Slight Risk Expanded

The Storm Prediction Center has added parts of west-central Alabama to the “slight” risk area for this evening. A line of showers and storms along a cold front will move into the western edge of Alabama between 2 PM and 4 PM. CAPE (Convective Available Potential Energy) will spike to around 1000 to 1500 J/kg between Birmingham and Demopolis this evening, and that is where the RPM model suggests the heaviest thunderstorms will develop.

The time frame for the stronger storms is from 4 PM to midnight, and the primary threats are damaging wind gusts and quarter-sized hail (or a little larger). SPC mentions a small risk of an isolated tornado over west Alabama as well.

SPC Day One Outlook

CAPE at 4 PM Today; Higher CAPE Usually Leads to Stronger Storms

We will be following the situation through the evening, but needless to say, the best way to make sure you’re aware of a warning is a NOAA weather radio. If you have one that needs programming, here are the county codes for those digital “SAME” radios: NOAA.

-Jason
Follow me on Twitter: @simpson3340

Category: Alabama's Weather, Severe Weather