Bow echo forming, gravity waves

…DAMAGING WINDS SPREADING OVER NORTH AND CENTRAL ALABAMA…GET READY…

The front we’ve been talking about has now started weakening a little, forcing stronger convection on the north side.  The storms have organized into a line, and an MCV (mesoscale convective vortex) is starting to spin over Walker County.  South of the MCV, there is a strong “rear inflow jet” coming into the storms, related partially to cold, dry air aloft.  This is causing the line to bow out, producing a bow echo.  This will produce widespread damaging winds over the next 2 hours in Jasper, TCL, BHM, and Cullman.  A lot of wind damage has been reported in Fayette and Lamar County.  Winds could reach 65 mph.

There are also gravity waves moving NE ahead of the line, and these could enhance the wind in some areas.  Take these storms seriously, especially in mobile homes where trees can fall and cause serious injuries.  Also, travel is discouraged over the next 2 hours in the mentioned areas.  If you are far enough ahead of the line, leave mobile homes and go to a house or other building until the storms pass.

Category: Severe Weather