Excellent Mesoscale Discussion From the NWS Birmingham

Supercell composite parameter currently over Alabama

An outstanding summation of the situation over West Alabama this evening from the NWS in Birmingham.

Several rotating storms have developed over areas from Vernon to
Double Springs. These storms will continue eastward the next few
hours with damaging winds, quarter size hail and a tornado
possible. The rotation has been well entrenched in the mid levels
and have not seen too much evidence of any lowering. It appears
that low level winds and convergence are weaker and the rotation
is having a very hard time building down. LCL’s do lower in
northern areas and we are also entering times just after sunset
where it typically goes down. Bulk Shear values are around 30kts,
so some organization is possible. This value is lower than
yesterday under nearly the same environmental parameters.
Effective helicity values are around 200, and as evidenced,
rotation is taking place. A mid level disturbance is moving over
the region and helping ignite this activity. Will monitor these
storms closely the next few hours and expect a decrease by mid
evening.

Category: Alabama's Weather, ALL POSTS