Quick Alabama Weather Update at 1:20 p.m.

The center of Tropical Depression Cristobal is over southeastern Arkansas at this hour, probably near Crossett. As of the 10 a.m. advisory, the winds were 35 mph. The lowest pressure I could find was 996 MB at Morehouse, LA.

A major feeder band extends from southeastern Louisiana into southern/eastern Mississippi and western Alabama. So far, instability leaves have not been sufficient for there to be tornadoes with this band, but we continue to monitor it. Lightning is beginning to ramp up, a sign that the storms are also increasing. As temperatures rise, instabilities will increase further, and low-level shear associated with the depression could result in a few spin-up tornadoes over eastern Mississippi and western Alabama. The SPC just checked in that they do not expect to issue a watch.

Rain rates could approach one inch per hour in stronger downpours. Flash flood and flood watches continue for much of southeastern Lousiana, Mississippi, southwestern Alabama, and all the way to Wisconsin.

Stronger storms are over western Elmore moving into western Coosa County from north of Deatsville heading between Clanton and Rockford and eventually toward Sylacauga and Childersburg. We will keep a close eye on them in case they try to produce a weak tornado as well, but the risk is not as high there because of lower shear.

Water levels continue high along the Gulf Coast. At the State Docks in Mobile, the tide is running 3.18 feet above normal. Winds are still gusting to 35 mph at the Mobile Regional Airport.

Rip current risk is still extremely high along the beaches of Alabama and Northwest Florida. No one should be in the water.

Wind advisories remain in effect for western Alabama as well, including Bibb, Dallas, Fayette, Greene, Hale, Lamar, Marengo, Marion, Perry, Pickens, Sumter, and Tuscaloosa Counties until 7 p.m. tonight.

Category: Alabama's Weather, ALL POSTS