How Alabama Weather Looks at 8:30 Tonight

J.B. Elliott | 8:28 pm May 2, 2012

And it is encouraging for a state that was getting very dry in many of its counties. Indeed, three or four counties in the southeast corner of Alabama had already reached major drought status based on the latest drought assessment.

Those thunderstorms that became briefly strong west of Birmingham have now moved to the northwest. With night coming on, they have weakened in intensity.

However, at 8:30 a long string of thunderstorms (or should we call it a long row or line of thunderstorms) extended from Central Alabama all the way into the northwest corner of the state. Generally they are located from North Chilton County northwest to just west and southwest of Birmingham, then northwest through Walker County to Marion County in Northwest County.

It is pouring rain over the northwest corner of Walker County. However, by far, the heaviest rain is still near the coast, especially in places like Gulf Shores and Dauphin Island. In those storms, the area is getting an overdose of lightning. Remember–lightning is frightening.

It has been raining so heavily near the coast that Mobile Regional Airport measured 5.67 inches of rain since 1:00 this afternoon.

There is another major concern along the coast, including Gulf Shores. A high rip current warning is in effect until at least late tonight. Those are dangerous, we all know, and can sweep you off your feet. Before we close, here is a sample of a few high temperatures around Alabama today:

92 at Muscle Shoals Airport

90 at Muscle Shoals/TVA

90 at Decatur Airport

89 at Birmingham Airport

The outlook for tomorrow is for a good chance of showers and thunderstorms. This is turning out to be our best chance of getting some much needed rain in many different parts of the state. This may be one of those semi-sleepless nights, but we will posting here on the BLOG off and on all night, even if the weather quietens down somewhat.

Stay tuned.