Alabamians Face Possible Tornadoes, Hail, Damaging Winds Today
Townsquare Media has been monitoring weather conditions for several days and preparing you for the severe weather threat that will start as early as noon in our western and northwest counties.
This active weather system will move into our area and push across Alabama. The National Weather Service in Birmingham advises that “storms will quickly increase in coverage, with the severe threat spreading northward and eastward with time through the afternoon and evening hours. We could be dealing with both clusters/lines of storms as well as cells ahead of this activity, all of which will pose a risk for all severe hazards.”
Storm Prediction Center (SPC) Risk Levels and Timing
SPC - The probability of a Tornado is between 10 to 14%
SPC - The probability of Severe Wind (w/in 25 miles of a point) is between 10 to 14%
Here Are 6 Things You Can Do Now To Stay Safe, Aware, and Help Others
Be sure you pass on weather messages to family and friends who might not keep up with weather threats.
Know where you live, what county, and what section (north, south, west, and east)
Know the safe place in your home and at work. Remember the lowest floor and most center room away from windows.
Know your closest public shelter or business that can be used as a shelter.
If you live in a mobile home and go under a tornado warning, please don’t stay there. Be sure to get to your closet shelter.
Have multiple ways to receive weather information like watches and warnings.
James Spann, ABC 33/40, and Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa Chief Meteorologist
Key Messages
The window for strong to severe thunderstorms will open up around noon for the far western part of the state, with the risk spreading eastward during the afternoon and evening hours. The event will wind down a little after midnight for southeast Alabama.
Thunderstorms across Alabama this afternoon and tonight will be capable of producing large hail, damaging winds, and a few tornadoes. The higher tornado probabilities are across much of West and Central Alabama, where SPC has defined a hatched area, meaning a strong tornado is possible (EF-2 or higher). This area includes places like Muscle Shoals, Huntsville, Cullman, Fayette, Jasper, Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Demopolis, Selma, and Thomasville.
Gradient winds this afternoon (not related to thunderstorms) will average 15-25 mph, with gusts at a time to 30 mph ahead of the storms.
Rain amounts will be in the 1 to 2-inch range, with isolated heavier amounts. Some isolated flooding issues are possible.
National Weather Service in Birmingham Highlights
Where:
All of Central Alabama
When:
Noon today through 2 am Friday
Threats:
Tornadoes
Damaging Winds
Golf ball-size hail
(Source) Click here to follow the Facebook Page for James Spann. For more from the National Weather Service Birmingham, click here.
Severe Weather Terminology You Should Know
Ways to Receive Severe Weather Information
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