November 10, 2002
These pictures were taken during a damage survey in Cullman County on November 12, 2002 by NWS Huntsville personnel. (The actual tornado struck the area on November 10.) The tornado entered the southwest part of Cullman County near Smith Lake and continued to the Cullman Golf Course before briefly lifting. Sporadic damage was found thereafter before the tornado dissipated near Holly Pond. The tornado was rated an F-3 at its strongest point just northwest of the town of Bremen.


F-1 damage occurred as the tornado moved across Smith Lake just to the northeast of Ardell. Wind speeds in this area were estimated to be near 110 mph.

Numerous boats were missing and/or destroyed by the tornado as it crossed Smith Lake, northeast of Ardell.


This home was damaged as the F-1 tornado came onshore.


Tornadic activity is evident by the random position of the fallen trees. A metal walkway which extended into the lake lies up behind the house.


The F-2 tornado destroyed this 14 ft x 65 ft mobile home along County Road 97, approximately 1/2 mile east of Smith Lake.


An extensive amount of large trees were snapped in half, along County Road 97 in Bremen. Wind speeds were estimated at 150 mph.


F-3 damaged occurred along County Road 211 with estimated wind speeds of 180 mph. The picture taken was of the foundation of the house which was blown approximately 20 feet into the yard behind.


In addition to blowing the house off its foundation, the F-3 tornado also picked up the resident's vehicles and deposited them in trees 75 yards away.


Final location of the house. The resident's belongings, including furniture, were found 1/2 mile away in and around a pond. All six people in the house at the time the tornado struck took shelter in a bathroom and escaped with only minor scratches.


F-2 damage occurred as the tornado approached another branch of Smith Lake, with wind speeds estimated at 130 mph. The path width at this point was approximately 400 yards. Numerous trees were flattened along with several lake houses.


More tornado damage evident by the position of the fallen trees.


This mobile home off of County Road 212 survived intact as trees all around were snapped in half. The wind speeds at this point were approximately 130 mph.


This mobile home was shifted five feet off its foundation. It was kept from rolling down the hill by a tree that had fallen in front of it moments before.


Large pieces of sheet metal were flung into trees as the F-2 tornado continued toward Interstate 65.


The mobile home was located on County Road 437 and was completely destroyed as the tornado crossed its path.


This brick home was hit with wind speeds of approximately 100 mph, taking the roof off of the corner section along County Road 616. The path width had dwindled to 100 yards after crossing Interstate 65.