Severe Storms/Flooding Possible Through Late Tonight
ACTIVE DAY AHEAD: The dynamic storm system that brought severe thunderstorms and tornadoes to parts of Texas and Oklahoma yesterday and last night will impact Alabama in a big way over the next 24 hours.
SPC has extended the “moderate risk” (level 4/5) into far Southwest Alabama, including parts of Choctaw, Clarke, and Washington counties. An “enhanced risk” (level 3/5) extends as far east as Carrollton, Moundville, Camden, and Mobile. A “slight risk” (level 2/5) is defined over to Haleyville, Birmingham, and Troy, and the rest of North and East Alabama is in a “marginal risk” (level 1/5).
A line of severe thunderstorms will impact the state tonight, but a few discrete cells could form ahead of the main line this afternoon over West Alabama, where there will be a good combination of shear and instability; these will feature the highest tornado potential. Instability values are not especially high for mid-March in Alabama, but certainly sufficient for strong to severe storms. Instability over East Alabama will be very limited tonight.
TIMING: The window for severe storms opens up in far West Alabama around 2:00 p.m… the window for the I-65 corridor (Huntsville, Birmingham, Montgomery) is from 6pm until 2am… and most of the storms will impact East and Southeast Alabama after midnight.
THREATS: Storms will be capable of producing large hail, damaging wind, and tornadoes. The highest tornado potential is in the “moderate” and “enhanced” risk areas across West and Southwest Alabama this afternoon into the evening hours. The main threat will shift to strong winds tonight as the activity rolls into a long squall line (QLCS).
FLOODING: Rain amounts of 2-3″ are likely across much of the state west of I-65, and a flash flood watch has been issued for this area. It includes places like Huntsville, Birmingham, Selma, and points to the west. Rain totals of 1-2″ are forecast for the eastern half of the state through tomorrow morning.
WIND: Non-thunderstorm gradient winds will gust to 35/40 mph later today and tonight; most of Alabama is in a wind advisory. This could bring a few scattered power outages.
PREPARE: Be sure you have a reliable way of hearing severe weather warnings (NEVER a siren); a NOAA Weather Radio is the baseline. On your phone, be sure emergency alerts are enabled, and have the free ABC 33/40 weather app installed. Know the safe place in your home, and in that safe place have helmets for everyone. If you live in a mobile home, know where you are going (community shelter, business, etc), and have transportation.
WATCH: If tornado warnings are issued, watch us on ABC 33/40. Remember, local TV is free, over the air. You don’t need cable, satellite, or an Internet connection. To watch online, the best options are…
YouTube: http://youtube.com/abc3340
Facebook: http://facebook.com/abc3340
REMEMBER: Don’t be anxious or worried; events like this are very common in Alabama during our tornado season, especially March and April. Have a way of hearing warnings, have a plan, and you will be fine. Odds of any one spot being hit by a tornado are low, but we all have to be ready.
REST OF THE WEEK: Lingering rain and storms will end across East and Southeast Alabama tomorrow morning; the sky becomes partly sunny by afternoon as drier air moves into the state. The high will be in the 67-70 degree range. Then, dry weather continues Thursday and Friday with a partly sunny sky both days; highs will be in the mid 60s.
THE ALABAMA WEEKEND: Expect a sun filled sky Saturday and Sunday with highs in the mid 60s. Mornings will be cold; most places will be in the 30s early Sunday morning across the northern half of Alabama with frost likely. Colder spots will see a freeze… growers beware.
NEXT WEEK: Monday will be dry and warmer with a high in the 70s. A few showers are possible over far North Alabama Tuesday, but the next signifiant rain event will likely come by Thursday when thunderstorms return; too early to know if this will feature a severe weather threat. See the Weather Xtreme video for maps, graphics, and more details.
ON THIS DATE IN 1952: A tornado estimated at F4 strength moved through parts of Morgan and Madison counties, from southwest of Hartselle to near Huntsville. A total of 35 homes were destroyed, 39 damaged in Morgan County. Some were “leveled to the ground” in the communities of Massey and Plainview. In Madison County, four buildings were destroyed, six damaged. Many buildings at Redstone Arsenal sustained damage. At least five people were killed.
BEACH FORECAST: Click here to see the AlabamaWx Beach Forecast Center page.
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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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