Severe Weather Threat For Alabama Tomorrow Night/Early Wednesday

SUNNY TUESDAY: With sunshine in full supply, temperatures are in the 60s across North/Central Alabama this afternoon… we are seeing low to mid 70s over the far southern counties of the state. Tonight will be mostly fair with a low in the 40s.

SEVERE STORMS TOMORROW NIGHT: We have potential for strong to severe thunderstorms over Alabama tomorrow night into early Wednesday morning. SPC has defined an “enhanced risk” (level 3/5) for the northwest corner of the state around the Shoals down to Millport… there is a “slight risk” (level 2/5) as far east as Scottsboro, Prattville, and Breton, and a “marginal risk” (level 1/5) down to Opelika and Enterprise.

A marginal risk (level 1/5) continues for Southeast Alabama after 6:00 a.m. Wednesday for Southeast Alabama.

TIMING: A few severe storms are possible across far West Alabama as early as 6-8 p.m. tomorrow, but the core threat for the western counties of the state will come from 11 p.m. until 4 a.m. The severe weather threat will shift into East and Southeast Alabama during the pre-dawn hours Wednesday… storms should be weakening by then.

THREATS: Storms over West Alabama tomorrow night will be capable of producing large hail, damaging wind, and a few tornadoes. The threat for East Alabama is primary from strong thunderstorm winds. The main tornado threat is over West Alabama in the “slight risk” area.

WIND: Away from thunderstorms, pressure gradient winds will average 15-25 mph tomorrow night, with potential for gusts to 40 mph in spots.

RAIN: Rain amounts of 1-2 inches are likely; flooding issues are not expected.

BE PREPARED: For most of Alabama, the core threat will come during the late night/early morning hours, meaning you have to have a reliable way of getting warnings if they are needed. The best way is a NOAA Weather Radio; every home and business needs one. Be sure WEA (Wireless Emergency Alerts) are enabled on your phone, and have the free ABC 33/40 weather app installed. Know the safe place in your home, and have helmets for everyone there. And, if you live in a mobile home, know the location of the nearest shelter, or business that is open 24/7 that can provide shelter, and also know the quickest way to get there. Have transportation available.

We should note there is some uncertainty in how this event unfolds tomorrow night. Best chance situation is that a large area of rain develops tomorrow night before the arrival of the best dynamic support. This could keep instability values low and really reduce the risk of severe storms. But, there is no guarantee that happens and we all have to be ready.

REST OF THE WEEK: The sky will clear Wednesday, temperatures will fall through the 50s with a cool north wind. Most places across North/Central Alabama will drop into the 27-32 degree range early Thursday morning, with mid 30s for South Alabama. Thursday and Friday will feature a sunny sky; the high Thursday will be in the 50s, followed by 60s Friday.

THE ALABAMA WEEKEND: Moisture levels will rise, and we will need to mention the chance of showers over the northern half of the state Saturday as a cold front approaches For now it doesn’t look like a big rain event, and the day certainly won’t be a washout. For now Sunday looks generally dry with a partly sunny sky. Highs over the weekend will be in the 67-73 degree range.

NEXT WEEK: Global models suggest chance of showers in the Tuesday-Wednesday time frame, followed by cooler, drier air over the latter half of the week. Highs in the upper 60s and low 70s Monday and Tuesday, then in the 50s and 60s Wednesday through Friday. See the daily Weather Briefing video for maps, graphics, and more details.

ON THIS DATE IN 1921: New England was in the midst of a four-day ice storm, their worst of record. Ice was more than three inches thick in many places following the storm, and property damage was in the millions of dollars. Northern New England received heavy snow with more than two feet reported in some areas. Overnight freezing rains continued through the day at Worcester, MA while the wind increased to a gale. Streets become impassable even on foot, and whole towns were plunged into darkness without communication. The storm caused 20 million dollars damage to power lines, telephone lines and trees.

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

Look for the next Weather Xtreme video here by 6:00 a.m. tomorrow…

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