Summer-Like Storms
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CALHOUN/CHEROKEE COUNTY FLOODING: While most of Alabama is warm and rain-free this afternoon, very isolated, nearly stationary storms developed over Calhoun and Cherokee Counties this afternoon producing torrential rain and serious flash flooding. Radar data suggests 3 to 5 inches of rain fell near Oxford; many roads were impassable due to high water, and water rescues had to be conducted by local fire units. Flash flood warnings have been issued for these two counties.
Other storms have formed around Walker County.
The isolated showers and storms will taper off this evening.
TO THE WEST: Tornado watches cover much of North Texas, Oklahoma, SE Kansas, and parts of Missouri as a major storm system approaches. A few significant tornadoes are possible in this region through tonight, and SPC maintains a “moderate risk” of severe weather.
TOMORROW: Here in Alabama, the day should be mostly dry and warm with a mix of sun and clouds along with a high in the low 80s. Any storms tomorrow afternoon should be few and far between. West of Alabama, there is now a “moderate risk” of severe weather from Vicksburg, MS to Grand Rapids, MI.
OUR SEVERE WEATHER THREAT: A long line of severe storms should enter Northwest Alabama just after midnight tomorrow night. The primary threat will come from strong, possibly damaging straight line winds, but an isolated tornado is possible within the line with decent low level bulk shear numbers. Thankfully instability values are very marginal, which should limit the severe weather threat to some degree.
The greatest risk of severe weather will come early Friday for areas from Birmingham north and west… storms should weaken as they move into East Alabama. The highest severe weather threat will be over Northwest Alabama.
The primary window for severe weather is from 2:00 until 11:00 a.m. Friday. The storms should be in the Birmingham metro area in the 6-8 a.m. time frame… and they should be out of the state by late morning. Please see the Weather Xtreme video for the maps, graphics, and details.
Friday will be cooler with a high in the upper 60s.
THE ALABAMA WEEKEND: Lots of sunshine Saturday and Sunday; the high Saturday will be in the 67-70 degree range, followed by low to mid 70s. The coolest morning will come early Saturday, when low 40s are likely. Colder pockets across North Alabama could reach the upper 30s at daybreak Saturday.
NEXT WEEK: The new GFS still shows the next organized round of showers and storms arriving in Alabama Wednesday; again see the Weather Xtreme video for the details.
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I had a great time today seeing the students at Kitty Stone Elementary in Jacksonville, and Snow Rogers Elementary in Gardendale… be looking for them on the Pepsi KIDCAM today at 5:00 and 6:00 on ABC 33/40 News! The next Weather Xtreme video will be posted here by 7:00 a.m. tomorrow…
Category: Alabama's Weather
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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