Windy, Wet Afternoon; Unsettled Weather Through Sunday
WINDY AFTERNOON: Gradient winds are gusting to 30-40 mph over the western half of Alabama this afternoon as the remnant circulation of Francine moves up I-55 in Mississippi. At mid-afternoon about 42,000 are without power in Alabama… the winds will slowly diminish tonight.
Radar shows a number of tropical rain bands across the state producing heavy rain; a flash flood watch remains in effect for all of Alabama except the southwest counties. Occasional showers and thunderstorms will continue through tomorrow.
TORNADO THREAT: So far tornadoes have been a no-show across Alabama today thanks to a stable airmass. A brief, isolated tornado or two still can’t be ruled out this evening, mainly over the southern 2/3 of the state. We note SPC maintains a “marginal risk” (level 1/5) across much of North, Central, and East Alabama tomorrow.
Again, a few brief, isolated tornadoes are possible in the marginal risk area, especially from around 12 noon to 8:00 p.m. The main risk is over the eastern half of Alabama.
THE ALABAMA WEEKEND: The weather will remain unsettled with scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms both Saturday and Sunday. Not a total wash-out, but if you have something planned outdoors expect some rain at times with highs in the 77-82 degree range. Only a limited amount of sun.
NEXT WEEK: Scattered showers remain possible Monday and Tuesday, but the weather trends much drier over the latter half of the week as a north flow develops across the Deep South. See the video briefing for maps, graphics, and more details.
TROPICS: Tropical Depression Seven is in the eastern Atlantic this morning; it will remain far from land with only a slow motion to the west over the next five days. It remains to be seen if this impacts any land areas.
FOOTBALL WEATHER: Showers are possible for high school football games across Alabama tomorrow night; temperatures will be in the 70s.
Alabama will take on Wisconsin Saturday in Madison, WI (11:00a CT kickoff)… the sky will be mostly cloudy with only a small risk of a passing shower during the game. Temperatures will rise from 77 degrees at kickoff, to near 81 by the final whistle.
UAB plays at Arkansas Saturday (3:15p CT kickoff)… the sky will be sunny with temperatures in the mid to upper 80s at kickoff, falling into the low 80s by the end of the game.
Auburn hosts New Mexico Saturday evening at Jordan Hare Stadium (6:00p CT kickoff)… the sky will be mostly cloudy, and we can’t rule out some rain during the game. Temperatures will be in the mid 70s.
ON THIS DATE IN 1979: Frederic made landfall on the Alabama Gulf Coast passing over Dauphin Island and crossed the coastline near the Alabama/Mississippi border. A wind gust of 145 miles per hour was measured on equipment atop the Dauphin Island Bridge. The bridge was destroyed. A wind gust of 139 mph was measured at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab before the equipment failed. A storm surge of 12 feet was observed in Gulf Shores. Nearly all structures within 200 yards of the Alabama coast were destroyed. Total damages were 2.3 billion dollars, making Frederic the most expensive hurricane ever to strike the United States up to that point.
Look for the next video briefing here by 6:00 a.m. tomorrow…
Category: Alabama's Weather, ALL POSTS, Weather Xtreme Videos
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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
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