Windy, Wet Weather Ahead; A Few Isolated Tornadoes Possible
RADAR CHECK: Rain now covers much of South Alabama as Francine nears landfall on the Louisiana coast, and rain will become widespread statewide tonight.
Francine has winds of 90 mph at mid-afternoon; the center is about 80 miles southwest of Morgan City, LA. After landfall the cyclone will weaken rapidly as moves northward up the I-55 corridor in Mississippi tomorrow.
GRADIENT WIND: Winds could gust as high as 50/55 mph along the Alabama Gulf Coast tonight where a tropical storm warning remains in effect. For inland parts of Alabama, gusts to 35/40 mph are possible tomorrow as the circulation of Francine moves northward through Mississippi. A wind advisory has been issued for much of the state.
RAIN: Rain amounts over Mobile and Baldwin counties will be in the 2-4 inch range, with amounts between 1-3 inches for the rest of the state. Heavier totals will likely be over the western counties. A flash flood watch is in effect for Mobile, Baldwin, and Washington counties in Southwest Alabama.
TORNADOES: A few brief, isolated tornadoes can’t be ruled out across the state; SPC has defined a “slight risk” (level 2/5) of severe thunderstorms for the southwest counties of Alabama tonight. Then, tomorrow there is a “slight risk” (level 2/5) for a broad zone from Birmingham to Montgomery to Dothan. The rest of the state is in a “marginal risk” (level 1/5).
And, we note SPC has introduced a “marginal risk” (level 1/5) of isolated tornadoes on Friday over the eastern half of the state.
Understand tornadoes associated with tropical systems are usually low-topped and short-lived. This makes it very difficult to provide a warning with a long lead time, so be very weather aware through Friday and pay attention to warnings.
The weather will improve along the Gulf Coast during the day tomorrow as Francine moves northward. However, a high rip current danger will be in place across the Central Gulf Coast through Friday.
THE ALABAMA WEEKEND: The remnant circulation of Francine will likely stall and dissipate northwest of Alabama, and this means some risk of scattered showers and thunderstorms over the weekend. This won’t be a continuous rain, and the sun will be out at times, but just understand some rain is very possible at times. Highs will be in the 78-83 degree range for most places.
NEXT WEEK: Scattered showers remain possible Monday and Tuesday, but global models are now trended toward a drier forecast for the latter half of the week. Highs will be in the 80s… See the video briefing for maps, graphics, and more details.
TROPICS: Tropical Depression 7 has formed in the eastern Atlantic; NHC keeps the system below hurricane strength over the next seven days, and global models suggest it will ultimately turn north into the open Atlantic far from land.
ON THIS DATE IN 1961: Hurricane Carla made landfall on the northeast part of Matagorda Island, Texas as a strong Category 4 storm.
ON THIS DATE IN 1992: Hurricane Iniki struck the island of Kaua’i with winds of 145 mph and a central pressure of 27.91 inches of mercury, making it a Category 4 hurricane. Iniki is the strongest hurricane to strike Hawaii Islands in recent history.
Look for the next video briefing here by 6:00 a.m. tomorrow…
Category: Alabama's Weather, ALL POSTS, Weather Xtreme Videos
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
If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to receive more just like it.
