A tornado and severe thunderstorms impacted Perry and Hale counties, along with the rest of Alabama, on March 15, causing damage and prompting emergency response efforts across the region. Initial reports suggested that at least seven tornadoes affected the state of Alabama.
Reports indicated that at least 50,000 customers across the state lost power at the height of the massive storm, though specific outage numbers for Perry and Hale counties were not immediately available.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), an EF-0 tornado with peak winds of 80 mph touched down in western Hale County, traveled northeast for 21.75 miles, and crossed into Perry County before dissipating. The tornado, which had a maximum width of 3,900 feet, primarily caused tree damage along its path.
The tornado initially touched down north of U.S. Highway 80 west of Allenville Road, snapping and uprooting cedar trees before moving northeastward. It crossed County Road 12 and Alabama Highway 25, continuing to cause scattered tree damage. As it moved into Perry County, the storm produced its most significant impact near Alabama Highway 14, where multiple trees were uprooted and debris was left strewn across the roadway. The last signs of damage were observed along Morgan Springs Road before the tornado dissipated over Polecat Creek.
In addition to tornado damage, high winds and severe storms led to widespread power outages and emergency responses across Perry and Hale counties. Local fire departments, including Marion Fire & Rescue, Heiberger Fire, and Suttle Fire, joined forces with first responders from across the region to assist in clearing downed trees and responding to emergency calls, especially in hard-hit Dallas County.
Russell Weeden, Hale County Emergency Management Agency director, reported that more than 15 brush fires, along with downed trees and power lines, required response efforts across the county. He publicly thanked the first responders who worked tirelessly in hazardous conditions to protect residents and restore order.
Emergency crews from multiple Hale County fire departments, including Greensboro Fire, Moundville Fire, and others, worked alongside law enforcement to manage the widespread damage. Deputies from Hale County, Perry County, and surrounding areas assisted in securing impacted locations and directing recovery efforts. Many volunteers also responded to calls for assistance, helping to clear debris and provide aid where needed.
The storm system also produced more severe tornadoes in neighboring counties. In Dallas County, an EF-2 tornado with peak winds of 130 mph caused extensive damage, in addition to injuries to people and even loss of life. Greene County was also affected by an EF-1 tornado, which reportedly snapped trees in two, dropping some on a mobile home, as it crossed into Pickens County.
State and local officials credited early emergency declarations with allowing first responders to mobilize quickly. Law enforcement agencies helped control access to affected areas while volunteer crews and firefighters worked to clear debris and restore accessibility to impacted communities.
