Slight Risk for Much of Alabama

The latest day one convective outlook just released from the SPC continues to have much of Alabama included in a standard slight risk for severe weather today. Areas along and north of U.S. Highway 80 across the Black Belt Region of the state are in this threat. This does include the cities of Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Anniston, Montgomery, Clanton, Demopolis, Auburn, Gadsden, Cullman, Huntsville, Muscle Shoals, and Hamilton.

This morning, we are already seeing some showers and thunderstorms developing and lifting north through the state. As we head through the day, we are expecting additional showers and storms to develop as well. A cold front to our west and shortwave in the mid-levels, will move across the area today and will help enhance the uplift. Instability values are modest, and actually any showers and storms developing this morning, could limit how much instability values increase today. The other severe weather parameters are not overly impressive, however, when it comes to thunderstorms in Alabama, always expect the unexpected.

As the front approaches the state this afternoon, the main area of showers and storms will develop. There will be some strong storms, and there could certainly be a few isolated severe storms today. For us in Alabama, the main concerns will be damaging winds gusts and hail. There is a threat for tornadoes today, but to the north of Alabama in the Ohio Valley. That is where the better dynamics are with this system. Though showers and storms will be possible all day, the main thunderstorm action will affect the state later this afternoon and into the evening hours.

In addition to the severe weather threat, with any storms today, there will be heavy downpours, as well as frequent and very dangerous lightning.

Category: Alabama's Weather, Severe Weather