WSFA 12 News is commemorating the 15th anniversary of the April 27, 2011 tornado outbreak, the deadliest in Alabama’s history. The outbreak resulted in 253 deaths and over 2,000 injuries across 26 states.

A Historic Outbreak

A catastrophic tornado outbreak ravaged the southeastern United States from April 25th to 28th, 2011. Approximately 360 tornadoes touched down across 26 states during this four-day period. However, April 27th became etched in history due to the sheer intensity and widespread devastation.

The Devastation in Alabama

Alabama was particularly hard hit, with 62 confirmed tornadoes tearing through the state. This resulted in 253 fatalities and over 2,000 injuries. For many Alabamians, the date 'April 27th' brings back painful memories of the destruction.

Survivor Stories

Billy Green, a survivor, recalls the terrifying sounds of collapsing structures during a direct hit. He described a sudden urge to run for safety, attributing it to divine intervention.

Widespread Impact and Damage

The tornadoes carved a path of destruction spanning approximately 1,200 miles across Alabama. Forty-three of Alabama’s 67 counties were affected, with deaths reported in numerous locations including Bibb, Calhoun, and Tuscaloosa counties.

Record-Breaking Tornadoes

April 27th saw a record-breaking 224 tornadoes touch down within a single 24-hour period. The state endured three waves of severe thunderstorms, with Marshall County experiencing 15 tornadoes alone.

The Cost of Recovery

An EF-5 tornado ripped through Phil Campbell, claiming 21 lives and destroying over 500 structures. Another EF-5 tornado struck Tuscaloosa, resulting in 53 fatalities.

Economic Toll

The economic toll was immense, with nearly 14,000 homes destroyed or uninhabitable. The total damage in Alabama reached $10.2 billion in 2011, equivalent to approximately $14.6 billion in 2025 dollars.

Over 6,000 linemen from 22 states assisted in restoring power, replacing over 7,600 power poles and 3,000 transformers. They laid enough new power lines to stretch from Birmingham to Washington D.C. WSFA 12 News will air a digital-only special commemorating the anniversary Monday at 6:30 pm on their website, news and smart TV apps, and at the top of this article.