Windy Day Ahead; Strong To Severe Storms Later Today/Tonight
ACTIVE WEATHER DAY: We have a very active weather day ahead as a dynamic storm system approaches. Strong to severe thunderstorms are possible this afternoon and tonight… SPC maintains an “enhanced risk” (level 3/5) of severe thunderstorms for parts of North and West Alabama… west of a line from Hytop to Hueytown to Demopolis. A “slight risk” (level 2) extends as far east as Anniston, Prattville, and Grove Hill, and the rest of the state (East/South Alabama) is in a “marginal risk” (level 1/5).
GRADIENT WIND: Strong south winds will develop across Alabama today (not related to thunderstorms). Wind gusts to 40/45 mph are possible this afternoon and early tonight; this could bring some scattered power outages, and bring down weakened trees. It will be a very windy day.
THUNDERSTORM TIMING: We have a few thunderstorms across Northwest Alabama early this morning, but in terms of the severe weather threat, the main window in the “enhanced risk” is from 2 until 8 p.m. For the “slight risk” (places like Birmingham, Anniston, and Gadsden), the main window comes from 4 until 11 p.m… and for the “marginal risk” over East and South Alabama the severe weather window is from 6 p.m. until 4 a.m.
THREATS: Stronger storms will be capable of producing hail, strong winds, and a few tornadoes. The highest tornado threat is in the “enhanced risk” area across North and West Alabama, and a strong tornado (EF-2 or higher) can’t be ruled out.
RAIN: Rain amounts will be generally in the 1 to 1.5 inch range for most of the state over the next 24 hours; flooding is not expected since the storms will be moving along with a good clip.
Days like this are common in February in Alabama; our tornado season runs from November through May. Just be sure you have a reliable way of hearing warnings (NEVER an outdoor siren), and know your safe place. In that place, have helmets for everyone (including adults). If you live in a mobile home, know where you are going (you can’t stay there if you are in a tornado warning polygon), and arrange for transportation.
And, remember, you can be a big part of the warning process. If you know someone that is in a tornado warning polygon, be sure and call or text them to let them know of the danger, and to turn on our live coverage. There are many we can’t reach… ones that don’t watch our coverage, or don’t pay attention to weather.
TOMORROW THROUGH THE WEEKEND: The sky becomes partly to mostly sunny tomorrow, and the day will be much cooler with a high between 48 and 52 degrees. Then, over the weekend, look for sunny days with a high in the upper 50s Saturday, followed by mid 60s Sunday.
NEXT WEEK: Much of the week looks wet. Moist air returns Monday with occasional showers, and there will be some risk of rain at times on a daily basis through at least Thursday. We could see a few thunderstorms along the way, but at the moment we aren’t seeing any major severe weather signals in modeling. The week will be mild with highs in the 60s and low 70s… See the Weather Xtreme video for maps, graphics, and more details.
ON THIS DATE IN 1926: A deadly avalanche, Utah’s worst, demolishes 14 miner’s cottages and a three-story boarding house in Bingham Canyon. Thirty-six were killed and 13 injured.
ON THIS DATE IN 2008: A total of 13 tornadoes touched down across the southeast half of Alabama, including an EF-3 that moved through Prattville injuring at least 50 people. That twister moved across US Highway 82, US Highway 31, and Cobbs Ford Road… an estimated 200 residential homes and 40 businesses were damaged or destroyed. Hundreds of trees were either snapped off or were uprooted along the path.
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 show anytime on your favorite podcast app. This is the show all about weather featuring many familiar voices, including our meteorologists here at ABC 33/40.
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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
About the Author (Author Profile)
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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