F1 Tornado in Gardendale - April 8, 2006

F1 Tornado in Gardendale - April 8th, 2006

An F1 tornado occurred in Gardendale. The tornado touched down near the intersection of US Highway 31 and Main Street. The tornado knocked a few trees down west of US Highway 31 then traveled southeastward affecting the business district. Dozens of businesses were damaged including significant roof damage, windows broken, large bay doors blown out, and sign damage. Three very large air conditioning units were blown off the roof of K-Mart. These units were estimated at 5 to 8 thousand pounds each. A church along US Highway 31 suffered significant roof damage. Dozens of homes were damaged and numerous trees were blown down east of US Highway 31, in the vicinity of Tarrant Road and Peterson drive. One woman was injured when a tree fell through the roof of her home. South of Tarrant Road, the tornado mainly produced tree damage and ended near Lumen Park and Taihati Lane. The tornado began at approximately 116 AM and was on the ground until about 120 AM. The tornado damage path was 2.3 miles long and was 80 yards wide at its widest point. A Tornado Watch was in effect for Jefferson County from around noon until 400 AM. A Tornado Warning was in effect for Jefferson County from 1258 AM valid until 145 AM.

To view Jefferson County Wind Damage photos...Click Here.

Click on the images below for larger picture.

Damage to home near beginning of path	Roof damage along US 31
Air conditioner pushed off foundation	Several signs blown out
Roof damage along US 31	Air conditioner housing thrown 200 yards
Air conditioner on business roof	Air conditioner housing thrown 200 yards
Two units estimated at 5 to 8 thousand pounds	Air conditioner pushed off the roof
Two units estimated at 5 to 8 thousand pounds cracked the pavement	Air conditioners another view
Swingset thrown counterclockwise around the K-Mart building	Church roof damage
Damage Path Map