The Alabama Weather Situation at Noon

The airmass is becoming more unstable across Alabama this afternoon.

Surface based CAPE values are at or above 1500 over the southern half of the state now, with values to 500 j/kg as far north as Birmingham. Lifted index values are as low as -5 over West Central Alabama with -3 values as far north as a line from Bessemer to Ashland.

Wind shear values are strong, especially over West Central Alabama, where 50-55 knots of effective shear is in place. Strong helicity values are over East Alabama, although values over all of Central Alabama are supportive of supercell storms now.

There is still a decent cap in place, but it will weaken quickly as cooling aloft spreads in from Mississippi.

Some higher helicity values are streaking across Mississippi, where several tornado warnings are in effect now. Lots of damage around Vicksburg, where numerous trees are down at mile marker 2 A funnel cloud was sighted at Redwood, near Vicksburg.

The storm near Yazoo City shows strong indications of containing a tornado.

The tornado threat will increase as we head into the afternoon across Central Alabama, especially from individual storms that form ahead of the main line.

A tornado watch is in effect for much of Central Alabama until 6 p.m.

A tornado has touched down in Cullman. There is significant damage around the Food World shopping center, Brunner St., and surrounding areas. Lots of trees down. Details are still sketchy.

This storm is now over Marshall County where a severe thunderstorm warning is in effect until 12:15. It is weakening. The wedge is going to protect Northeast Alabama at least in the short term.

Taladega City Schools dismissing early at 1:30 p.m.

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