Storms Spreading Across Western Alabama

A complex of thunderstorms weakened this morning as it moved across Mississippi. But as it collapsed, it sent out a spreading outflow boundary that looked almost like one made by a pebble being dropped in a pond.

That outflow spread into western Alabama where it encountered a moderately unstable airmass, warmed by the morning sun where there had been no morning clouds. Temperatures in the 80s combined with the atmospheric profile to push surface based CAPE values to over 3,000 joules/kg. As it did, the outflow acted as a spark to ignite thunderstorms that are now spreading out along with the wave.

Note that the new SPC outlook includes a new “slight” risk area into West Central Alabama. It comes up as far as Carrollton and Eutaw.

The storms are strongest right now from southern Franklin County across Marion and Fayette Counties into northwestern Tuscaloosa County. The strongest core is south of Bazemore in Fayette County. It will be pushing toward Carbon Hill and could have some small hail with it.

Storms approaching the Tuscaloosa area are growing in intensity and coverage as well.

The stronger storms will have wind gusts to 40 mph, frequent deadly lightning and torrential rains. Remember, when thunder roars, go indoors!

The storms become a little more broken over Pickens County, but there is a strong cell near Emelle in Sumter County.

To the east, scattered showers and storms continue to form to the east of I-65. One heavier cluster was over eastern Blount County. It will be passing into western Etowah County south of Altoona. Others were in the Childersburg area. They will be spreading into Talladega County.

Category: Alabama's Weather, Severe Weather