Alabama Tornado & Hail Guide
Alabama (AL)
Alabama is one of the most tornado-prone states in the eastern U.S., averaging approximately 30 tornadoes per year. The state sits in the heart of “Dixie Alley” and has experienced some of the deadliest tornado outbreaks in American history, including the 2011 Super Outbreak — the most active tornado day in recorded U.S. history.
Alabama Tornado Season
Alabama’s tornado season has two peaks: a primary season from March through May and a notable secondary season in November. Unlike Tornado Alley states, Alabama sees a higher proportion of nighttime tornadoes, which are more deadly because of reduced public awareness. The Tennessee River Valley in northern Alabama — including the Huntsville and Cullman areas — and the central Alabama corridor (Birmingham metro) see the highest frequency of significant tornadoes.
Alabama Hail Season
Hail season in Alabama runs from February through May. Significant hail events (golf ball size and larger) occur during major supercell outbreaks. The Birmingham and Huntsville metros have seen repeated large hail events in recent years.
Historical Significant Events
- 1908 Dixie outbreak: Approximately 324 fatalities across Alabama and surrounding states in April 1908.
- 1974 Super Outbreak: 22 of the 148 tornadoes struck Alabama; multiple F5s caused catastrophic damage across the state.
- 2011 April 27 Super Outbreak: 62 tornadoes struck Alabama in a single day; 247 Alabamians killed. The Tuscaloosa–Birmingham EF4 and the Hackleburg EF5 were among the most destructive. The deadliest outbreak in Alabama history.
- 2019 Lee County EF4: 23 fatalities in Lee County near Beauregard on March 3; the deadliest U.S. tornado since the 2013 Joplin anniversary.
Regional NWS Offices for Alabama
| Region | WFO | Website |
|——–|—–|———|
| Central Alabama (Birmingham) | NWS Birmingham | weather.gov/bmx |
| North Alabama (Huntsville) | NWS Huntsville | weather.gov/hun |
| Southern Alabama / Gulf Coast | NWS Mobile | weather.gov/mob |
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