A Look At The Alabama Severe Weather Situation

EARLY MORNING UPDATE: Severe storms will likely impact Alabama later today and tonight. Here is the latest thinking.

TIMING: While showers are possible this morning, and possibly some thunder, no severe storms are expected in Alabama until this afternoon. Strong storms current over Northeast Mississippi will clip the northeast corner of Alabama, but should weaken.

The main window for severe storm begins in far West Alabama around 12 noon, with the threat progressing eastward during the afternoon and tonight (see the attached graphic).

THREATS: Storms will be capable of producing damaging winds, hail, and a few tornadoes. A strong tornado can’t be ruled out over West Alabama, where you will find the best combination of dynamic support and instability. The tornado threat is much lower over East Alabama.

FLOODING: A flood watch remains in effect for roughly the western half of Alabama; rain amounts within the watch will be in the 2-4″ inch range… amounts over East Alabama should average 1-2″.

CALL TO ACTION: Events like this are pretty routine in Alabama in April; this is the core of the spring tornado season. But, you have to pay attention to the weather closely and have a good way of hearing warnings. Have a NOAA Weather Radio at home and work, and a good smart phone app designed for warnings

NEVER rely on a siren to hear a warning, and NEVER drive in a tornado warning polygon. We saw way too much of this yesterday; if you come under a warning pull off at the first exit and get into a gas station, restaurant, etc.

As always, we will be live on ABC 33/40 in the event of tornado warnings later today. And, watch for frequent updates here on the blog!

Tags: ANC, storms

Category: Alabama's Weather, ALL POSTS