANSAS, Southwest
ARZ050-059>061-070>073
Winter Weather
A shallow arctic airmass moved into the
region a few days earlier resulting in
near to slightly below freezing
temperatures across much of southwest
Arkansas. A warm ... moist layer of air
overran the shallower, colder air at the
surface with patchy light drizzle and
light rain falling across the region. The
drizzle and light rain became freezing
drizzle and light freezing rain across
much of southwest Arkansas during the
predawn hours of December 23rd. The ice
froze to elevated bridges and overpasses
which in turn, resulted in several
vehicle accidents.
COPYRIGHT 2008 World Meteorological Organization
COPYRIGHT 2009 Gale, Cengage Learning
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