In 1933, Alabama experienced a range of weather events, with notable extremes in temperature and significant tornado activity.
Temperature Extremes
In Birmingham, Alabama, the highest temperature recorded in 1933 was 102°F on June 21.
Tornado Activity
The year was particularly notable for severe tornadoes. On May 5, 1933, a devastating F4 tornado struck Bibb and Shelby counties, carving a 35-mile path and reaching widths of up to a third of a mile. The tornado caused 20 fatalities and over 150 injuries, with the town of Helena suffering extensive damage.
Earlier that year, on March 31, multiple tornadoes impacted the state. In Baldwin County, an F2 tornado near Elberta resulted in one death and two injuries, destroying several homes. Another F2 tornado on the same day caused damage in Escambia and Conecuh counties, injuring 40 people and flattening miles of forest.
FAQ
1. What was the highest temperature recorded in Alabama in 1933?
In Birmingham, the highest temperature recorded was 102°F on June 21, 1933.
2. Were there any significant tornadoes in Alabama in 1933?
Yes, notably an F4 tornado on May 5, 1933, that affected Bibb and Shelby counties, causing 20 deaths and over 150 injuries.
3. Which areas were most affected by the May 5, 1933, tornado in Alabama?
The town of Helena in Shelby County suffered extensive damage, with 14 fatalities and numerous structures demolished.
4. Were there other tornado events in Alabama in 1933?
Yes, on March 31, 1933, multiple tornadoes struck, including one in Baldwin County near Elberta and another affecting Escambia and Conecuh counties.
5. How did the 1933 tornadoes impact Alabama communities?
The tornadoes resulted in significant loss of life, numerous injuries, and extensive property damage, particularly in towns like Helena, where many homes and structures were destroyed.
