Flat Rock-Trenton Tornado Map
On the afternoon of April 27, 2011, a large, long-tracked, and destructive EF4 tornado, known informally as the Section–Flat Rock EF4 by the National Weather Service, moved across portions of North Alabama and North Georgia, tracking near the towns of Section, Pisgah, Flat Rock, Higdon and Rosalie in Alabama and Trenton in Georgia along its 47-mile-long (76 km) track. The tornado directly killed 15 people, injured at least 50 more, and impacted hundreds of structures. It occurred as part of the largest tornado outbreak in modern history, and was one of multiple EF4-rated tornadoes to be confirmed that day.
The path of the Flat Rock-Trenton tornado
On the afternoon of Wednesday, April 27, 2011, a tornado touched down just north of Section. Over the next 47.0 miles it traveled east-northeast across Alabama and Georgia, passing through Trenton, before lifting just west of Fort Oglethorpe.
At its widest the damage path was 1,260 yards (0.7 miles) across. It was rated EF4 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale, a violent tornado. It killed 14 people and injured 50.
The track, widths and figures on this map come from the Storm Prediction Center's survey record, so they can differ slightly from totals published elsewhere.
What was the Flat Rock-Trenton tornado?
The Flat Rock-Trenton tornado occurred on April 27, 2011, as part of a historic tornado outbreak. This violent EF4 storm tracked across portions of North Alabama and North Georgia. It impacted communities including Section, Pisgah, Flat Rock, and Trenton. The National Weather Service officially documented the tornado as a long-tracked and destructive event. It remained on the ground for 56 minutes while producing widespread damage.
What was the Flat Rock-Trenton tornado wind speed?
Damage surveyors estimated the maximum wind speeds of the Flat Rock-Trenton tornado at approximately 190 miles per hour. These extreme winds qualified the system as an EF4 on the Enhanced Fujita scale. Observers noted the tornado maintained this high intensity through multiple counties. Damage analysis of structures and vegetation informed these wind speed calculations. The intense wind field reached widths of up to 1,260 yards.
What was the Flat Rock-Trenton tornado path?
The tornado first touched down near Section, Alabama, along State Highway 35. It traveled a 47-mile-long path toward the northeast across North Alabama and into Georgia. The track included locations like Pisgah, Flat Rock, and Higdon in Alabama before crossing into Dade County, Georgia. It inflicted damage in the Trenton community before eventually dissipating near Fort Oglethorpe. The storm track lasted for 56 minutes in total.
How many people died in the Flat Rock-Trenton tornado?
The Flat Rock-Trenton tornado directly killed 15 people along its path. Thirteen of these fatalities occurred within Jackson County, Alabama. Two additional deaths happened after the storm crossed into Dade County, Georgia. At least 50 other individuals sustained injuries during the event. Emergency responders managed search-and-rescue operations following the destruction.
What did the Flat Rock-Trenton tornado destroy?
The tornado leveled numerous mobile homes and brick-foundation houses across its path. It destroyed a grocery store, two apartment complexes, and a funeral home in Trenton. Agricultural impacts included the obliteration of chicken houses and the killing of 19 cattle on one farm. The storm also damaged the Sand Mountain Bible Camp and the Dade Elementary School. Thousands of trees were snapped or debarked throughout rural areas.
What caused the Flat Rock-Trenton tornado?
The Flat Rock-Trenton tornado originated from the Cullman supercell during the 2011 Super Outbreak. Atmospheric conditions included extreme wind shear and high storm-relative helicity values exceeding 500 m2s-2. A strong southwesterly surface jet intersected with a deep trough over the region. High CAPE values between 2,500 and 3,000 J/kg fueled the rotating updrafts. The environment featured ample low-level moisture brought north from the Gulf of Mexico.
What happened after the Flat Rock-Trenton tornado?
Emergency management agencies cleared roadways and established disaster centers to assist affected residents. The Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Team worked to identify victims in DeKalb County. Businesses such as the Trenton Ingles Supermarket remained closed for months following the destruction. The community initiated long-term rebuilding efforts, including the reconstruction of the Moore Funeral Home. Jackson County also assisted with repairs for Camp Jackson after the damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Citations
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