ATHENS, Ala. — A survey team from the National Weather Service in Huntsville has confirmed that storm damage in the Athens area on Tuesday was caused by an EF-1 tornado, with estimated maximum wind speeds reaching 105 mph.
According to the NWS, the tornado likely began south of Highway 72, between York Lane and Lucas Ferry Road. Significant damage was reported near the intersection of Lucas Ferry Road and Sanderfer Road, where numerous wooden power poles were snapped and cross members were broken.
The tornado continued on an east-northeast track, causing additional destruction along Sanderfer Road, including uprooted trees and more snapped power poles. It moved through the Jefferson Road and Highway 72 area before dissipating shortly after crossing that vicinity…