Potential For Severe Storms Ahead
SUNNY, WARM DAY: Temperatures are hovering around 80 degrees this afternoon with a sunny sky across the great state of Alabama. But, to the west, the weather is getting very active with everything from blizzard conditions to a PDS (particularly dangerous situation) tornado watch…
THE ALABAMA SITUATION TOMORROW: SPC (the Storm Prediction Center) maintains an “enhanced risk” of severe thunderstorms for much of Alabama tomorrow in a broad zone from Huntsville to Mobile… the standard “slight risk” continues for the rest of the state.
TIMING: There is increasing confidence that tomorrow morning will be quiet across the state; mostly dry with only a few isolated showers over West Alabama. A line of strong to severe storms will enter West Alabama around 2:00-3:00, reaching Tuscaloosa around 4:00-5:00… Birmingham 6:00-7:00, and then on into East Alabama reaching Anniston/Gadsden by 9:00. Our core 12 hour window for severe storms statewide is now from 2:00 p.m. until 2:00 a.m.
THREATS: The main threat will from damaging straight line winds, but a few tornadoes are possible. In fact, SPC now has a hatched area on their Day 2 outlook (for tomorrow) that suggests potential for a few strong tornadoes over West Alabama, and parts of East and South Mississippi. Storms could also produce hail.
FLOODING: Flash flood watches have been issued for parts of Northwest and Southwest Alabama, but any place west of I-65 should see 2-3 inches of rain with potential for some flooding. Amounts over East Alabama will be in the 1-2 inch range for most places.
DON’T MISS A WARNING: I am aware there are many outdoor events tomorrow… just be sure you have a good way of hearing warnings if they are needed. Every home and business in Alabama needs a NOAA Weather Radio, and your phone needs a good app designed for warnings, like WeatherRadio by WDT. Never rely on an outdoor siren.
SUNDAY: Storms will exit the state early Sunday; the day will be mostly cloudy, breezy, and much cooler with temperatures holding in the 50s. A bit of light rain or drizzle is possible in spots on the back side of the departing storm system.
NEXT WEEK: The week looks dry; a cold front should pass through in dry fashion Wednesday, pulling down another surge of drier air for the end of the week. Mornings will be chilly; there is potential for some frost over the northern half of the state early Tuesday morning; growers will need to keep an eye on forecasts. See the Weather Xtreme video for maps, graphics, and more details.
BEACH FORECAST: Click here to see the AlabamaWx Beach Forecast Center page.
WEATHER BRAINS: Don’t forget you can listen to our weekly 90 minute netcast anytime on the web, or on iTunes. This is the show all about weather featuring many familiar voices, including our meteorologists here at ABC 33/40.
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I had a great time today visiting with the second graders at Gresham Elementary… be looking for them on the Pepsi KIDCAM today at 5:00 on ABC 33/40 News! My next Weather Xtreme video will be posted here Monday morning by 7:00… Brian Peters will have the video updates tomorrow and Sunday. Stay tuned to the blog for frequent updates!
Category: Alabama's Weather, ALL POSTS, Weather Xtreme Videos
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James Spann is one of the most recognized and trusted television meteorologists in the industry. He holds the AMS CCM designation and television seals from the AMS and NWA. He is a past winner of the Broadcast Meteorologist of the Year from both professional organizations.Subscribe
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