Severe Thunderstorms Cause Tornado Warnings in Northern Alabama

Dark clouds and funnel clouds over Huntsville during a tornado warning

Huntsville, Alabama, September 25, 2025

News Summary

Severe thunderstorms swept through Northern Alabama, prompting the National Weather Service to issue Tornado Warnings across several counties. The storms, capable of producing tornadoes, posed significant risks to residents as they moved through locations such as Grant and Woodville. With reports of rotation on radar and debris threats, residents were urged to seek immediate shelter. Emergency alerts were issued as strong tornado activity threatened to impact Huntsville. As conditions evolved, additional warnings were issued for nearby counties, highlighting the urgency of monitoring the weather.

Huntsville, Alabama – Tornado Warnings were issued and subsequently cancelled across Northern Alabama as severe thunderstorms swept through the region. The National Weather Service in Huntsville, Alabama, issued a Tornado Warning for north central Marshall County, southwestern Jackson County, and southeastern Madison County, effective until 4 PM CDT.

At 3:20 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located near Grant, approximately 13 miles north of Guntersville, moving northeast at 20 mph. Radar indicated rotation in the storm, confirming a tornado hazard was present. Debris from the storm posed a serious danger to individuals without proper shelter, particularly in mobile homes, which were at risk of being damaged or destroyed. The storm’s trajectory threatened to cause damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles, and tree damage was likely.

The storm was projected to be near various locations, including Woodville around 3:25 PM CDT and Grant around 3:30 PM CDT. Other impacted areas included Lim Rock and Larkinsville. Residents were urged to take immediate cover by moving to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, avoiding windows. Those outdoors, in mobile homes, or in vehicles were advised to seek substantial shelter to protect themselves from flying debris.

Chief Meteorologist Jeff Castle and his team continuously provided storm updates using Triple Doppler radars from Muscle Shoals, Decatur, and Guntersville. Reports included incredible videos featuring funnel clouds and tornadoes in the Athens, Madison, and Huntsville areas during a Tornado Emergency alert on Tuesday afternoon.

A subsequent Tornado Warning was issued for northern Limestone County and northeastern Lauderdale County until 11:45 PM CDT. At 10:58 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located near Rogersville, moving east at 45 mph. The associated hazards included tornadoes and quarter-sized hail, along with concerns for flying debris.

A Tornado Emergency was declared for Huntsville, indicating confirmed strong tornado activity approaching the city limits. Residents were alerted to an imminent threat to life and property, with a large and extremely dangerous tornado moving at 30 mph. Additionally, a Tornado Watch 305 was issued for parts of Alabama and Tennessee, effective until 10:00 PM CDT. Cities included in the watch were Cullman, Limestone, Madison, Morgan, DeKalb, Jackson, Marshall, Colbert, Franklin (AL), Lauderdale, Lawrence (TN), Lincoln, Moore, Albertville, Arab, Athens, Boaz, and others.

Precautionary Measures

Residents in the affected areas are advised to stay vigilant and monitor weather updates. It is crucial to have a plan in place and know where to seek shelter in case of severe weather.

Background Context

Severe thunderstorms are not uncommon in Alabama, particularly during the spring months when atmospheric conditions are ripe for severe weather development. The combination of warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico and cooler air from the north can create instability, leading to the formation of powerful storms capable of producing tornadoes.

Summary of Events

  • Date: February 28, 2023
  • Location: Huntsville, Alabama
  • Tornado Warnings Issued: North central Marshall County, southwestern Jackson County, southeastern Madison County until 4 PM CDT.
  • Severe Thunderstorm Locations: Near Grant at 3:20 PM CDT, affecting areas such as Woodville and Lim Rock.
  • Second Warning: Northern Limestone County, northeastern Lauderdale County until 11:45 PM CDT.
  • Tornado Watch: Parts of Alabama and Tennessee until 10 PM CDT.

Frequently Asked Questions

What areas were under Tornado Warnings? The warnings were for north central Marshall County, southwestern Jackson County, and southeastern Madison County until 4 PM CDT.

What was the location of the severe thunderstorm at 3:20 PM CDT? The severe thunderstorm was located near Grant, approximately 13 miles north of Guntersville, and moving northeast at 20 mph.

What precautions should residents take during a tornado warning? Residents should take cover immediately by moving to a basement or interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, avoiding windows.

Warning Type Location Affected Time Valid
Tornado Warning North central Marshall County, southwestern Jackson County, southeastern Madison County Until 4 PM CDT
Tornado Warning Northern Limestone County, northeastern Lauderdale County Until 11:45 PM CDT
Tornado Watch Parts of Alabama and Tennessee Until 10:00 PM CDT

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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Additional Resources

STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER

The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.

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