Fatality in Walker County, Severe Weather Update

The Daily Mountain Eagle in Jasper reports that there has been a fatality in Dora when a tree fell on a house from this afternoon’s activity.

There was also a fatality last night when a tree fell on a car in Ashdown AR.

Just underscores the fact that there is a very real threat from trees falling on homes and cars.

RADAR UPDATE
The line of intense storms is now entering Lamar and Pickens Counties. It is bowing out in that area, indicating a high probability of damaging winds.

It should reach the Tuscaloosa area by 7:30 p.m. and the Birmingham area between 8:15 a.m. and 8:30 p.m.

SEVERE WEATHER STILL LIKELY
Conditions are still very favorable for severe weather tonight across Central Alabama. A tornado watch is in effect until midnight.

Instabilities are running 500-1,000 j/kg over the northern half of the state, with values over 1,000 j/kg surging northward into Central Alabama. Lifted condensation levels are at 750m, which is prime for tornado development. And storm relative helicities in the lowest 1 km of the atmosphere are actually pretty high, running 20 m2/s2 in areas north of I-59.

So damaging wind will be the main threat, but an isolated tornado or two cannot be ruled out.

Pay attention to the weather overnight and review your safety rules.

Category: Alabama's Weather, Severe Weather