Outlook for Friday/Saturday

A HIGH FIRE DANGER WILL BE IN PLACE ACROSS PORTIONS OF SOUTHEASTERN CENTRAL ALABAMA GENERALLY SOUTH AND EAST OF AN ALEXANDER CITY TO SELMA LINE. WITH WARMER TEMPERATURES AND THE DRY AIRMASS IN PLACE...RELATIVE HUMIDITIES WILL FALL BELOW 25 PERCENT FOR AT LEAST 4 HOURS IN THIS AREA. OUTDOOR BURNING IS DISCOURAGED.

DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...THURSDAY THROUGH TUESDAY. SOUTHERLY WINDS WILL INCREASE DURING THE AFTERNOON ON THURSDAY ASWELL AS FRIDAY. WINDS WILL GENERALLY BE 10 TO 20 MPH WITH HIGHER GUSTS.STRONG TO SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ARE POSSIBLE FROM FRIDAYAFTERNOON THROUGH SATURDAY AS A STORM SYSTEM MOVES THROUGH THE AREA. THE MAIN THREAT IS DAMAGING WINDS AND LARGE HAIL.

Red Flag Warning for Coosa, Clay and Chilton

AFTERNOON TEMPERATURES WILL BE IN THE UPPER 60S TO LOW 70S ACROSS THE SOUTHERN PORTIONS OF CENTRAL ALABAMA. WITH A DRY AIRMASS IN PLACE...RELATIVE HUMIDITY VALUES WILL FALL TO...OR JUST BELOW 25PERCENT FOR SEVERAL HOURS THIS AFTERNOON. THIS WILL CREATE A HIGH FIRE DANGER FOR AREAS GENERALLY ALONG AND SOUTH OF A LINE FROM DEMOPOLIS TO WEDOWEE.

DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...WEDNESDAY THROUGH MONDAY. AFTERNOON TEMPERATURES ON WEDNESDAY WILL BE IN THE UPPER 70S TOLOW 80S ACROSS THE SOUTHERN PORTIONS OF CENTRAL ALABAMA. WITH A DRYAIRMASS IN PLACE...RELATIVE HUMIDITY VALUES WILL FALL TO...OR JUST BELOW 25 PERCENT FOR SEVERAL HOURS DURING THE AFTERNOON...CREATING A HIGH FIRE DANGER. STRONG TO SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ARE POSSIBLE FROM FRIDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH SATURDAY AS A STORM SYSTEM MOVES THROUGH THE AREA. THE MAIN THREAT WILL BE ALONG AND AHEAD OF A COLD FRONT FRIDAY NIGHT AND INTO SATURDAY MORNING. DAMAGING WINDS AND LARGE HAIL ARE THE PRIMARY THREATS WITH THIS SYSTEM.

Showers and Thunderstorms Possible later this Week

STRONG THUNDERSTORMS ARE POSSIBLE FROM FRIDAY AFTERNOON THROUGHSATURDAY AFTERNOON AS A STORM SYSTEM MOVES THROUGH THE AREA.

HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK

HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BIRMINGHAM AL

1133 AM CDT SAT APR 26 2008

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR THE COUNTIES SERVED BY THE

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE OFFICE IN BIRMINGHAM.

DAY ONE...THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT.

A FEW STRONG THUNDERSTORMS ARE POSSIBLE ACROSS CENTRAL ALABAMA THIS AFTERNOON AND EVENING...MAINLY BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 1 PM AND 8PM. WHILE THE THREAT OF STRONG STORMS IS POSSIBLE JUST ABOUT ANYWHERE...THE MORE UNSTABLE AIR MASS WILL GENERALLY BE SOUTH OF THE I-20 CORRIDOR. THE MAIN THREAT ACCOMPANYING ANY STRONG STORMS THAT DO DEVELOP WILL BE FREQUENT LIGHTNING STRIKES...SMALL HAIL...AND WINDS GUSTS UP TO 45 MPH.

DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...SUNDAY THROUGH FRIDAY.

SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ARE POSSIBLE ACROSS AREAS WEST OF I-65 FROM 3PM SUNDAY THROUGH MIDNIGHT SUNDAY NIGHT. STRONG THUNDERSTORMS ARE LIKELY ANYWHERE ACROSS CENTRAL ALABAMA SUNDAY AFTERNOON AND SUNDAY NIGHT. THE MAIN THREAT FROM THE SEVERE STORMS WILL BE DAMAGING STRAIGHT LINE WINDS AND LARGE HAIL.

A STRONG COLD FRONT AND UPPER LEVEL IMPULSE WILL MOVE ACROSS CENTRAL ALABAMA SUNDAY NIGHT. AHEAD OF THIS SYSTEM...A VERY WARM AND UNSTABLE AIR MASS WILL SET THE STAGE FOR THUNDERSTORM DEVELOPMENT SUNDAY AFTERNOON AND SUNDAY NIGHT.

Earth Gauge: Water Well

From 1950 to 2000, population size in the U.S. nearly doubled, and during that same time period, demand for water tripled! The EPA estimates that typical surburban households use about 30 percent of their water for outdoor irrigation. Unfortunately, about half of the water used outdoors is wasted through evaporation on warm days or runoff from overwatering.

Save money and water by switching your irrigation system off when there is rain in the forecast. You can also add a rain sensor to your sprinkler system, which will automatically shut the system off when adequate rain has fallen. It's estimated that weather-based controls, such as rain sensors, can save up to 24 billion gallons of water per year in the U.S. - that's equivalent to 7,000 hoses running continuously for a year!

Thinking of installing a new irrigation system? Consider a drip watering system, which uses up to 50 percent less water than traditional sprinklers, and loses virtually no water through evaporation, wind, or runoff.

(Sources: US EPA. "WaterSense." http://www.epa.gov/watersense/index.htm; Consumer Reports. "Home and Garden: Water Wisely." http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/home-garden/resource-center/lawn-care-5-08/water-wisely/lawn-care-water-wisely.htm)

ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS ARE EXPECTED EAST OF INTERSTATE 65 THIS AFTERNOON. A FEW STORMS COULD BECOME STRONG NORTH OF INTERSTATE 85. SMALL HAIL AND WIND GUSTS TO 40 MPH WILL BE POSSIBLE 1 PM THROUGH8 PM. FREQUENT LIGHTNING IS ALSO A CONCERN...ESPECIALLY GIVEN TH EOUTDOOR EVENTS ONGOING IN THE STATE.

DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...SATURDAY THROUGH THURSDAY. A FEW STRONG THUNDERSTORMS ARE POSSIBLE ACROSS CENTRAL ALABAMA ON SATURDAY...MAINLY BETWEEN THE HOURS OF NOON AND 8 PM. WHILE THE THREAT OF STRONG STORMS IS POSSIBLE JUST ABOUT ANYWHERE EARLY IN THE DAY...THE MAIN THREAT AREA WILL SHIFT MORE INTO THE SOUTH HALF OFALABAMA AS THE DAY PROGRESSES. THE MAIN THREAT ACCOMPANYING ANY STRONG STORMS THAT DO DEVELOP WILL BE FREQUENT LIGHTNING STRIKES...SMALL HAIL...AND WINDS GUSTS UP TO 40 MPH.

Weekend Outlook

ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS ARE POSSIBLE ACROSS NORTHWESTERN PORTIONS OF CENTRAL ALABAMA FRIDAY AFTERNOON. ANY STORMS THAT DO FORM HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO BECOME STRONG...CAPABLE OF PRODUCING SMALL HAIL AND WIND GUSTS TO 40 MPH.

STRONG THUNDERSTORMS ARE ALSO POSSIBLE ON SATURDAY AS A COLD FRONTMOVES INTO CENTRAL ALABAMA AND THEN STALLS. AT THIS TIME...IT APPEARS THE BEST CHANCES FOR STRONG STORMS ON SATURDAY WILL OCCUR DURING THE HEATING OF THE AFTERNOON AND POTENTIALLY LAST INTO THE EARLY EVENING HOURS. THE MAIN THREAT ACCOMPANYING ANY STRONG STORM WILL BE CLOUD TO GROUND LIGHTNING...SMALL HAIL...AND GUSTY WINDS UP TO 40 MPH.

ON SUNDAY...ADDITIONAL UPPER LEVEL ENERGY WILL SHIFT ACROSS NORTHERN ALABAMA RESULTING IN THE POTENTIAL FOR ANOTHER ROUND OF STRONG STORMS. ONCE AGAIN...SMALL HAIL AND GUSTY WINDS...UP TO 40 MPH...ALONG WITH LIGHTNING WILL BE THE MAIN THREATS. STRONG STORMS ON SUNDAY LOOK MOST LIKELY ACROSS THE NORTHERN HALF OF CENTRAL ALABAMA.

Strong T'Storms Possible this Weekend

ALTHOUGH ONLY ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS ARE EXPECTED ON FRIDAY AFTERNOON...THE STORMS THAT DO FORM WILL POTENTIALLY BE STRONG. THE MAIN THREAT WILL BE SMALL HAIL AND WIND GUSTS TO 40 MPH.

STRONG THUNDERSTORMS ARE ALSO POSSIBLE ON SATURDAY AS A COLD FRONT MOVES INTO CENTRAL ALABAMA AND THEN STALLS. AT THIS TIME...IT APPEARS THE BEST CHANCES FOR STRONG STORMS ON SATURDAY WILL OCCUR DURING THE HEATING OF THE AFTERNOON AND POTENTIALLY LAST INTO THE EARLY EVENING HOURS. THE MAIN THREAT ACCOMPANYING ANY STRONG STORM WILL BE CLOUD TO GROUND LIGHTNING...SMALL HAIL...AND GUSTY WINDS UP TO 40 MPH.

ON SUNDAY...ADDITIONAL UPPER LEVEL ENERGY WILL SHIFT ACROSS NORTHERN ALABAMA RESULTING IN THE POTENTIAL FOR ANOTHER ROUND OF STRONG STORMS. ONCE AGAIN...SMALL HAIL AND GUSTY WINDS...UP TO 40 MPH...ALONG WITH LIGHTNING WILL BE THE MAIN THREATS. STRONG STORMS ON SUNDAY LOOK MOST LIKELY ACROSS THE NORTHERN HALF OF CENTRAL ALABAMA.

What is a Mesoscale Convective System?

According to the National Weather Service, a mesoscale convective system (MCS) is a complex of thunderstorms which becomes organized on a scale larger than the individual thunderstorms, and normally persists for several hours or more. Mesoscale convective systems may be round or linear in shape, and include systems such as tropical cyclones and lines of thunderstorms called squall lines and often form near weather fronts.

MCS's have been noted across North America and Europe, with a maximum in activity during the late afternoon and evening hours during the warm season (i.e. late spring and summer) on both continents. Mesoscale Convective Systems over the Plains of the United States bring the region about half of their annual warm season rainfall.

EARTH DAY 2008!

It's going to be a beautiful forecast for Earth Day! Get outside and enjoy this nice weather while helping the environment. Here are some helpful tips on how you can recycle and make better environmental choices.

Remember the 3 R’s: Reduce, Recycle and Reuse.

**When you cut your grass, allow the clippings to stay on the lawn. The cut grass will decompose and return to the soil naturally.
**Proper maintenance reduces waste. Keep appliances in good working order by maintaining and repairing them.
**Reuse certain produce to reducing waste. Give pet hamsters or gerbils cardboard toilet paper holders to play with. Use an egg carton to plant seedlings.
**Take reusable bags on shopping trips. Keep them in your car or near your door to remember. You can also reuse paper or plastic shopping bags.
**Don’t fertilize before a rain storm. Your fertilizer - along with your money - washes down storm drains and can pollute rivers and bays.
**When properly composted, kitchen wastes can become natural soil additives for lawns, gardens, and even house plants.
**Before you go, unplug your VCR or other electronics that use electricity even when "off."

Make Good Environmental Choices!

**During the summer months, always apply sun block SPF 15 or more to protect your skin from solar UV radiation.
**Be extra aware of conditions where older people live. As we age, our bodies become more sensitive to chemicals and environmental conditions.
**Use pesticides safely, whether at home or in the field. Always follow the instructions on the can or container label.
**During hot weather, don't top off your gas tank. Even a small gas spill adds to air pollution and wastes fuel.
**You can reduce polluted storm water runoff -- simply pick up your pet’s waste; don't leave it to wash away after a rain.
**Celebrate Earth Day! Exercising outdoors? Use your local air quality forecast to help plan the best time for a workout or run.
**On unhealthy air pollution "action alert" days, wait to mow your lawn until it's cooler in the evening or early the next morning.
**Protect children from poisoning by household chemicals such as bug spray. Lock pesticides and chemicals safely away from children.

Hazardous Weather Outlook

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK

810 PM CDT MON APR 21 2008

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR THE COUNTIES SERVED BY THE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE OFFICE IN BIRMINGHAM.
.
DAY ONE...TONIGHT.
NO HAZARDOUS WEATHER IS EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...TUESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY.
STRONG THUNDERSTORMS ARE POSSIBLE ON SATURDAY AS A COLD FRONT MOVES
INTO CENTRAL ALABAMA. AT THIS TIME...IT APPEARS THE STRONG STORMS
WILL MOST LIKELY OCCUR DURING THE HEATING OF THE DAY AND POTENTIALLY
LAST INTO THE EARLY EVENING HOURS. THE MAIN THREAT ACCOMPANYING ANY
STRONG STORM WILL BE CLOUD TO GROUND LIGHTNING...SMALL HAIL...AND
GUSTY WINDS UP TO 40 MPH. CONFIDENCE ON THE COLD FRONT TIMING AND
OVERALL STRENGTH OF THE STORMS IS LOW.

SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...
ACTIVATION OF STORM SPOTTERS AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT IS NOT
ANTICIPATED AT THIS TIME.

Work Week Outlook

STRONG THUNDERSTORMS ARE POSSIBLE ON SATURDAY AS A COLD FRONT MOVESTHROUGH THE AREA. THE TIMING AND STRENGTH OF THIS SYSTEM IS TOO UNCERTAIN TO PROVIDE DETAILS AT THIS TIME.

Pollen Forecast: April 21, 2008

Today 7.8 (Medium) on a scale of 0-12
4/22/2008 8.2 (High) on a scale of 0-12
4/23/2008 8.7 (High) on a scale of 0-12
4/24/2008 8.8 (High) on a scale of 0-12

Today's predominant pollen:Oak, Cedar/Juniper and Sycamore.

---Technical Discussion---Based on past pollen counts and expected weather conditions, pollen levels for Tuesday will be increasing in the high range. This increase is due to rising temperatures.

Learn more about this month's featured pollen:

---Did You Know?---The first modern pollen measurements began in the 1870s. A British physician named Blackley developed a device to help him study grass pollen, enabling him to determine that they are an important cause of hay fever.

---Allergy Tip---Washable curtains and window shades may be a wiser choice than heavy draperies for those wishing to avoid allergens in the home.

Earth Gauge: Just Passing Through

Birds are on the move! Migratory birds have amazing adaptations that help them find their way from their wintering grounds in Mexico, Central, and South America, to the U.S. and Canada, where they feast on abundant insects and plant foods during spring and summer. How do they know when to leave and where to go?

- Birds that fly long distances have an "internal clock" that tells them when it's time to prepare for migration and be on their way. Scientists think that subtle environmental cues (which are not well-understood in wintering grounds) trigger hormonal production in birds, which causes changes in behavior and physiology that prepare them for migration.

- Birds that migrate short distances (such as within the U.S.), including most waterfowl, learn migration routes and breeding areas from older individuals who are more experienced - usually their family members. On the other hand, most long-distance migrants are "genetically programmed" to head in a specific direction, for a specific distance. A bird's first long-distance migration is completely genetically-determined, but more experienced birds may incorporate information they've learned on the journey into their migration route. For example, if a bird finds a breeding location that is especially good, they may use learned information to return to that location in future years.

There are still many mysteries surrounding bird migration, but one thing is certain: birds need habitat and fuel to help them along their way. In the Southern U.S., scarlet tanagers, Eastern wood peewees, and yellow-billed cuckoos are passing through over the next couple weeks. A bird bath or water hole with fresh water will be welcome sight for migrants, and providing a varied supply of seeds and plants in your yard will attract a variety of feathered visitors at any time of year. Enjoy the view!

Regional migrant information was provided by the National Wildlife Federation. For more about migrants in your area, visit www.enature.com/birding/migration_home.asp.

(Source: Deinlein, M. "Neotropical Migratory Bird Basics." Smithsonian National Zoological Park, Migratory Bird Center. http://nationalzoo.si.edu/ConservationAndScience/MigratoryBirds/Fact_Sheets/default.cfm?fxsht=9)

Light Quake Felt in North Huntsville

Earthquake Details for Illinois Quake

Magnitude
5.4
Date-Time
Friday, April 18, 2008 at 09:36:57 UTC
Friday, April 18, 2008 at 04:36:57 AM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
38.481°N, 87.826°W
Depth
5 km (3.1 miles) set by location program
Region
ILLINOIS
Distances
9 km (6 miles) NW (326°) from Mount Carmel, IL
11 km (7 miles) WSW (242°) from Allendale, IL
13 km (8 miles) NE (34°) from Bellmont, IL
61 km (38 miles) NNW (337°) from Evansville, IN
211 km (131 miles) E (94°) from St. Louis, MO
Location Uncertainty
horizontal +/- 3.7 km (2.3 miles); depth fixed by location program
Parameters
NST=101, Nph=101, Dmin=36.8 km, Rmss=0.87 sec, Gp= 61°,M-type=moment magnitude (Mw), Version=9

This event has been reviewed by a seismologist.

Earthquake Magnitude Scale
2.5 to 5.4
Often felt, but only causes minor damage.
Earthquake Magnitude Classes

Earthquakes are also classified in categories ranging from minor to great, depending on their magnitude.
Class

Class/Magnitude
Great: 8 or more
Major: 7 - 7.9
Strong: 6 - 6.9
Moderate: 5 - 5.9
Light: 4 - 4.9
Minor: 3 -3.9

Showers and Thunderstorms Likely Tonight

A FEW STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL BE POSSIBLE SOUTH OF INTERSTATE 20FRIDAY NIGHT...AS A COLD FRONT MOVES FROM WEST TO EAST THROUGH CENTRAL ALABAMA. THE PRIMARY THREAT WILL BE WIND GUSTS TO 40 MPH AND SMALL HAIL

Friday Storms

A FEW STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL BE POSSIBLE ACROSS THE AREA FRIDAY NIGHT AS A COLD FRONT MOVES FROM WEST TO EAST THROUGH CENTRAL ALABAMA. THE PRIMARY THREAT WILL BE WIND GUSTS TO 40 MPH AND SMALLHAIL.

Friday Outlook

A FEW STRONG THUNDERSTORMS ARE POSSIBLE FRIDAY AFTERNOON AND EVENING.THESE STORMS WILL BE ASSOCIATED WITH A COLD FRONT MOVING ACROSSCENTRAL ALABAMA. THERE REMAINS QUESTIONS ABOUT THE TIMING AND STRENGTH REGARDING THIS SYSTEM. STAY TUNED FOR FUTURE UPDATES.

Frost Advisory

FOR THE FOLLOWING COUNTIES:
PICKENS-TUSCALOOSA-JEFFERSON-SHELBY-SUMTER-GREENE-HALE-PERRY-BIBB-CHILTON-MARENGO-DALLAS-AUTAUGA-LOWNDES-ELMORE-MONTGOMERY-MACON-BULLOCK-LEE-RUSSELL-PIKE-BARBOUR-

INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...CARROLLTON...TUSCALOOSA...BIRMINGHAM...HOOVER...COLUMBIANA...PELHAM...ALABASTER...LIVINGSTON...EUTAW...GREENSBORO...MOUNDVILLE...MARION...CENTREVILLE...CLANTON...DEMOPOLIS...LINDEN...SELMA...PRATTVILLE...FORT DEPOSIT...HAYNEVILLE...WETUMPKA...TALLASSEE...MONTGOMERY...TUSKEGEE...UNION SPRINGS...AUBURN...OPELIKA...PHENIX CITY...TROY...EUFAULA

A FROST ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 3 AM TO 8 AM CDT WEDNESDAY.

A FROST ADVISORY MEANS THAT FROST IS POSSIBLE.

SENSITIVE OUTDOOR PLANTS MAY BE THREATENED IF LEFT UNCOVERED.

Freeze Warning

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN BIRMINGHAM HAS ISSUED A FREEZEWARNING...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 3 AM TO 8 AM CDT WEDNESDAY.

OVERNIGHT LOWS ARE EXPECTED TO FALL INTO THE LOWER 30S IN MANYLOCATIONS ACROSS NORTHERN AND EASTERN PORTIONS OF CENTRAL ALABAMA BY MORNING.

FREEZING TEMPERATURES WILL LAST ONLY A FEW HOURS IN THESE COLDER LOCATIONS...TO JUST BRIEFLY IN WARMER LOCATIONS.

EVEN WHERE TEMPERATURES DO NOT FALL BELOW FREEZING, FROST IS EXPECTED.

A FREEZE WARNING MEANS SUB-FREEZING TEMPERATURES ARE IMMINENT OR HIGHLY LIKELY. THESE CONDITIONS CAN KILL CROPS AND OTHER SENSITIVE VEGETATION.

Freeze Watch Tonight into Wednesday Morning

FREEZE WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM LATE TONIGHT THROUGHWEDNESDAY MORNING......FREEZE WARNING HAS EXPIRED...THE FREEZE WARNING IS NO LONGER IN EFFECT. A FREEZE WATCH REMAINSIN EFFECT FROM LATE TONIGHT THROUGH WEDNESDAY MORNING. OVERNIGHT LOWS ARE EXPECTED TO FALL INTO THE LOWER 30S IN MANYLOCATIONS BY MORNING...WITH TEMPERATURES IN SOME OF THE PROTECTEDAND NORMALLY COLDER LOCATIONS FALLING INTO THE UPPER 20S. FREEZINGTEMPERATURES WILL LAST ONLY A FEW HOURS IN THESE COLDERLOCATIONS...TO JUST BRIEFLY IN WARMER LOCATIONS. EVEN WHERETEMPERATURES DO NOT FALL BELOW FREEZING...PATCHY FROST ISEXPECTED.A FREEZE WATCH MEANS SUB-FREEZING TEMPERATURES ARE POSSIBLE.THESE CONDITIONS COULD KILL CROPS AND OTHER SENSITIVE VEGETATION.

Freezing Temps Possible Again Tonight

FREEZING TEMPERATURES WILL BE POSSIBLE TONIGHT MAINLY FOR EAST CENTRAL ALABAMA...ESPECIALLY IN THE LOW LYING AREAS...VALLEYS AND THE USUAL COLD SPOTS. THE DURATION OF THE NEAR FREEZING TEMPERATURESWILL BE RATHER SHORT...ONLY LASTING A FEW HOURS. IN ADDITION...PATCHY FROST WILL BE POSSIBLE AREA WIDE. PROTECTION OF SENSITIVE VEGETATION WILL MOST LIKELY BE REQUIRED FOR ONE MORE NIGHT.

DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...WEDNESDAY THROUGH MONDAY.TEMPERATURES NEAR FREEZING ARE POSSIBLE WEDNESDAY MORNING IN EASTCENTRAL ALABAMA...BUT WILL QUICKLY WARM UP AFTER 7 AM.A FEW STRONG THUNDERSTORMS ARE POSSIBLE FRIDAY AFTERNOON AND EVENING. THESE STORMS WILL BE ASSOCIATED WITH A COLD FRONT MOVING ACROSS CENTRAL ALABAMA. THE TIMING AND STRENGTH OF THIS SYSTEM IS STILL INQUESTION.

Freeze Watch in Effect Tonight through Tuesday Morning

A FREEZE WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM LATE TONIGHT THROUGH TUESDAY MORNING. NORTHERLY WINDS WILL BE SUSTAINED AROUND 15 MPH THIS AFTERNOON WITH A FEW GUSTS AROUND 25 MPH. OVERNIGHT LOWS MAY DROP TO THE FREEZING MARK OR JUST BELOW ON TUESDAY MORNING. FREEZING TEMPERATURES MAY LAST FORA FEW HOURS AROUND SUNRISE. IN ADDITION...PATCHY FROST MAY ALSO DEVELOP. A FREEZE WATCH MEANS SUB-FREEZING TEMPERATURES ARE POSSIBLE. THESE CONDITIONS COULD KILL CROPS AND OTHER SENSITIVE VEGETATION.

Lake Wind Advisory in Effect Noon-6pm

Pollen Forecast: April 14, 2008

Today 9.4 (High) on a scale of 0-12
4/15/2008 6.6 (Medium) on a scale of 0-12
4/16/2008 8.0 (Medium) on a scale of 0-12

Today's predominant pollen:Oak, Cedar/Juniper and Sycamore.

---Technical Discussion---The pollen levels for Tuesday will remain relatively stable in the high range. The pollen producing plants are delivering a fairly constant level of pollen into the air.

Learn more about this month's featured pollen:

---Did You Know?---There are basically three ways to treat seasonal allergies: avoidance of the allergen, medication to treat the symptoms, or immunotherapy to try to affect the physiology of the disease.

---Allergy Tip---Have children change clothes when they come in from playing outside to help remove pollen from the indoor environment.

Freezing Temperatures Expected

OVERNIGHT TEMPERATURES WILL FALL INTO THE MID TO UPPER 30S ACROSS MUCH OF CENTRAL ALABAMA. THE COLDEST LOCATIONS WILL GENERALLY ALONG AND NORTH OF A MILLPORT...TO BIRMINGHAM...TO ANNISTON LINE.DESPITE AN INCREASE IN CLOUDS A FEW LOCATIONS MAY STILL FALL TO OR JUST BELOW FREEZING IN THESE LOCATIONS.

DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY. DURING THE EARLY MORNING HOURS MONDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY...SOME LOW TEMPERATURES AROUND FREEZING ARE POSSIBLE. AT THIS TIME...THE MOST WIDESPREAD AND COOLEST TEMPERATURES ARE EXPECTED ON TUESDAYMORNING. IN ADDITION...PATCHY FROST WILL BE POSSIBLE. PROTECTION OF SENSITIVE VEGETATION WILL MOST LIKELY BE REQUIRED. BREEZY CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED ACROSS CENTRAL ALABAMA MONDAYAFTERNOON. SUSTAINED WINDS WILL BE AROUND 15 MPH WITH SOME GUSTS TO25 MPH. THESE WINDS MAY BE A BIT HIGHER ON OPEN WATERWAYS.

AN ORGANIZED WEATHER SYSTEM WILL BRING THE CHANCE FOR STRONG THUNDERSTORMS FRIDAY EVENING INTO SATURDAY. THERE IS STILL UNCERTAINTY WITH THIS EVENT...WITH MORE SPECIFIC DETAILS TO COME AS MODEL RUNS COME TOGETHER IN THE COMING DAYS.

Earth Gauge: Drink Up

Americans fill-up one billion water glasses from the tap each day, and water utilities treat more than 34 billion gallons of water daily. While our tap water is generally safe, naturally-occurring pollutants and pollutants from humans and animals can impact drinking water quality.

The best way to protect your water and health is to learn about your local drinking water supply and how to protect it.

Know where your drinking water comes from. If you get your drinking water from a public supply, your water utility will provide a yearly “Consumer Confidence Report” that gives information on your water source, potential contaminants, and possible health effects. Visit http://www.epa.gov/safewater/dwinfo/index.html and click on your state to find out if your report is available online.

If you depend on a household well – 15 percent of Americans do – make sure you have it tested for contaminants (bacteria, nitrates, and others) yearly. Installing a well cap or sanitary seal can protect your water supply from tampering and contamination.

Regardless of where you live, protect water quality by using household chemicals carefully. Never dump them outside or apply yard care chemicals when there is rain in the forecast. Avoid using chemicals near wells or surface waters.

(Sources: U.S. EPA. “Water on Tap: What You Need to Know.” http://www.epa.gov/safewater/wot/pdfs/book_waterontap_full.pdf; U.S. EPA. “Local Drinking Water Information.” http://www.epa.gov/safewater/dwinfo/index.html)

TORNADO WATCH UNTIL 4PM

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED TORNADO WATCH 195 IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM CDT THIS AFTERNOON FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS IN ALABAMA. THIS WATCH INCLUDES 10 COUNTIES IN CENTRAL ALABAMA: WALKER, MARION, WINSTON, FAYETTE, GREENE, HALE, LAMAR, PICKENS,
SUMTER, AND TUSCALOOSA COUNTY. THIS INCLUDES THE CITIES OF...ALICEVILLE...CARROLLTON...EUTAW...FAYETTE...GREENSBORO...HALEYVILLE...HAMILTON...JASPER...LIVINGSTON...MOUNDVILLE...SULLIGENT...TUSCALOOSA...VERNON AND YORK.

Severe WX Threat Could Increase for Mississippi

TRENDS ARE BEING MONITORED FOR AN INCREASING SEVERE THREAT...WHICH COULD REQUIRE A WATCH AS EARLY AS 15-17Z.

UPPER SUPPORT FOR RAPID CONVECTIVE DEVELOPMENT THIS MORNING IS A BIT UNCERTAIN. BUT...IT APPEARS A LOW AMPLITUDE SHORT WAVE TROUGH IS IN THE PROCESS OF LIFTING THROUGH THE LOWER MISSISSIPPI VALLEY ...ON THE SOUTHEASTERN PERIPHERY OF LARGER-SCALE CENTRAL U.S. UPPER TROUGH. AND...LATEST RUC GUIDANCE...SUPPORTED BY 12Z RAOB FROM JACKSON...INDICATES THAT INHIBITION IS BECOMING INCREASINGLY NEGLIGIBLE IN MOIST BOUNDARY LAYER WITHIN CONFLUENT PRE-FRONTAL LOW-LEVEL FLOW REGIME ACROSS MUCH OF LOUISIANA AND MISSISSIPPI. EARLY VISIBLE IMAGERY INDICATES CONSIDERABLE CLOUD COVER ACROSS THIS REGION...BUT IT MAY NOT TAKE MUCH SURFACE HEATING TO SUPPORT INTENSIFICATION OF BANDS OF CONVECTION ALREADY DEVELOPING ACROSS THIS REGION. ALTHOUGH MID-LEVEL LAPSE RATES ARE NOT PARTICULARLY STEEP...MIXED LAYER CAPE IN EXCESS OF 1500 J/KG WILL SUPPORT VIGOROUS UPDRAFTS IN THE PRESENCE OF STRONG DEEP LAYER SHEAR BENEATH 50-70 KT 500 MB FLOW. LOW-LEVEL HODOGRAPHS NEAR A 30 TO 50 KT SOUTHWESTERLY 850 JET AXIS REMAIN SIZABLE...AND SUPPORTIVE OF TORNADO POTENTIAL AND THE RISK FOR LARGE HAIL...PARTICULARLY IN MORE DISCRETE STORMS...WHILE DAMAGING WINDS BECOME A THREAT IN DEVELOPING LINE SEGMENTS.

Severe Storms Possible this Afternoon

STRONG TO SEVERE STORMS ARE POSSIBLE ACROSS CENTRAL ALABAMA AS NUMEROUS SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS ARE EXPECTED TO DEVELOP AHEAD OF AN APPROACHING COLD FRONT. THESE STORMS ARE EXPECTED TO CONSOLIDATE INTO A LINE AS WE REACH THE AFTERNOON HOURS WITH THE SEVERE WEATHER THREAT PEAKING BETWEEN 1 AND 8 PM. THE AREA OF GREATEST CONCERN IS ROUGHLY BETWEEN INTERSTATES 59 AND 85. DAMAGING WINDS AND HAIL ARE THE MAIN THREATS...ALTHOUGH BRIEF TORNADOES CANNOT BE RULED OUT.

DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...SATURDAY THROUGH THURSDAY.

AFTER THIS STORM SYSTEM PASSES LATE FRIDAY NIGHT AND EARLYSATURDAY MORNING...GUSTY WINDS ARE EXPECTED. WINDS WILL LIKELY BE SUSTAINED BETWEEN 12 AND 18 MPH ON SATURDAY AND SUNDAY WITH GUSTS IN EXCESS OF 25 MPH.MONDAY AND TUESDAY MORNINGS...COLD TEMPERATURES ARE POSSIBLE ACROSS CENTRAL ALABAMA. SOME LOCATIONS MAY SEE TEMPERATURES CLOSE TO FREEZING.

A Few Strong to Severe Storms Possible

A FEW STRONG TO SEVERE STORMS WILL BE POSSIBLE IN MARION LAMAR AND FAYETTE COUNTIES AFTER 4 AM. THE PRIMARY THREAT WOULD BE DAMAGINGWIND.WINDS WILL REMAIN GUSTY OVERNIGHT. SUSTAINED SPEEDS BETWEEN 10 AND15 MPH ARE EXPECTED...GENERALLY ALONG AND WEST OF INTERSTATE 65 THROUGH AT LEAST MIDNIGHT.

DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...FRIDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY.

ON FRIDAY...STRONG TO SEVERE STORMS ARE POSSIBLE ACROSS ALL OF CENTRAL ALABAMA. CONDITIONS DO NOT LOOK AS FAVORABLE FOR TORNADOES AS THEY ONCE DID...SO WILL FOCUS MORE ON THE POTENTIAL FOR DAMAGING WINDS AS A SQUALL LINE DEVELOPS AND TRACKS ACROSS THE AREA. THE SQUALL LINE SHOULD APPROACH TUSCALOOSA AROUND 11AM...THE BIRMINGHAM BY 2 PM ANNISTON AROUND 3 PM AND MONTGOMERY BETWEEN 4 AND 5 PM. IN ADDITION TO DAMAGING WINDS...SOME HAIL IS POSSIBLE AND BRIEF TORNADOES CANNOT BE RULED OUT ALONG THE LEADING EDGE OF THESQUALL LINE.

AFTER THIS STORM SYSTEM PASSES LATE FRIDAY NIGHT AND EARLYSATURDAY MORNING...STRONG NORTHERLY FLOW IS EXPECTED. WINDS WILL LIKELY BE SUSTAINED BETWEEN 12 AND 18 MPH ON SATURDAY AND SUNDAY WITH GUSTS IN EXCESS OF 25 MPH. MONDAY AND TUESDAY MORNINGS...COLD TEMPERATURES ARE POSSIBLEACROSS CENTRAL ALABAMA. SOME LOCATIONS MAY SEE TEMPERATURES CLOSE TO FREEZING.

Hazardous Outlook for Friday

SOUTHERLY WINDS WILL INCREASE THROUGHOUT THE MORNING ACROSS CENTRAL ALABAMA AS A STRONG STORM SYSTEM CONTINUES TO DEVELOP TO OUR WEST.AREAS NEAR AND WEST OF INTERSTATE 65 WILL EXPERIENCE WINDS OF 15TO 25 MPH BETWEEN 9 AM AND MIDNIGHT.

DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...FRIDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY.
ON FRIDAY...STRONG TO SEVERE STORMS ARE EXPECTED ALONG AND AHEAD OFAN APPROACHING COLD FRONT. A WEAKENING PRE-FRONTAL SQUALL LINE WILL APPROACH NORTHWEST ALABAMA NEAR SUNRISE FRIDAY...WITH THE POTENTIAL FOR SEVERE STORMS. AS THE DAY PROGRESSES...THE LINE IS EXPECTED TO REFORM AND STRENGTHEN AS THE ACTUAL COLD FRONT MOVES INTO THE STATE.THESE STORMS COULD CARRY WITH THEM THE POTENTIAL FOR HAIL...DAMAGING WINDS AND ISOLATED TORNADOES. EXACT TIMING AND INTENSITY ARE STILL UNCERTAIN AT THIS TIME.

AFTER THIS STORM SYSTEM PASSES LATE FRIDAY NIGHT AND EARLY SATURDAY MORNING...STRONG NORTHERLY FLOW IS EXPECTED. WINDS WILL LIKELY BE SUSTAINED BETWEEN 12 AND 18 MPH ON SATURDAY AND SUNDAY WITH GUSTS IN EXCESS OF 25 MPH. MONDAY AND TUESDAY MORNINGS...COLD TEMPERATURES ARE POSSIBLE ACROSS CENTRAL ALABAMA. SOME LOCATIONS MAY SEE TEMPERATURES CLOSETO FREEZING.

POTENTIAL FOR SEVERE WEATHER ON FRIDAY

THURSDAY...ISOLATED STRONG STORMS WITH SMALL HAIL AND GUSTY WINDS TO45 MPH ARE POSSIBLE BETWEEN NOON AND 6 PM...ACROSS ALL OF CENTRAL ALABAMA.IN ADDITION...SOUTHERLY WINDS AHEAD OF AN APPROACHING COLD FRONT WILL INCREASE. BY NOON...WINDS SHOULD BE SUSTAINED BETWEEN 13 AND17 MPH WITH GUSTS BETWEEN 22 AND 27 MPH. THE STRONGEST WILDS WILL LIKELY OCCUR ACROSS NORTHWESTERN AREAS AND SHOULD SUBSIDE A BITAFTER SUNSET AREA WIDE. A LAKE WIND ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT FROM 9AM UNTIL MIDNIGHT FOR AREAS ALONG AND WEST OF I-65.

ON FRIDAY...STRONG TO SEVERE STORMS ARE EXPECTED ALONG AND AHEAD OF AN APPROACHING COLD FRONT. A WEAKENING PRE-FRONTAL SQUALL LINE WILL APPROACH NORTHWEST ALABAMA NEAR SUNRISE FRIDAY...WITH THE POTENTIAL FOR MARGINALLY SEVERE STORMS. AS THE DAY PROGRESSES...THE LINE IS EXPECTED TO REFORM AND STRENGTHEN AS THE ACTUAL COLD FRONT MOVES INTO THE STATE. THESE STORMS COULD CARRY WITH THEM THE POTENTIAL FOR HAIL...DAMAGING WINDS AND ISOLATED TORNADOES. EXACT TIMING AND INTENSITY ARE STILL UNCERTAIN AT THIS TIME.

BEHIND STORM SYSTEM MOVING THROUGH ON FRIDAY...STRONG NORTHERLY FLOWIS EXPECTED. WINDS WILL LIKELY BE SUSTAINED BETWEEN 12 AND 18 MPH ON SATURDAY AND SUNDAY WITH GUSTS IN EXCESS OF 25 MPH. LATE SUNDAY NIGHT INTO EARLY MONDAY...COLD TEMPERATURES ARE POSSIBLE ACROSS PORTION OF NORTHERN ALABAMA. SOME LOCATIONS MAY FALL TO NEAR...OR SLIGHTLY BELOW FREEZING.

Isolated Showers and T'Storms Possible Today

ISOLATED STRONG STORMS WITH SMALL HAIL AND GUSTY WINDS TO 45 MPH AREPOSSIBLE BETWEEN NOON AND 6 PM. THE BEST CHANCE OF THIS ACTIVITY WILLBE WEST OF INTERSTATE 65..DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...THURSDAY THROUGH TUESDAY.

THURSDAY...ISOLATED STRONG STORMS WITH SMALL HAIL AND GUSTY WINDS TO45 MPH ARE POSSIBLE BETWEEN NOON AND 6 PM.ON FRIDAY...STRONG TO SEVERE STORMS ARE EXPECTED ALONG AND AHEAD OFAN APPROACHING COLD FRONT.

A WEAKENING PRE-FRONTAL SQUALL LINE WILL APPROACH NORTHWEST ALABAMA NEAR SUNRISE FRIDAY...WITH THE POTENTIALFOR MARGINALLY SEVERE STORMS. AS THE DAY PROGRESSES...THE LINE ISEXPECTED TO REFORM AND STRENGTHEN AS THE ACTUAL COLD FRONT MOVES INTOTHE STATE. THESE STORMS COULD CARRY WITH THEM THE POTENTIAL FORHAIL...DAMAGING WINDS AND ISOLATED TORNADOES. EXACT TIMING ANDINTENSITY ARE STILL UNCERTAIN AT THIS TIME.

Pollen Forecast: April 9, 2008

Technical Discussion:
The amount of pollen in the air for Thursday will be higher than they were today and extend even further into the extremely high range. This increase is due to rising temperatures, strong winds and lower relative humidity.

Pollen and Allergy Fact:
In a large study of 20,000 adults in the United Kingdom, 20% thought they had a food allergy or intolerance. In a small subset of these patients who were tested with eight selected foods in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, only 1.8% were actually allergic to the foods they predicted they would be.

Allergy Tip:
Set the car air conditioner to the recirculate setting to prevent new allergens from entering.

Outlook for the End of the Week

A SMALL CHANGE AS CONFIDENCE BUILDS CONCERNING THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS OF WEATHER. EXPECTING AN INCREASE IN INTENSITY AND COVERAGE FROM WEDNESDAY INTO THURSDAY AND CONTINUING FRIDAY AS THE AREA REMAINS IN THE SOUTHERLY FLOW.

ON WEDNESDAY...STRONG STORMS ARE POSSIBLE DURING THE MAXIMUM AFTERNOON HEATING OF THE DAY. THE MAIN THREAT WEDNESDAY WILL BE ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS AND ANY STORMS THAT FORM COULD PRODUCE HAIL AND GUSTY WINDS. THE BEST CHANCE OF THIS ACTIVITY WILL BE WEST OF INTERSTATE 65.

THURSDAY...AND THIS IS THE SMALL CHANGE...STRONG STORMS ARE POSSIBLE AGAIN. INTENSITIES COULD INCREASE...AS WELL AS COVERAGE...AS STORMS ARE LIKELY TO BE SCATTERED ACROSS ALL OF CENTRAL ALABAMA. THE MAIN THREATS THURSDAY WILL BE HAIL AND GUSTY WINDS.

ON FRIDAY...STORMS ARE EXPECTED ALONG AND AHEAD OF THE ACTUAL FRONTAL PASSAGE. THESE STORMS COULD CARRY WITH THEM THE POTENTIAL FOR HAIL AND ISOLATED TORNADOES. EXACT TIMING AND INTENSITY ARE STILL UNCERTAIN AT THIS TIME.

Outlook for Wednesday and Friday

ON WEDNESDAY...A COLD FRONT WILL APPROACH CENTRAL ALABAMA AND STALL TO THE NORTH...LEAVING THE REGION UNDER A WARM...MOIST AND UNSTABLE AIRMASS. THUNDERSTORM DEVELOPMENT WILL BE POSSIBLE...MAINLY DURING THE AFTERNOON AS DAYTIME HEATING INCREASES. THE MAIN THREAT WITH STRONGER STORMS WILL BE SMALL HAIL.

ANOTHER ORGANIZED WEATHER SYSTEM WILL EFFECT CENTRAL ALABAMA FRIDAY.AHEAD OF A STRONG COLD FRONT APPROACHING THE AREA...A SQUALL LINE IS EXPECTED TO DEVELOP AND CROSS THE STATE FRIDAY...WITH SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS POSSIBLE. CONFIDENCE WITH THIS SYSTEM CONTINUES TOINCREASE.

Pollen Forecast: April 8, 2008

Today 10.8 (High) on a scale of 0-12
4/9/2008 10.0 (High) on a scale of 0-12
4/10/2008 10.3 (High) on a scale of 0-12

Today's predominant pollen:Oak, Birch and Cedar/Juniper.

---Technical Discussion---The quantity of pollen grains in the air for Wednesday will be higher than they were today and extend further into the very high range. This higher level is caused in part by higher temperatures and the lower dewpoint.

Learn more about this month's featured pollen:

---Did You Know?---Pollen typically is released from a plant to eventually pollinate another plant, or land on the ground. However, pollen grains may become re-suspended into the air from their original resting places if weather conditions are right.

---Allergy Tip---Occupational asthma is caused by more than 240 reactive chemicals or natural proteins. It accounts for many new cases of asthma.

Outlook for Later this Week

DAY ONE...TODAY AND TONIGHT.

NO HAZARDOUS WEATHER IS EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY.

ON WEDNESDAY...A COLD FRONT WILL APPROACH CENTRAL ALABAMA AND STALLTO THE NORTH...LEAVING THE REGION WITHIN A WARM MOIST AIRMASS.THUNDERSTORM DEVELOPMENT WILL BE POSSIBLE...MAINLY DURING THEAFTERNOON AS DAYTIME HEATING INCREASES. THE MAIN THREAT WITHSTRONGER STORMS WILL BE SMALL HAIL.ANOTHER ORGANIZED WEATHER SYSTEM WILL EFFECT CENTRAL ALABAMA FRIDAYINTO SATURDAY. AHEAD OF A STRONG COLD FRONT APPROACHING THE AREA...ASQUALL LINE IS EXPECTED TO DEVELOP AND CROSS THE STATE FRIDAY NIGHT...WITH SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS POSSIBLE. CONFIDENCE WITH THIS SYSTEM IS INCREASING AS DYNAMICS APPEAR TO BE LINING UP.

Light Showers this Morning (East of I-65)

CALHOUN-CHAMBERS-CHEROKEE-CLAY-CLEBURNE-ETOWAH-LEE-RANDOLPH-TALLADEGA-TALLAPOOSA-
545 AM CDT MONDAY
APRIL 7, 2008.

LIGHT SHOWERS...MOVING FROM SOUTH TO NORTH...WILL AFFECT THEEAST CENTRAL ALABAMA COUNTIES THROUGH 7 AM. THE HEAVIEST ONE HOURRAINFALL AMOUNTS WILL BE AROUND A TENTH OF AN INCH.

What is a Wedge?

A few light rain showers have popped up this morning East of I-65 around Anniston. The reason we are seeing these showers this morning is due a wedge to the East of us. A Wedge refers to an elongated area of shallow high pressure at the earth's surface. It is generally associated with cold air east of the Rockies or Appalachians. Areas west of I-65 this afternoon will warm up into the mid to upper 70's. Communities east of I-65 will not warm up quite as much this afternoon due to the cloud cover and wedge off to the east.

Ohhhhh Hail! No You didn't!

These photos made at 2:25 today Caldwell Mill Road at Oak Mtn. High School. Lots of hail and hard rain. Ground photo doesn't show as much as really was.

These photos were sent to us from "Pam."

Earth Gauge: Severe Storm Prep

Did you know that typical thunderstorm lasts about 20 to 30 minutes and has a diameter of fifteen miles? Severe thunderstorms can be accompanied by a range of dangerous conditions, including high winds, hail, and tornadoes. Every thunderstorm produces lightning, which can strike up to ten miles away from any rainfall, and often strikes outside of areas where heavy rain is falling. As a matter of fact, the National Weather Service estimates that more than 50 percent of lightning deaths happen after the thunderstorm has passed.

Make sure you're prepared for severe thunderstorms by picking a safe spot in your home - try to choose a room that does not have skylights, windows, or glass doors which could be broken by high winds or hail. Try to designate your "safe spot" on the lowest floor or your home or building, in case a thunderstorm is accompanied by tornado warnings. During severe storms, it's best to avoid telephones and electrical appliances, which can transmit electricity through wires; bathtubs, water faucets, and sinks can also transmit electricity through metal pipes.

(Sources: Talking About Disaster: Guide for Standard Messages. Produced by the National Disaster Education Coalition, Washington, DC, 2004.)

Fayette--Jefferson--Tuscaloosa--Walker (Significant WX Alert until 1:15)

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ALERT FOR FAYETTE...JEFFERSON...TUSCALOOSA ANDWALKER COUNTIES UNTIL 115 PM CDT...AT 1228 PM CDT...THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IS TRACKING A STRONGTHUNDERSTORM NEAR BOLEY SPRINGS...OR 17 MILES SOUTHWEST OF CORDOVA...MOVING EAST AT 40 MPH.WINDS UP TO 40 MPH ARE EXPECTED WITH THIS STORM.* LOCATIONS IN OR NEAR THE PATH INCLUDE... THE WYE. OAKMAN. GOODSPRINGS. CORDOVA. BELOIT. SUMITON.A TORNADO WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 600 PM CDT FRIDAY EVENING FORSOUTHERN ALABAMA.

Increasing Tornado Threat this Afternoon

THE SEVERE WEATHER THREAT FOR TORNADO WATCH 164 CONTINUES.

THREAT FOR DAMAGING WIND APPEARS GREATEST WITH LINE OF STORMS MOVING INTO W CNTRL AND SW MS NEXT COUPLE HOURS. THE THREAT FOR ISOLATED TORNADOES IS ALSO EXPECTED TO INCREASE FROM CNTRL AND SRN MS THROUGH CNTRL AL. LINE OF STORMS EXTENDS FROM NERN AL SWWD THROUGH CNTRL MS...SWD ALONG THE MS/LA BORDER THEN SWWD INTO SERN TX. PORTION OF LINE OVER WRN MS IS MOVING EAST AT AROUND 50 KT. LOW CLOUDS ARE MIXING OUT ALLOWING THE DOWNSTREAM WARM SECTOR TO DESTABILIZE AS TEMPERATURES CLIMB TO NEAR 80 ALONG WITH MID 60S DEWPOINTS. VWP DATA SHOW THE BOUNDARY LAYER FLOW HAS VEERED TO SSWLY WITH 0-1 KM STORM RELATIVE HELICITY FROM 100 TO 150 M2/S2...BUT WITH EFFECTIVE BULK SHEAR FROM 40 TO 50 KT. THIS WIND PROFILE WILL CONTINUE TO SUPPORT ORGANIZED STRUCTURES INCLUDING BOW ECHOES AND SUPERCELLS WITHIN THE LINE WITH A THREAT FOR DAMAGING WIND AND ISOLATED TORNADOES. THE 15Z RAOB FROM JACKSON MS SHOWED THE THERMODYNAMIC PROFILE BETWEEN 850-700 MB HAS COOLED AND MOISTENED...EFFECTIVELY MINIMIZING THE CAPPING INVERSION. MOREOVER...RECENT RADAR TRENDS CONFIRM THE CONVECTIVE INHIBITION HAS WEAKENED WITH DISCRETE CELLS INCREASING AHEAD OF THE LINE FROM SRN MS NEWD THROUGH CNTRL AL. THIS CONVECTION MAY POSE A THREAT FOR ISOLATED TORNADOES AND LARGE HAIL IF IT CONTINUES TO INTENSIFY AND BECOME BETTER ORGANIZED AS DISCRETE SUPERCELLS.

Severe T'Storm Warning--Cullman until 11:45am

...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1145 AM CDTFOR NORTHEASTERN CULLMAN COUNTY...AT 1121 AM CDT...TRAINED WEATHER SPOTTERS REPORTED A SEVERETHUNDERSTORM CAPABLE OF PRODUCING DESTRUCTIVE WINDS IN EXCESS OF 70 MPH. THIS STORM WAS LOCATED IN THE CITY OF CULLMAN...MOVING EAST AT 40 MPH.THIS STORM HAS DOWNED TREES...POWERLINES AND STREET SIGNS IN THE CITY OF CULLMAN.OTHER LOCATIONS IN THE WARNING INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TOFAIRVIEW...HOLLY POND...BAILEYTON AND JOPPA.SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS CAN PRODUCE TORNADOES WITH LITTLE OR NO ADVANCEWARNING. MOVE IMMEDIATELY TO A STORM SHELTER...BASEMENT...OR STURDYSTRUCTURE IF A TORNADO IS SPOTTED.

Tornado Watch Until 6pm

THE NWS STORM PREDICTION CENTER HAS ISSUED A TORNADO WATCH FOR PORTIONS OF MUCH OF CENTRAL ALABAMA EFFECTIVE THIS FRIDAY MORNING AND EVENING FROM 950 AM UNTIL 600 PM CDT.

TORNADOES...HAIL TO 2.5 INCHES IN DIAMETER...THUNDERSTORM WIND GUSTS TO 70 MPH...AND DANGEROUS LIGHTNING ARE POSSIBLE IN THESE AREAS.

THE TORNADO WATCH AREA IS APPROXIMATELY ALONG AND 80 STATUTE MILES NORTH AND SOUTH OF A LINE FROM 15 MILES SOUTH SOUTHWEST OF FORT POLK LOUISIANA TO 35 MILES EAST OF BIRMINGHAM ALABAMA. FOR A COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE THE ASSOCIATED WATCH OUTLINE UPDATE (WOUS64 KWNS WOU4).

REMEMBER...A TORNADO WATCH MEANS CONDITIONS ARE FAVORABLE FOR TORNADOES AND SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS IN AND CLOSE TO THE WATCH AREA. PERSONS IN THESE AREAS SHOULD BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR THREATENING WEATHER CONDITIONS AND LISTEN FOR LATER STATEMENTS AND POSSIBLE WARNINGS.

OTHER WATCH INFORMATION...CONTINUE...WW 160...WW 161...WW 162...WW 163... DISCUSSION...LINE OF STRONG/SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS FROM NRN AL SWWD TO CENTRAL LA WILL CONTINUE DEVELOPING E/SEWD THIS AFTERNOON. MUCH OF WATCH AREA S OF THE LINE IS IN A VERY FAVORABLE WARM SECTOR FOR SUPERCELL DEVELOPMENT WITH MLCAPES TO 2000 J/KG AND STRONG/VEERING SHEAR PROFILES. ADDITIONAL HEATING WILL INCREASE POTENTIAL FOR TORNADIC SUPERCELL DEVELOPMENT BY THIS AFTERNOON..BOTH NEAR THE LINE AND ACROSS THE WARM SECTOR.

AVIATION...TORNADOES AND A FEW SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS WITH HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT TO 2.5 INCHES. EXTREME TURBULENCE AND SURFACE WIND GUSTS TO 60 KNOTS. A FEW CUMULONIMBI WITH MAXIMUM TOPS TO 550. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 24035.

Significant WX Alert for Marion until 10am

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ALERT FOR MARION COUNTY UNTIL 1000 AM CDT...AT 914 AM CDT...THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IS TRACKING STRONGTHUNDERSTORMS ALONG A LINE EXTENDING FROM 7 MILES SOUTHEAST OF VINATO BYRD...OR ALONG A LINE EXTENDING FROM 7 MILES NORTHWEST OFHACKLEBURG TO DETROIT...MOVING EAST AT 25 MPH.WINDS UP TO 40 MPH ARE EXPECTED WITH THESE STORMS.* LOCATIONS IN OR NEAR THE PATH INCLUDE... WESTON. RANKIN FITE AIRPORT. HACKLEBURG. TESSNER. PEARCES MILL. TUCKER.

Marion County --Significant WX Alert until 9:15am

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ALERT FOR MARION COUNTY UNTIL 915 AM CDT...AT 828 AM CDT...THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IS TRACKING A STRONGTHUNDERSTORM NEAR TREMONT...OR 8 MILES EAST OF FULTON...MOVINGNORTHEAST AT 40 MPH.WINDS UP TO 40 MPH ARE EXPECTED WITH THIS STORM.* LOCATIONS IN OR NEAR THE PATH INCLUDE... SHOTSVILLE. WESTON. HACKLEBURG. TESSNER.STAY TUNED TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO...COMMERCIAL RADIO...OR YOUR LOCALTELEVISION STATIONS FOR LATER STATEMENTS AND POSSIBLE WARNINGSCONCERNING THIS WEATHER SITUATION.

Watch May Be Issued Later this Morning

VALID PORTION OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCHES 161/162 CONTINUE UNTIL 16Z...WITH A CONTINUED RISK FOR ISOLATED DAMAGING WIND GUSTS AND LARGE HAIL. SOUTH/EAST OF WATCHES 161/162...AN ADDITIONAL WATCH MAY BE NEEDED BY MID MORNING OR SO...ESPECIALLY ACROSS NORTHEAST LA/CENTRAL MS INTO NORTHERN/CENTRAL AL.

PRE-COLD FRONTAL STRONG/OCCASIONALLY SEVERE BROKEN CONVECTIVE LINE CONTINUES TO ADVANCE EASTWARD ACROSS EAST CENTRAL TN/FAR NORTHWEST AL AND NORTHERN MS TO NEAR AND SOUTH OF THE AR/LA BORDER AS OF 1245Z. IN ADDITION...SATELLITE/RADAR TRENDS REFLECT A GRADUAL DEEPENING OF WARM ADVECTION SHOWERS AHEAD OF THE LINE ACROSS NORTHERN/CENTRAL LA INTO NORTH CENTRAL MS. IT APPEARS LIKELY THE EXISTING LINE WILL BECOME INCREASINGLY SURFACE BASED THROUGH THE MORNING OWING TO INSOLATION/HEATING...WHILE QUASI-DISCRETE PRE-LINEAR DEVELOPMENT MAY OCCUR AS WELL. 12Z OBSERVED RAOB FROM SHREVEPORT LA REFLECTS ONLY A WEAKLY CAPPED AIRMASS.

MODIFIED 12Z SOUNDINGS FROM SHREVEPORT/JACKSON/BIRMINGHAM...IN CONJUNCTION WITH LATEST RUC GUIDANCE...SUGGEST THE DEVELOPMENT OF 1000-2000 J/KG MLCAPE IN A CORRIDOR FROM NORTHERN LA INTO CENTRAL AL BY MID/LATE MORNING. GIVEN THE WEAK CAPPING AND EFFECTIVE SHEAR OF 40 KT OR GREATER WITH THE WARM SECTOR...SUPERCELLS AHEAD OF THE LINE WILL BECOME A DISTINCT POSSIBILITY LATER THIS MORNING...WITH THE CONVECTIVE LINE OTHERWISE POSING A RISK OF DAMAGING WINDS/SOME HAIL.

Severe Outlook Today/Tonight

SEVERE STORMS ARE POSSIBLE ACROSS ALL OF CENTRAL ALABAMA TODAY AND TONIGHT...WITH THE MAIN SEVERE WEATHER THREAT STARTING AS EARLY AS 9 AM ACROSS THE NORTHWEST COUNTIES AND LASTING AS LATE AS 3 AM SATURDAY MORNING ACROSS THE SOUTHEAST COUNTIES. DAMAGING WINDS...LARGE HAIL...AND ISOLATED TORNADOES ARE ALL POSSIBLE.THE STORMS WILL ARRIVE IN THE FORM OF A SQUALL LINE...THAT WILL PUSH ACROSS THE AREA FROM NORTHWEST TO SOUTHEAST TODAY AND TONIGHT. THE SEVERE THREAT THIS MORNING WILL BE CONFINED TO AREAS NORTH OF A LINEFROM MILLPORT TO JASPER. DURING THE AFTERNOON...THE SQUALL LINEWILL AFFECT AREAS ALONG THE I-20 CORRIDOR...INCLUDING THE CITIES OF CARRROLLTON...TUSCALOOSA...BIRMINGHAM...ONEONTA...AND ANNISTON.SEVERE STORMS WILL AFFECT AREAS SOUTH OF I-20 AND NORTH OF I-85 BETWEEN 3 PM CDT AND 9 PM CDT.

IN ADDITION TO THE THREAT OF SEVEREWEATHER...THE SLOW MOVING SQUALL LINE WILL PRODUCE HEAVY RAINFALL WITH LOCALIZED FLOODING. A LAKE WIND ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT TODAY FOR SOUTH WINDS OF 15 TO 25MPH.

Severe Weather Potential Today

SEVERE STORMS ARE POSSIBLE ACROSS ALL OF CENTRAL ALABAMA ON FRIDAYAND FRIDAY NIGHT...WITH THE MAIN SEVERE WEATHER THREAT STARTING AS EARLY AS NOON AND LASTING AS LATE AS 3 AM FRIDAY NIGHT. DAMAGING WINDS...LARGE HAIL...AND ISOLATED TORNADOES ARE ALL POSSIBLE. THE STORMS ARE MOST LIKELY TO COME IN THE FORM OF A SQUALL LINE...THAT WILL PUSH ACROSS THE AREA FROM NORTHWEST TO SOUTHEAST FRIDAY NIGHT. STORMS WILL BECOME MUCH MORE LIKELY AFTER 3 PM WEST AND NORTHWEST...SPREADING EASTWARD INTO CENTRAL SECTIONS BETWEEN 8 ANDMIDNIGHT. CONFIDENCE IS A BIT LESS FOR SOUTHEASTERN AREAS GENERALLYAFTER MIDNIGHT...AS SOME WEAKENING OF THE LINE IS POSSIBLE. STAY TUNED FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THIS DEVELOPING WEATHER SITUATION.

Updated Outlook for Today and Tomorrow

DAY ONE...TODAY AND TONIGHT.

A FEW STRONG THUNDERSTORMS ARE POSSIBLE THIS AFTERNOON ACROSS EASTERN AND NORTH CENTRAL ALABAMA. THE PRIMARY THREAT WILL BE WIND GUSTS UPTO 45 MPH AND SMALL HAIL. A BACK DOOR FRONT WILL MOVE FROM GEORGIA INTO EAST ALABAMA THIS MORNING. THE FRONT WILL ACT AS A TRIGGER FORAFTERNOON THUNDERSTORMS.

DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...FRIDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY.

THE LIKELIHOOD OF SEVERE STORMS ON FRIDAY CONTINUES TO INCREASE.SEVERE STORMS ARE POSSIBLE ACROSS ALL OF CENTRAL ALABAMA ON FRIDAY...WITH THE MAIN SEVERE WEATHER THREAT STARTING AS EARLY AS 2 PM AND LASTING AS LATE AS 3 AM SATURDAY. THE STORMS ARE MOST LIKELY TO COME IN THE FORM OF A SQUALL LINE...THAT WILL PUSH ACROSS THE AREA FROM NORTHWEST TO SOUTHEAST FRIDAY NIGHT. THE PRIMARY THREAT ASSOCIATED WITH THIS SQUALL LINE WILL BE DAMAGING STRAIGHT LINE WINDS. HOWEVER...SUPERCELL THUNDERSTORMS THAT MAY BE EMBEDDED IN THE LINE...OR FORM AHEAD OF THE LINE...COULD ALSO PRODUCE TORNADOES.

Pollen Forecast: April 3

Technical Discussion:

The pollen levels for Friday will be falling into the very low range. The cause for the falling pollen levels is heavy rains in the afternoon and evening which tend to wash pollen out of the air.

Pollen and Allergy Fact:

Visiting a local arboretum will give you an opportunity to learn how to identify, and when necessary avoid, plants in your area. This is especially helpful for patients with plant and pollen allergies.

Allergy Tip:

People who have had an allergic reaction to an insect sting have a 60 percent chance of a similar or worse reaction if stung again.

Severe Weather Threat Increasing

DAY ONE...TONIGHT.

NO HAZARDOUS WEATHER IS EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...THURSDAY THROUGH TUESDAY.

THE LIKELIHOOD OF STRONG TO SEVERE STORMS ON FRIDAY CONTINUES TO INCREASE. SEVERE STORMS ARE POSSIBLE ACROSS ALL OF CENTRAL ALABAMA ON FRIDAY...WITH THE MAIN SEVERE WEATHER THREAT STARTING ASEARLY AS 2 PM AND LASTING AS LATE AS 3 AM SATURDAY.THE STORMS ARE MOST LIKELY TO COME IN THE FORM OF A SQUALL LINE...THAT WILL PUSH ACROSS THE AREA FROM NORTHWEST TO SOUTHEAST. THE PRIMARY THREAT ASSOCIATED WITH THIS LINE WILL BE DAMAGING STRAIGHT LINE WINDS. HOWEVER...SUPERCELL THUNDERSTORMS THAT MAY BE EMBEDDED IN THE LINE...OR FORM JUST AHEAD OF THE LINE...COULD ALSO PRODUCE TORNADOES.

NO ADDITIONAL HAZARDOUS WEATHER IS EXPECTED THROUGH THE REMAINDER OFTHE PERIOD.

Pollen Forecast: April 2, 2008

Today 8.9 (High) on a scale of 0-12
4/3/2008 8.7 (High) on a scale of 0-12
4/4/2008 9.7 (High) on a scale of 0-12
4/5/2008 9.8 (High) on a scale of 0-12

Today's predominant pollen:Oak, Ash and Cedar/Juniper.

---Technical Discussion---The pollen levels for Thursday will remain relatively stable in the high range. The pollen producing plants are delivering a fairly constant level of pollen into the air.

Learn more about this month's featured pollen:

---Did You Know?---Occasionally individuals with allergic reactions to tree pollen may also be sensitive to raw fruits such as apples, plums and pears.

---Allergy Tip---Eliminating wall to wall carpeting and thick rugs will reduce the sources of mold, dust, and other allergenic materials.

Outlook for Friday

DAY ONE...TODAY AND TONIGHT.
NO HAZARDOUS WEATHER IS EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...THURSDAY THROUGH TUESDAY.

THE LIKELIHOOD OF STRONG TO SEVERE STORMS ON FRIDAY ISINCREASING. SEVERE STORMS ARE POSSIBLE ACROSS ALL OF CENTRALALABAMA FRIDAY AFTERNOON AND EVENING. THE MOST LIKELY THREAT FROMTHESE STORMS WILL BE DAMAGING STRAIGHT LINE WIND. HOWEVER...HAIL AND ISOLATED TORNADOES CANNOT BE RULED OUT. A FEW STORMS COULD LINGER INTO EARLY SATURDAY.

Updated Outlook for Today

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR THE COUNTIES SERVED BY THENATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE OFFICE IN BIRMINGHAM.

DAY ONE...TODAY AND TONIGHT.

STRONG THUNDERSTORMS ARE POSSIBLE FROM 2 PM UNTIL 8 PM ACROSS AREAS SOUTH OF A LINE FROM EUTAW...TO CLANTON...TO LAFAYETTE. THE STORMS ARE CAPABLE OF PRODUCING WINDS GUSTS UP TO 45 MPH AND SMALL HAIL.

DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...WEDNESDAY THROUGH MONDAY.

STRONG TO SEVERE STORMS ARE POSSIBLE ACROSS ALL OF CENTRAL ALABAMAFRIDAY AFTERNOON AND EVENING. THE STORMS WILL BE CAPABLE OF PRODUCING DAMAGING STRAIGHT LINE WINDS.

Pollen Forecast: April 1st

Today 8.2 (High) on a scale of 0-12
4/2/2008 8.6 (High) on a scale of 0-12
4/3/2008 11.3 (High) on a scale of 0-12

Today's predominant pollen:Oak, Ash and Cedar/Juniper.

---Technical Discussion---The quantity of pollen grains in the air for Wednesday will remain relatively stable in the high range. No change doesn't mean no pollen, it just means that pollen producing plants are delivering pollen at a steady pace.

Learn more about this month's featured pollen:

---Did You Know?---The box elder tree is the most allergenic of the maple family. It is commonly found in the Midwest.

---Allergy Tip---Water leaks in a home can instantly present mold problems.

Outlook for Today

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...TUESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY.

ON TUESDAY...A FEW STRONG STORMS ARE POSSIBLE ALONG A WEAK COLD FRONT AS IT MOVES ACROSS CENTRAL ALABAMA. THE MAIN THREAT WILL BE DURING THE AFTERNOON HOURS...AS DAYTIME HEATING WILL ENHANCE ACTIVITY GENERALLY SOUTH OF THE INTERSTATE 20 CORRIDOR. HOWEVER...AN ISOLATED STRONG STORM WILL BE POSSIBLE ACROSS THE NORTH...DURING THE MORNING HOURS.

ON FRIDAY STRONG STORMS WILL BE POSSIBLE ACROSS ALL OF CENTRAL ALABAMA DURING THE AFTERNOON. STORMS SHOULD DIMINISH IN INTENSITY SHORTLY AFTER SUNSET. HOWEVER...ANOTHER ROUND OF STRONG STORMS LOOKS POSSIBLE LATE FRIDAY NIGHT AS ANOTHER DISTURBANCE MOVES RAPIDLY ACROSS THE AREA. STAY ADVISED AS FUTURE FORECAST WILL UPDATE THE TIMING AND STRENGTH OF THIS SYSTEM.