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Active Day Ahead; Severe Storms Possible Through Tonight

| January 3, 2023 @ 5:54 am

RADAR CHECK: Scattered showers continue over the eastern half of Alabama early this morning, otherwise it is a cloudy, very mild, and humid morning with temperatures hovering in the 65-72 degree range at daybreak, well above the average high of 54 for January 3. A dynamic weather system will bring potential for severe thunderstorms to the state later today and tonight.

SPC maintains an “enhanced risk” (level 3/5) of severe thunderstorms for much of Central and South Alabama… a “slight risk” (level 2/5) is defined for areas north of I-20.

TIMING: We have potential for two rounds of severe storms. One this afternoon and this evening, and another one after midnight. That is why you see the large windows on our timing graphic, lasting around 15 hours. Severe storms could develop over far West Alabama as early as 11am, and could linger across Southeast Alabama as early as 8am tomorrow.

This doesn’t mean, of course, that you will have 15 hours of continuous rain and storms, but periods of rain are likely with potential for a few severe storms along the way.

THREATS: All modes of severe weather will be possible, including large hail, damaging winds, and a few tornadoes. The highest tornado threat is in the enhanced risk over the southern 2/3 of the state, and one or two strong tornadoes (EF-2 or higher) are possible there.

RAIN/FLOODING: A flash flood watch has been issued for roughly the southern half of Alabama through tomorrow morning… for areas south of a line from Demopolis to Alexander City. Rain amounts could exceed two inches in that part of the state… amounts of 1-2 inches are likely over the northern counties.

PREPARE: Be sure you can hear severe weather warnings if they are needed. A NOAA Weather Radio is the baseline, and be sure WEA (Wireless Emergency Alerts) are enabled on your phone (look under settings, and notifications). Install the free ABC 33/40 weather app. NEVER rely on a siren.

Review your severe weather plan; know the safe place in your home, which is a small room on the lowest floor. Near the center of the house, away from windows. And, if you live in a mobile home be sure you know the location of the nearest shelter or site built structure that is available, and the quickest way of getting there. Have transpiration available.

No need to be anxious, these setups are common in Alabama in January… remember our tornado season runs from November through May.

Rain and storms will be out of the state by mid-morning tomorrow, and the sky becomes partly sunny by afternoon with a high around 70 degrees.

THURSDAY THROUGH THE WEEKEND: Thursday and Friday will feature a mostly sunny sky with a cooling trend… the high Thursday will be in the low 60s, followed by mid to upper 50s Friday. Some spots across North Alabama will see a light freeze early Friday morning. Then, for the weekend, most of the day Saturday will be dry with a high in the low to mid 60s. Showers are possible Saturday night and Sunday, but this won’t be a big rain event, and Sunday won’t be a wash-out.

NEXT WEEK: At this point the week looks generally dry with seasonal temperatures… highs mostly in the 50s with lows in the 30s. See the daily Weather Briefing video for maps, graphics, and more details.

ON THIS DATE IN 1949: During the late afternoon hours, an estimated F4 tornado destroyed Warren, Arkansas. The tornado killed 55 people and injured more than 250 others. The destruction of the Bradley mill displaced 1,000 employees.

ON THIS DATE IN 2018: The first time in 28 years, there was measurable snow in Tallahassee, Florida. The NWS Office in Tallahassee measured 0.1″ of snow/sleet at 8:30 am.

BEACH FORECAST: Click here to see the AlabamaWx Beach Forecast Center page.

Look for the next Weather Briefing video here by 3:00 this afternoon… enjoy the day!

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Category: Alabama's Weather, ALL POSTS, Weather Xtreme Videos

About the Author ()

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.

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