Thursday, January 31, 2008

Powerful Storm System on the Way!

Another powerful storm system will charge through central Alabama bringing a threat of strong to possibly even some severe thunderstorms. Hello, I'm Meteorologist, Lauren Whisenhunt.

Today is going to be another active weather day across the Southeast as another strong low pressure system brings a chance of severe thunderstorms this afternoon into tonight. As far as the CBS 42 viewing area goes, the latest forecast information shows the greatest risk of severe weather in the southern part of our state where the most unstable air will reside. Thus, a higher threat of dangerous thunderstorms will be mainly south of a line from Demopolis to Montgomery to Montgomery (south of I-80). Nevertheless, if the moist, unstable air lifts farther north than forecast, more of central Alabama will fall into this severe weather risk. Otherwise for today, we can expect some beneficial rain. Right now, I'm thinking roughly around an inch of rain is expected. This afternoon, we are really going to begin to see our winds pick up. Expect sustained winds of 15-25 mph with gusts 30-35 mph.

**The NWS in Bham has issued a LAKE WIND ADVISORY that is in effect from 5pm this afternoon to 4am Friday morning. A Lake Wind Advisory indicates that winds will cause rough chop on area lakes. Small boats will be especially prone to capsizing.**
To recap today's forecast, temperatures are starting off this morning in the low to mid 30's with winds out of the East 5-10 mph. Winds will begin to pick up from the southeast, mainly later on today. Rain chances will significantly increase this afternoon as more moisture is being pumped into the area by breezy, southerly winds. Daytime highs will be in the mid to upper 50s. Again, if it remains this cool across central Alabama, it will be difficult for this storm system to produce severe thunderstorms. However, please stay with CBS 42 through the day as we track this weather system Today.

After midnight, storms and widespread rain will move out of our viewing area allowing northwest winds to usher more cold, dry air back into central Alabama. As a result, expect clearing skies on Friday with highs only in the mid 40s.

The weekend looks milder with nice outdoor weather conditions. Saturday we can expect mostly sunny skies with highs near 60 degrees. On Sunday, we bring a slight chance for rain back into the forecast. Otherwise, expect partly cloudy skies with daytime highs in the mid 60's.

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Simple Steps to Save Water

Abnormally dry and drought conditions persist across much of Alabama - 85 percent of the state is classified as at least abnormally dry, and 77 percent of the state is classified at the moderate drought level or worse. While heavy rains did help to relieve dry conditions in the very southern areas of Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana, groundwater, reservoir, and stream levels are still low in other parts of these states, and some areas continue to experience severe drought.

Winter is a great time to implement simple water conservation measures inside your home:

Only run the dishwasher and washing machine when they are full - save about 1000 gallons per month.

Fix a leaky faucet - save about 140 gallons per week.

Keep your shower under five minutes - save up to 1000 gallons per month.

Added up, these easy steps save more than 2500 gallons of water in a month - that's enough water to meet the daily needs of a family of four for almost two weeks!

Power Update plus Wednesday Forecast

After a very windy Tuesday night, the weather will calm down for a brief period. But then, more severe weather is possible into Thursday. Hello, I'm Meteorologist, Lauren Whisenhunt.

A strong cold front rolled through central Alabama last night bringing strong, damaging winds with gusts exceeding 60 miles per hour! These strong winds resulted in numerous power outages and reports of tree damage and other property damage also.

POWER UPDATE:

SOME AREAS OF ALABAMA ARE OUT OF POWER THIS MORNING DUE TO THE HIGH WINDS THAT OCCURRED DURING THE NIGHT.

53 THOUSAND WERE WITHOUT ELECTRICITY ACROSS ALABAMA.

ALABAMA POWER TOLD US THAT CREWS HAVE BEEN WORKING ALL NIGHT RESTORING POWER TO ALMOST TWENTY THOUSAND HOMES.

12 THOUSAND ARE STILL OUT IN THE BIRMINGHAM AREA, WITH 7 THOUSAND IN TUSCALOOSA, AND 4 THOUSAND IN GADSDEN.

OFFICIALS SAY CREWS WILL BE WORKING THROUGHOUT THE DAY AND EXPECT ALMOST EVERYONE TO BE RESTORED BY TONIGHT.

A colder airmass has invaded the deep south behind this strong frontal system. Temperatures started out this morning ranging from 20-29 degrees. Expect mostly sunny skies today with highs around 50. Winds will be out of the north between 5 and 10 mph.

Tonight will be clear and cold with lows dipping to near 30 degrees.

Then, the active weather pattern continues on Thursday with another developing low pressure system bringing a chance of severe thunderstorms Thursday afternoon into Thursday night. The Storm Prediction Center has the southern half of our state under a slight risk for severe weather. This is where the most unstable air will be.

Stay tuned as we track this unsettled weather pattern this week.

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Showers and Thunderstorms Likely Today


A few strong to even severe thunderstorms are possible today. Hello, I'm Meteorologist, Lauren Whisenhunt.

A strong cold front will approach central Alabama today, bringing with it showers and thunderstorms. We are starting off the day with mostly cloudy skies and breezy, southerly winds. Daytime highs will be on the mild side near 66 degrees.

Our best chance of showers and thunderstorms will be this afternoon into the evening hours. The Storm Prediction Center has put portions of the CBS 42 viewing area (mainly along and north of I-20/59) under a slight risk for severe thunderstorms. Right now, it looks like the main threat will be damaging winds. Out ahead of this system expect strong southerly winds around 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.

A Lake Wind Advisory is in effect from 10am this morning until 1pm this afternoon (rough chop is expected on area lakes). A Wind Advisory goes into effect at 1pm today and lasts until 2am Wednesday morning. This means that sustained winds of 20 mph are expected or gusts greater than 30 mph.

Once the front passes tonight, winds will shift and become northwesterly ushering in colder temperatures. Overnight lows will fall into the mid 30's by early Wednesday morning.

High pressure will clear things out on Wednesday and we will see mostly sunny skies and cooler temperatures. Daytime highs will be in the lower to mid 50s.

Then, the active weather pattern continues on Thursday with another developing low pressure system bringing a chance of severe thunderstorms Thursday afternoon into Thursday night.

Stay tuned as we track this unsettled weather pattern this week.

Monday, January 28, 2008

Above Average Temperatures Expected

Although this morning will be quite chilly, the jackets will probably come off by the afternoon. Hello, I'm Meteorologist, Lauren Whisenhunt.

Typically this time of year, daytime highs are around 53 degrees with overnight lows near 33. We are starting off this morning with below average temperatures, but come this afternoon, we will see above average temperatures with highs in the low to mid 60's. If your not a fan of cold weather, this forecast is shaping up for you. For today, high pressure will be off to our east. This will allow winds to become southerly and warm us up considerably by the afternoon hours under mostly sunny to partly cloudy skies. Therefore, as you return to work or school today, be sure to layer your clothes as temperatures are starting out in the 20s this morning and will quickly recover the mid 60s by this afternoon.

Expect increasing clouds today ahead of our next weather maker with lows in the middle 40s.

On Tuesday, moisture returns to the state and temperatures will climb once again to the mid 60's. A cold front will approach us from the west giving us a good chance of showers and thunderstorms during the day and evening hours. This is continued great news for our drought situation as almost 40% of the State of Alabama is under an Exceptional Drought.

Conditions will clear on Wednesday before another powerful system gets its act together on Thursday bringing a chance of severe storms.

Stay tuned as we track this unsettled weather pattern this week.

Saturday, January 26, 2008

The Ice that Never Was....

Ice Storm 2008 is a no show! Hello, I'm Meteorologist, Charles Daniel.

Temperatures remain just warm enough to prevent the major ice problems that
could have been. Let me take just a second and say, "Wheeeeew!"

For Today... The rain will continue to clear out. The clouds will quickly follow
through the day. As of this writing (5:30am), temperatures are still very close to the
freezing mark. Combining that with a light drizzle, we could see a light coating of
ice on elevated surfaces, but shouldn't be a major problem. Still use caution on
bridges and overpasses through mid morning. Obey the speed limit, and start and
stop slowly.

A "Freezing Drizzle Advisory" will be allowed to continue until it expires at 8:00am.
But no problems are expected and no major problems have been reported.
The rain should be totally gone by Noon today and the Clouds will linger for a few
hours then clear up. Temperatures should slowly rise into the Low to Mid 40's.
There is a potential for some patchy fog development as the clouds clear up.
Shouldn't be a big issue but be aware.

High Pressure moves back in on Sunday and Sunshine should be much more
dominant. Temperatures will continue to rise slowly through the weekend.

Thursday, January 24, 2008

T-Town Snowman

Michael, Mikayla and Mikenzie Turner of Tuscaloosa, Alabama displayed great team spirit while working really hard to created their new friend, "Snowy" the Snowman. They are looking forwad to their dad's next assignment in 4 months where they will be stationed at the United States Military Academy (West Point) in New York. They know that they will have many opportunities to create many snowmen!

Wow She's a Looker!

This is a hawaiian lady themed snow woman. Ain't she a beaut!

Best Wishes!!!
Ken and Samantha
(and Brittany Kuykendall, our niece)

Vestavia Snow Angel

The Simpsons in Vestavia

More Winter Weather Pics? Why Not?

From David & Susan Young
Chelsea, AL

Warm Water and Energy Waste

Did you know that the water heater can account for up to a quarter of a home's energy use? As weather cools, you can reduce heat-loss from your water heater by insulating the tank and hot water pipes. Adding insulation to the water heater tank can reduce heat-loss by between 25 and 45 percent, saving four to nine percent on water heating costs. Well-insulated pipes also reduce heat loss and can raise water temperature by two to four degrees, allowing you to lower your hot water temperature setting to save even more energy.

You can purchase inexpensive, pre-made blankets or jackets for your hot water heater tank from some utility companies or your local home improvement store - look for an insulating value of "R-8." Insulate hot water pipes using insulation wrap, fiberglass tape strips, or pipe sleeves for at least three feet from the heater (if you have a gas heater, keep insulation at least six-inches from the flue). Once you have insulated, consider lowering the water heater temperature - just ten degrees can save three to five percent on energy costs.

Another Blast of Cold!

Cold Air Remains through the end of the week. Hello, I'm Meteorologist, Charles Daniel.

We will start the day off with some low clouds this morning. South of I-20 we will continue to see some patchy areas of light rainfall. A weak Cold Front has pushed through this morning, a secondary push of colder air will plow through the state this afternoon. Temperatures will struggle to get back into the Low 40's. Clouds this morning should begin to gradually clear up by tonight.

Surface winds today will be a bit of a problem. We could see wind gusts as high as 25 miles per hour. Sustained winds will be out of the North at 10 to 15 mph.
Tonight, clear and cold conditions will persist. Expect to see Teen's and 20's tomorrow morning heading out the door. A mix of sun and clouds can be expect Friday afternoon as temps climb into the Upper 40's.

The airmass will remain extremely dry over the course of the day Friday. Fire dangers will be high. By the end of the weekend expect a bit of a warm up. Temperatures could be in the mid 60's by Monday!

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Colder Air is Headed Our Way


A strong cold front will bring another blast of Arctic Air our way Thursday. Hello, I'm Meteorologist Lauren Whisenhunt.

The cold front that moved through our area yesterday washed out just to the south of us. Therefore, we are left with plenty of low level moisture which has allowed the low clouds to hang around, as well as patchy areas of fog and drizzle to develop this morning. We will continue to see cloudy skies throughout the day today with patchy areas of fog until around 9am. Visibilities may be reduced to less than 1 mile across some locations. For the rest of today, expect mostly cloudy skies and daytime highs in the upper 40's to near 50 degrees. Late this afternoon into the evening hours, a disturbance will move NE out of TX today and bring us a slight chance for showers later today mainly south of I-20/59.

Late tonight into tomorrow morning, another strong cold front will move through Alabama bringing with it a blast of Arctic air that will invade the Deep South. This Arctic cold front will cause temperatures to tumble through the overnight hours tonight. Lows will be in the upper 20's to around 30 degrees. Highs on Thursday will struggle to reach near 40 degrees despite plenty of sunshine with partly cloudy skies. Additionally, brisk northwest winds 10-20 mph, with higher gusts, will make it feel even colder with the wind chill factor. Bundle up!

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

More Snow Pictures!

This is Taylor enjoying her first day in the snow. Taken in Sterrett, AL area this past Saturday.

Cold, Rainy Tuesday

Grab the umbrella as you head out the door..... Hello, I'm Meteorologist Lauren Whisenhunt.

Rain showers are moving across Central Alabama as a cold front approaches the area. With chilly temperatures near the freezing mark in some areas, be aware of the possibility of some isolated patches of freezing rain or light sleet through 9am then rain likely through the afternoon hours. However, we don't expect any significant travel problems due to the approaching moisture. However, use caution on bridges and overpasses as you may encounter a few slick spots. The best chance to see some freezing rain this morning will be a line north and along a line from Oneonta to Jacksonville. Daytime highs will be in the mid to upper 40s with a chance of cold rain showers throughout the afternoon and early evening hours. Thus, we don't anticipate any significant amounts of frozen precipitation with this frontal system.

Tonight skies will gradually clear as this cold front moves out of the CBS 42 viewing area. Overnight lows will drop into the lower 30s by night's end.

Wednesday will be a chilly day with highs only reaching the mid 40s under partly cloudy skies. But, if you think 46 is chilly, Thursday's weather will make the mid 40s not seem as bad.

Wednesday night into Thursday, another strong blast of Arctic air will invade the Deep South. This Arctic cold front will cause temperatures to tumble to the mid 20s Wednesday night. Then, highs will struggle Thursday to reach the mid 30s despite plenty of sunshine. Additionally, brisk northwest winds will make it feel even colder with the wind chill factor. Bundle up!

Another shot of moisture looks to arrive for the weekend. If enough cold air stays in place over central Alabama, we may be dealing with more wintry weather. We will certainly keep you updated on that.

Monday, January 21, 2008

MLK Day Forecast

The MLK Jr Holiday will start out frigid. But, the Arctic chill is coming to an end. Hello, I'm Meteorologist, Lauren Whisenhunt.

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN BIRMINGHAM HAS ISSUED A RED FLAG WARNING...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM TO 5 PM CST THIS AFTERNOON.

THE FIRE WEATHER WATCH IS NO LONGER IN EFFECT. RELATIVE HUMIDITIES WILL LIKELY FALL BELOW 25 PERCENT BEFORE NOON AND REMAIN THAT WAY THROUGH THE AFTERNOON. A RED FLAG WARNING MEANS THAT CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE EITHER OCCURRING NOW...OR WILL SHORTLY. A COMBINATION OF GUSTY WINDS...LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY...AND WARMING TEMPERATURES...WILL CREATE EXPLOSIVE FIRE GROWTH POTENTIAL.

Temperatures started off our Monday morning ranging from the low teens to low 20's thanks to a cold blast of Arctic air that has invaded the Deep South. However, with mostly sunny skies today and winds becoming more southeasterly this afternoon, daytime highs will recover to the upper 40s for the afternoon hours. Typically for this time of year, daytime highs are near 53 degrees with overnight lows around 32.

Tonight will be cold, but more on the average side for this time of year. Expect temperatures to drop into the mid 30s tonight along with increasing clouds.

Tuesday, a cold front will bring a round of rain showers as many of us head back to work. Daytime highs will be in the upper 40s to lower 50s, which will be too mild for anything other than rain to fall.

The rest of the work week will have temperatures near normal with highs in the lower 50s and low temperatures in the lower 30s.

Another shot of rain looks to arrive for the weekend. We will certainly keep you updated on that.

Saturday, January 19, 2008

Mountain Brook loves Sara Sanders!



Alden, Rae Evelyn & Strother from Mountain Brook
Photo taken in Mountain Brook on 1.19.08

Stephen Hauck says, "Bring on the Snow!"




All shots were taken in Helena. Stephen Hauck - Anchor/Reporter CBS 42

Pelham Snowfall




Here are some snow pics from Pelham: taken by Paul Ward with Lil Ward.

Hey Folks!

Okay, I have posted enough of the pictures for today. I would guess I have received at least a hundred emails with pictures. And I appreciate every one of them.

I will continue to post more tomorrow from my home computer. Please keep them coming. Remember.. two ways to submit weather photos. Go to www.CBS42.com and click on Weather Shots under the Weather Menu and follow the instructions there. OR you can email them directly to me at CharlesDaniel@CBS42.com .

If you have some interesting Weather Shots that aren't related to the Winter Weather.. send those too! I will do what I can to post them to the blog! Have a great day!

Opelika Snow Pictures



Here are four snow pictures around the Rocky Brook area of Opelika. 11:30 a.m. CST.
Brock Parker

Greg's Dog Attacking a Snowman

"Here is a picture of my dog sniffing a small snow man."

Montevallo Snow




Pictures taken 19 January 2008 by Tim Bratton of Montevallo

Bessemer Snowman


Rachel and Lauren built this snowman in Bessemer AL.

Southern Shelby Co. Snow





We live in Shelby County near the Bibb County line.

Cindy Howard

Snow Construction of I-22


As the title says this is the construction of I-22 seen from Coalburg Rd. The second picture you can see a guy driving the CAT. Cold day to be working outside.

Vestavia Snowman (and Friends)

Karol Leggett
Taken in Vestavia Hills, Alabama
January 19, 2008
Taken at our home.

Fultondale Snow Pics!


A couple pics of snow the first is Five Mile Creek in Fultondale. And the other is out in my neighborhood in Fultondale.

CBS 42 Snowman

Photos by: Shaun Capps
Commercial Writer / Producer for CBS 42






Chelsea Snow Day!

This is a picture of Commander John and Maggie May
taken just in Cameron Woods of Chelsea, Alabama!

Today's Snowfall


North Shelby Co. Snow!

Emmanuel (in the Auburn hat) and Grey (in the Texas Tech hat)
Taken in Highland Lakes, Birmingham

Pinson Snow Puppies!

Prissy and Lacy Phillips
Dressed for the snow!

Mountain Brook

The Berger family of Mountain Brook, Birmingham.
January 19, 2008 10:30 a.m.

Cullman Snowman!



Snowman from Cullman snow on Wed!

Tuscaloosa Weather Pics




"Taken on January 19th, 2008 between 9:00 a.m & 10:00 a.m. at Stone Creek Apartments in Tuscaloosa." Brooke Bryan. (click images for a larger view.)