What You Need To Know About Alabama’s 2 Severe Weather Threats

We are closely monitoring the potential for severe weather in 2 different rounds. The first threat is for Wednesday into Thursday morning and the second round is early Friday morning into the mid-day.

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The weather team at Townsquare Media is monitoring these systems and focused on our coverage area which includes Bibb, Fayette, Greene, Hale, Lamar, Perry, Pickens, Sumter, Tuscaloosa, and Walker counties.

Wednesday Information

James Spann, ABC 33/40, and Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa Chief Meteorologist said that the “weather will be increasingly active across Alabama through Friday, and the forecast is a bit complex (which is expected in early March in Alabama). Moisture levels are rising across Alabama, but a decent part of the day today will be dry with a high of around 80 degrees. The sun could break out at times this afternoon as well.”

Mid to Late Afternoon Thoughts

“A few widely scattered showers and thunderstorms will form by mid to late afternoon over the northern half of the state, but a capping inversion (a layer of warm air aloft) will keep the storms widely spaced,” said Spann. “Where they do form, they could be strong with potential for some small hail and gusty winds.”

Outlook for Tonight

The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has a portion of the state at a slight risk level. The incoming storms tonight could produce strong winds, hail, and a possible tornado. The tornado potential is very low at this time.

National Weather Service - 1st Severe Weather Potential Highlights

• When: Today through Tonight (1 PM to 3 AM).
• Where: Much of Central Alabama.
• Threats: Large hail, damaging wind gusts up to 60 mph, tornadoes.

Thursday Information

The high is expected to reach between 75-80 degrees and our area will be mostly cloudy with showers and a few thunderstorms. At this time no severe weather is expected.

Friday Information

Spann said that “a fast-moving line of showers and storms will move through the state Friday morning; SPC has most of Alabama in a "slight risk" (level 2/5).”

“Thankfully there will be very little surface-based instability available, but kinematics/dynamics will be very strong, and the line of storms will be capable of producing strong, potentially damaging winds. A brief, isolated tornado or two can't be ruled out as well along the line. Be sure and pay attention to severe thunderstorm warnings Friday morning as they are issued,” said Spann.

National Weather Service – 2^nd Severe Weather Potential Highlights

• When: Overnight Thursday into Friday morning (4 AM to Noon).
• Where: All of Central Alabama.
• Threats: Damaging wind gusts up to 60 mph, tornadoes.
• Non-thunderstorm wind gusts up to 50 mph are also possible Thursday night through Friday afternoon.

Gradient Wind Potential

Also, please keep in mind that you can expect gradients winds that are not related to thunderstorms to become strong on Friday.

(Source) For more from the National Weather Service Birmingham, click here. Click here to follow the Facebook Page for James Spann.