Damaging Wind Threat Continues Into Central Alabama Overnight

A long-lived line of thunderstorms continues to move across central Alabama late tonight, with the most vigorous portion currently pushing east through west-central parts of the state. This segment is the most organized and intense part of the broader QLCS (quasi-linear convective system) and is moving into areas with enough instability and moisture to sustain a damaging wind threat. While deep-layer wind shear is modest, the strong cold pool and line organization may allow this portion of the system to maintain severe characteristics for a few more hours. The most intense storms continue to move through parts of Marengo, Perry, and Bibb counties.

Farther downstream, the National Weather Service in Birmingham is currently opting to issue special weather statements instead of warnings for storms entering portions of Chilton, Autauga, and Dallas counties. These storms are still capable of producing wind gusts up to 50 mph, which could knock down tree limbs and cause minor damage. A special weather statement remains in effect for this area through 12:30 AM. Locations such as Clanton, Jemison, Maplesville, Valley Grande, and Plantersville may experience gusty winds as this part of the line progresses east.

Overall, the threat for widespread organized severe weather is diminishing compared to earlier in the evening, but a few storms remain strong and could still produce isolated damage. The Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 3 AM for much of central and southwest Alabama. Be sure to stay alert, especially if you’re in the path of these storms, and have multiple ways to receive alerts in case new warnings are issued overnight.

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