Severe Storms Arrive Tonight; Mostly Dry Tomorrow

WARM, BREEZY AFTERNOON: Temperatures are close to 80 degrees across Alabama this afternoon with a mix of sun and clouds, and a gusty south wind. The weather gets active tonight as an organized band of showers and storms will push into the state ahead of a vigorous weather system. SPC maintains an “enhanced risk” (level 3/5) for the northwest corner of Alabama around the Shoals. A “slight risk” (level 2/5) extends down to Scottsboro, Birmingham, and Sweetwater. A “marginal risk” (level 1/5) has been defined as far east and south as Alexander City, Montgomery, and Jackson.

The higher tornado probabilities tonight are from Birmingham north and west, where the best combination of instability and shear will be found. Storms will also be capable of producing damaging winds and some hail. Gradient winds (not related to thunderstorms) could gust to 35 mph at times; a wind advisory is effect for much of North and West Alabama. Here are some notes concerning tonight’s weather…

*With events like this it is very important that you have a way of hearing weather warnings in the middle of the night. The baseline for every home and business is a NOAA Weather Radio. Those WILL wake you up.

*Never, ever rely on an outdoor siren. Never.

*Be sure your phone has WEA (Wireless Emergency Alerts) enabled, and “Do Not Disturb” and “Sleep Mode” are not active. Know the safe place in your home.

*If you live in a mobile home, know the location of the nearest shelter (or business that is open 24/7 that can serve as a shelter), and the fastest way of getting there. Have transportation available. It sure isn’t convenient going to a shelter during the pre-dawn hours, but you can’t risk your life staying in a mobile home if you are in a tornado warning polygon.

*In your safe place, have helmets for everyone. Not just children. Most serious injuries in tornadoes are related to blunt force trauma above the shoulders.

*These type events are common here in March. Don’t get caught up in the TikTok/YouTube hyperbole. Just be prepared and we will through the night together.

TOMORROW: SPC maintains a “marginal risk” (level 1/5) of severe thunderstorms for Southeast Alabama tomorrow morning for lingering showers and storms. Otherwise, the rest of the state will be dry and warm with a partly sunny sky along with a high at or just over 80 degrees.

The front will stall out over South Alabama, drifting slowly northward Sunday. Showers and storms return Sunday, mainly over the southern 2/3 of the state (along and south of I-20). The air will be unstable, and strong storms are possible Sunday afternoon, with the main threats coming from strong winds and hail; a “marginal risk” (level 1/5) has been defined by SPC. The high Sunday will be in the upper 70s.

NEXT WEEK: Showers and storms remain possible Monday and Tuesday, mainly over the southern 2/3 of the state. Then, dry and mild weather is expected Wednesday and Thursday before another round of showers and storms at the end of the week. Highs will be in the mostly in the 70s… See the video briefing for maps, graphics, and more details.

ON THIS DATE IN 1929: St. Louis, Missouri soared to 92 degrees; their all-time record high for March.

ON THIS DATE IN 1975: “The Governor’s Tornado” hop-scotched a 13-mile path across the western part of Atlanta, GA during the early morning hours, causing considerable damage to the Governor’s mansion. Hundreds of expensive homes, businesses and apartment complexes were damaged. Total losses were estimated at $56 million. Three people lost their lives, and the F3 tornado injured another 152.

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

Look for my next video briefing here by 6:00 a.m. Monday… enjoy the weekend!

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