Storms weakening slowly, still dangerous

Fascinating storms in Alabama tonight from a meteorological perspective, as an MCV (small vortex) formed in association with a rear inflow jet coming in behind the line of storms over NW Alabama around 9-10 pm.  This caused a bow echo, with the worst damage apparently over parts of Lamar, Fayette, Tuscaloosa, Walker, and Blount counties.  Trees and power lines are down all over, and a gust over 70 mph was recorded on top of a building in TCL.

As the storms came into BHM, they weakened somewhat, as the line seemed to split.  Gravity waves can be seen moving NE ahead of the line, and the line itself may have turned into one as it hit slightly cooler air in Jefferson and Shelby counties. 

Still, winds are strong, and trees and powerlines could still come down in a few spots, so continue to watch the weather carefully and take precautions if you are east of the line.

Category: Severe Weather