2011 Cullman–Arab tornado

On the afternoon of April 27, 2011, a large, long-tracked, and violent high-end EF4 multi-vortex tornado, known by most as the Cullman–Arab tornado, moved across north-central Alabama, in the United States, striking numerous towns along its 47-mile (76 km) track, including Cullman, Fairview, Arab and Ruth. The tornado killed 6, injured over 40, and impacted hundreds of structures. It occurred as part of the largest tornado outbreak in modern history, and was the second violent tornado of the outbreak, touching down after the Philadelphia, Mississippi tornado.

The tornado first touched down in Cullman County before entering the city limits of Cullman, where EF4 damage was recorded to numerous buildings, including a large church in the downtown area. The tornado then left the Cullman area, moving through Fairview and heavily damaging multiple buildings located in the town. As the tornado tracked through Morgan and Marshall counties, it struck several smaller villages, including Ruth, where heavy damage was documented. Shortly after crossing the Tennessee River, the tornado dissipated.

The tornado devastated downtown Cullman, inflicting an estimated $13.5 million (2011 USD) to the city and causing widespread power outages throughout Cullman County. The tornado had maximum estimated windspeeds of 190 miles per hour (310 km/h), classifying it as violent. Several buildings, many made of brick, in downtown Cullman were leveled by these winds, and the tornado directly preceded several other violent tornadoes that would touch down shortly after, including the Hackleburg–Phil Campbell tornado 20 minutes before the Cullman tornado dissipated.