Tornado outbreak of April 26–28, 2020 (HurricaneLucas4064)

The tornado outbreak of April 26–28, 2020 was a prolific and deadly tornado outbreak that occurred across the Southeast United States. Lasting about two and a half days, the outbreak produced a total of 111 tornadoes, the largest tornado outbreak in April since 2012. The most significant tornado was the EF5 that ripped through Weogufka, Alabama. A total of 22 people were killed by tornadoes making it the deadliest outbreak since March 3, 2019. In the aftermath of the outbreak, relief organizations assisted in clean-up and aid distribution. Total economic losses from the event reached at least $13 billion (2020 USD).

Meteorological synopsis
The National Weather Service began to monitor models as early as April 15, expecting a low pressure system to develop in the northern Plains. That low had the possibility to produce blizzard conditions in the northern Plains and severe weather in the South and Southeast. By April 20, the National Weather Service highlighted a 30% chance of severe weather in the South on April 26 and 30% chance of severe weather on the 27th. By the time it reached April 24, an enhanced risk of severe weather was already issued for Texas and a moderate risk for Alabama and Mississippi. By the time April 26 occurred, a moderate risk was issued and a high risk was issued for the following day. After April 26 came to a close, the high risk of severe weather for April 27 stayed in place, with many rotating supercells expected to form in the afternoon hours with a large possibility of large, long-tracked, and violent tornadoes. For April 28, however, an enhanced risk of severe weather was issued from West Virginia and Virginia southward towards South Carolina.

The outbreak saw three EF4 tornadoes and one EF5 tornado touch down. The EF4 tornadoes impacted the communities of Fruitvale, Texas, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and Athens, Mississippi. The strongest and most damaging tornado impacted the city of Weogufka, Alabama, claiming five lives. Overall, twenty-two people were killed by the tornado outbreak; nineteen in Alabama, two in Mississippi, and one in North Carolina.

Weogufka, Alabama
LULU