Stay Aware Today: West, Central Alabama Face Severe Weather Threat

This afternoon into this evening you will need to stay weather aware. A weather system entering Alabama has the potential to bring our area strong to severe thunderstorms.

Current Advisories from the National Weather Service in Birmingham

A WIND ADVISORY valid on Oct 25, 1:00 PM CDT for  Bibb, Blount, Calhoun, Cherokee, Chilton, Clay, Cleburne, Coosa, Etowah, Jefferson, Randolph, Shelby, St. Clair, Talladega [AL] till Oct 25, 9:00 PM CDT

SOUTH WINDS 10 TO 20 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 40 MPH 
  EXPECTED.

A WIND ADVISORY valid on Oct 25, 10:00 AM CDT for  Fayette, Lamar, Marion, Pickens, Tuscaloosa, Walker, Winston [AL] till Oct 25, 7:00 PM CDT

SOUTH WINDS 10 TO 20 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 40 MPH 
  EXPECTED.

It is my advice that you review your safety plan so that you can be prepared if a tornado warning is issued for where you live or work. Also, be sure you know where your local shelter is located. In addition, have multiple ways to receive warnings.

It is our long-standing policy at Townsquare Media that if a tornado warning is issued for any counties in our coverage area we will bring you nonstop weather coverage on our radio stations which are Praise 93.3, 92.9 WTUG, 95.3 The Bear, METV 97.5, Catfish 100.1, Tide 100.9, ALT 101.7, and 105.1 The Block.

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Storm Prediction Center Risk Areas

The Storm Prediction Center has issued a “slight risk” which is a level 2 out of 5 for most of the Yellowhammer State. The East and South portions of Alabama are under a “marginal risk” which is level 1 out of 5.

Timeline

James Spann, ABC 33/40, and Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa Chief Meteorologist mentioned that “storms could become strong to severe near the Mississippi border as early as noon, but the core threat will come from about 2:00 until 8:00 p.m. Storms will weaken over East Alabama after 8 p.m. in a more stable airmass.”

Threats

“The main concern is from strong, potentially damaging straight-line winds, but a couple of isolated tornadoes are possible as well. The highest tornado threat is over the western half of the state, where instability values are higher. Storms could also produce hail in spots,” said Spann.

Non Thunderstorms Threat

This afternoon gradient winds could bring gusts to our area up to 30 to 35 miles per hour.

Difference Between a Tornado Watch & Tornado Warning

A “Tornado Watch” is “issued when conditions are favorable for tornado development.” Whereas a “Tornado Warning” is issued when a developing tornado has been detected by National Weather Service Doppler radar or a reliable report of a tornado has been reported. A tornado warning is usually issued for portions of one or two counties, for an hour or less. The storm could also produce large hail and destructive straight-line winds. If the tornado warning includes your neighborhood or workplace, you should seek safe shelter immediately,” said the National Weather Service.

WATCH = Be Alert

I want you to remember the phrase BE ALERT when you hear WATCH associated with any severe weather.

WARNING = Take Action

When you hear any type of weather situation associated with a WARNING, think of TAKE ACTION.

We are closely monitoring the severe weather potential for today and we have staff on standby to bring you updates.

(Source) Click here to follow the Facebook Page for James Spann. For more safety tips from the National Weather Service, click here. Click here for more from the Storm Prediction Center.