MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) – Before April 27, 2011… there was April 15.
On April 15, 2011, part of a larger three-day event, multiple long-track and strong tornadoes tore across our region, something that is rare for the Mobile-Pensacola area. Several tornadoes reached EF2 and EF3 strength, including a destructive EF3 from Leakesville, Mississippi to Deer Park that stayed on the ground for nearly 20 miles.
We’ll break down:
- How this outbreak developed with morning supercells lasting into the night
- The local tornado tracks and impacts across Alabama and Mississippi
- Why this event is often overshadowed by April 27
- And the lessons learned that have helped improve warning systems and coverage today
This is a look back at a significant Gulf Coast weather event, one that shaped how we forecast, communicate, and respond to severe weather…