Highs In The 70s Today; Strong/Severe Storms Tomorrow
WARM DECEMBER DAY: A warm front continues to push northward across Alabama early this morning with a few scattered showers; the sky will be generally cloudy today with a very mild afternoon. We project a high in the mid 70s… the record high for December 10 is 79 set in 2007. We will be watching developments to the northwest late this afternoon and tonight; SPC has defined an “enhanced risk” (level 3/5) of severe thunderstorms from the Mississippi Delta region northward into parts of Illinois and Indiana. Storms that form in that region will become severe, and a strong tornado or two can’t be ruled out.
STORMY START TO THE WEEKEND: The activity northwest of Alabama is expected to evolve into a long squall line after midnight tonight, and will move into the state early tomorrow morning. SPC has defined a “slight risk” (level 2/5) as far east as Athens, Haleyville, and Millport through 6:00 a.m… with a “marginal risk” (level 1/5) to Lake Guntersville and Tuscaloosa. Then, after 6:00 a.m…. most of Alabama is in a “marginal risk” (level 1/5).
TIMING: The line of strong to severe storms will likely enter the northwest corner of Alabama around 3:00-5:00 a.m. tomorrow. The line should reach the Birmingham/Anniston/Gadsden/Tuscaloosa areas around 11:00-noon. Then, after noon the line will move south of I-20, pushing into the southern counties by mid to late afternoon. The severe weather threat will is not as great for South Alabama as dynamic support will be weakening by then.
THREATS: For Alabama, the main threat will come from strong, potentially damaging straight line winds. A few isolated tornadoes can’t be ruled out, however. Rain will be briefly heavy, but flooding is not expected.
CALL TO ACTION: Be sure you have a way of hearing severe weather warnings. Your primary source should NEVER be an outdoor siren. Have a NOAA Weather Radio in your home properly programmed with a fresh battery in case of power failure. Be sure emergency alerts are enabled on your phone. And, review your severe weather plan; identify the safe place and be sure everyone knows where it is. And, if you live in a mobile home, know where you will go in case you fall in a tornado warning polygon.
Temperatures will go the wrong way tomorrow. We start the day in the 67-72 degree range, but after the line of storms temperatures will fall into the 50s with a cool northwest wind. The sky will clear tomorrow night.
Sunday will be a sunny, cool day with a high in the 55-60 degree range.
NEXT WEEK: The week will be dry and pleasant thanks to an upper high forming over the Gulf Coast region. Highs will be in the 60s Monday through Wednesday… and close to 70 Thursday and Friday. And, the latest CPC outlook suggests temperatures will remain above average across Alabama December 17-23. See the Weather Xtreme video for maps, graphics, and more details.
ON THIS DATE IN 2008: An EF-1 tornado moved through Oakman, in Walker County. The tornado touched down just west of Jackson Street on the north side of Oakman. The tornado traveled northeastward and crossed School Street and State Highway 69. The tornado lifted on Watts Street just east of State Highway 69. Metal bleachers were twisted and thrown at the Oakman School athletic field. Several houses suffered significant roof damage along State Highway 69. Approximately 150 trees were either uprooted or snapped off. Little structural damage occurred at the school, but water damage was sustained.
ON THIS DATE IN 2012: An EF-1 tornado passed just north of downtown Birmingham causing damage to 29 homes, 2 of which had major damage and one of which lost its roof entirely. A church and two other businesses were damaged near the intersection of Finley Blvd and 16th Street. The tornado lifted near the intersection of 24th Court North and 18th Street North, just west of Interstate 65.
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Look for the next Weather Xtreme video here by 3:00 this afternoon… enjoy the day!
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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