Dual Flooding/Severe Thunderstorm Threat For Alabama

ACTIVE WEATHER AHEAD: Alabama will have the dual threat of heavy rain/flooding and strong to severe thunderstorms over the next 36 hours as a dynamic weather system approaches from the west. We have showers and thunderstorms in progress this morning over roughly the northern half of the state, but the core risk of stronger storms will come later today and tonight.

SPC has defined the standard “slight risk” (level 2/5) of severe thunderstorms for much of Alabama… areas west of a line from Huntsville to Lincoln to Tuskegee to Eufaula. A “marginal risk” (level 1/5) covers Far East and Northeast Alabama.

TIMING: The window for organized severe storms opens up in West Alabama around 3:00 this afternoon; for Birmingham/Anniston/Gadsden after 5:00, and for Far East and Southeast Alabama after 6:00. Storms could linger across Southeast Alabama through mid-morning tomorrow.

THREATS: Stronger storms will be capable of producing small hail, strong straight winds, and a few tornadoes.

FLOODING: Rain amounts between now and tomorrow night will be in the 3-4 inch range for much of the state; a flash flood watch is in effect for much of Central and East Alabama, where the heavier totals are expected. Pay attention to warnings if you live in a flood prone area, and don’t drive into flooded roads!

CALL TO ACTION: Be sure you have a good way of hearing severe weather warnings tonight if they are needed. Know your safe place, and have helmets for everyone there. And, if you live in a mobile home, understand you can’t stay there during a tornado warning. Know where you are going, and the quickest way to get there.

TOMORROW/FRIDAY: Rain continues tomorrow, but temperatures will go the wrong way. We start the day in the 60s during the early morning hours, but then we fall through the 50s, most likely reaching the 40s by afternoon. It will feel much colder than the recent warmth. Rain finally tapers off tomorrow night as drier air pushes into the state.

There could be just enough moisture left over for a few snow flurries over the northern third of Alabama late tomorrow night and Friday morning, but we expect no impact. Then, during the day Friday, look for partial clearing with a high close to 50 degrees.

THE ALABAMA WEEKEND: Clouds move back into the state Saturday with a fast moving weather disturbance, and some scattered light rain is possible during the day. Nothing heavy, no thunder. Rain amounts should be under one tenth of an inch… and the high will be in the mid 50s. Sunday promises to be a very nice day with ample sunshine along with a high around 60 degrees.

NEXT WEEK: Clouds increase Sunday night, and we expect mild conditions with periods of rain Monday and Tuesday… highs will be up in the 60s. Then, a cold front will bring thunderstorms Wednesday; too early to know if severe thunderstorms will be an issue. We trend drier toward the end of the week… See the Weather Xtreme video for maps, graphics, and more details.

ON THIS DATE IN 2008: The Super Tuesday 2008 Tornado Outbreak has been one of the deadliest tornado outbreaks in the US with 59 fatalities reported. So far, it ranks in the top 15 deadly tornado outbreaks. According to the SPC Storm Reports, there were over 300 reports of tornadoes, large hail (up to 4.25 inches in diameter in Texas, Arkansas, and Missouri), and damaging wind gusts from Texas to Ohio and West Virginia. The outbreak produced at least 64 tornadoes, some producing EF-3, and EF-4 damage. There were seven tornadoes in Alabama, including an EF-4 they moved through parts of Lawrence and Morgan counties, killing four people. Another EF-4 tornado touched down in Jackson County, near Rosalie, killing one person.

STORM SPOTTER TRAINING: Our annual storm spotter training is this Saturday, February 8 at the Hoover Met. It begins at 9:30; and there is no cost. We will offer both the basic and advanced training sessions… we expect to wrap up by 2:30. No need to register; just show up with a curious mind. We need more trained storm spotters! Help us make the warning process better!

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

WEATHER BRAINS: Don’t forget you can listen to our weekly 90 minute show anytime on your favorite podcast app. This is the show all about weather featuring many familiar voices, including our meteorologists here at ABC 33/40.

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I have a weather program today at Children’s of Alabama, and also at Pelham Oaks Elementary. Be looking for the next Weather Xtreme video here by 4:00 this afternoon… enjoy the day!

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