For many cities, personal vehicles are the biggest year-round source of air pollution, and cars account for more than 25 percent of air pollution in the US! Congestion on the roadways is no longer just a big-city problem -- as a matter of fact, the amount of time commuters spend stuck in traffic has quadrupled since 1982 for small- and mid-sized cities. Sitting in traffic and idling vehicles generate emissions that affect our air quality and cost commuters billions of dollars in wasted gas and time.
It is estimated that Alabama residents spent more than 4,300 dollars on gas in 2007, up eight percent from 2006 (an increase of about 310 dollars). Regardless of how much time you spend on the road, there are simple steps you can take to save gas and reduce emissions. Tune-up your engine to increase fuel economy by four percent; clean or replace air filters to boost fuel economy by up to ten percent; inflate your tires to the proper pressure for an increase of up to three percent; and obey the speed limit to increase fuel economy by seven to 23 percent!
(Sources: US Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration. "It All Adds Up to Cleaner Air." http://www.italladdsup.gov/about/index.asp; The Alliance to Save Energy. "Alabama Energy Costs to Jump this Winter: Energy and Money Saving Tips for Consumers." http://ase.org/extensions/state_facts/fact_sheets/AL.pdf)
Friday, February 29, 2008
Early Next Week
DAY ONE...TONIGHT. NO HAZARDOUS WEATHER IS EXPECTED AT THIS TIME..
DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...FRIDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY.
CONFIDENCE IS INCREASING THAT A POTENTIALLY SIGNIFICANT WEATHER EVENT WILL AFFECT MUCH OF CENTRAL ALABAMA MONDAY AND TUESDAY OF NEXT WEEK.
MONDAY AFTERNOON AND EVENING...STRONG TO SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ARE POSSIBLE ALONG AND AHEAD OF A STRONG COLD FRONT THAT WILL MOVE ACROSS THE AREA. STRONG WINDS...HAIL...AND TORNADOES ARE ALL POSSIBLE THREATS WITH THIS SYSTEM.
BEHIND THE COLD FRONT LATE MONDAY NIGHT AND EARLY TUESDAY MORNING...THERE MAY BE SUFFICIENT MOISTURE REMAINING AND COLD AIR TO BRING AT LEAST A PERIOD OF LIGHT TO MODERATE RAIN AND/OR SNOW SHOWERS. THE BEST CHANCES FOR A CHANGE OVER TO SNOW WILL BE ACROSS THE NORTHERN HALF OF CENTRAL ALABAMA.
A VERY STRONG UPPER LEVEL LOW IS EXPECTED TO MOVE OUT OF THE ROCKIES AND INTO THE SOUTHERN PLAINS STATES EARLY MONDAY. STRONG SOUTHERLY FLOW AHEAD OF THE THE LOW WILL TRANSPORT WARM AND MOIST AIR NORTHWARD. A SURFACE LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM IS EXPECTED TO FORM IN THE LOWER MISSISSIPPI VALLEY DURING THE DAY...AND THEN MOVE NORTHWARD TOWARDS THE TENNESSEE VALLEY MONDAY NIGHT...WITH A SHARP COLD FRONT MOVING THROUGH CENTRAL ALABAMA OVERNIGHT. IN ADDITION TO THE ABOVE MENTIONED HAZARDS...THIS DEEP SYSTEM WILL ALSO BRING BREEZY TO WINDY CONDITIONS TO MUCH OF CENTRAL ALABAMA...WITH SOUTHERLY WINDS ON MONDAY...AND WESTERLY TO NORTHWESTERLY WINDS ON TUESDAY.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Temperatures Rebounding this Afternoon
Southerly winds this afternoon will warm temperatures up nicely into the mid 50's. Hello, I'm Meteorologist, Lauren Whisenhunt.Today is going to be a beautiful day across central Alabama. After a very cold start this morning, temperatures will warm up into the mid 50's during the afternoon hours. Winds will become more southerly around 5-10 mph.
Clouds will increase tonight ahead of our next frontal system that will be moving through on Friday. Overnight lows will be on the chilly side, but not as cold as the past two nights. Lows will drop to the mid 30s.
A cold front will move through the CBS 42 viewing area will bring us a chance of rain showers on Friday with highs near 60.
Although still a little uncertain, the weekend looks to be quite pleasant with partly skies and temperatures in the mid 60s on Saturday and upper 60s on Sunday. If the forecast models continue this trend, get ready to enjoy some nice weekend weather!
Update on Damage Reports from Tuesday
The National Weather Service has completed an aerial survey of the damage that occurred early Tuesday morning. After combining all of the information from today's aerial survey and the ground surveys conducted Tuesday afternoon... it has been concluded that... in addition to widespread severe thunderstorm wind damage... three EF-1 tornadoes touched down across Central Alabama.
... Swath of Wind Damage...
Survey crews found a wide swath of 90 to 105 mph straight-line wind damage... with hundreds of trees and numerous power lines toppled... along with multiple structures... homes and businesses. The primary damage swath moved generally from west to east... starting in the southern portion of Metro Birmingham and continuing all the way to the Georgia state line. Significant damage was reported in the following portions of counties:
Southern Jefferson.Northeast Shelby.Southern St. Clair.Southern Calhoun.Northern Talladega.Southern Cleburne.Northern Clay.Northern Randolph.
Within this main damage swath... there were several areas of enhanced damage... caused by tornadoes and straight line winds.
... Highland Lakes (Shelby County) Tornado and Wind Damage...
A National Weather Service survey team has assessed damage in the Highland Lakes community in northern Shelby County. After investigating storm damage with both a ground survey team and an aerial survey... the team determined the damage was a result of a combination of an EF-1 tornado and severe winds from a thunderstorm.
A fairly narrow path of damage that was approximately 150 yards wide at the widest point began just to the lee of Double Oak Mountain... and continued east-northeastward on a 080 degree heading for 0.6 miles. Twenty to 30 trees were either uprooted /hardwoods/ or snapped /pines/ along the path in a slightly convergent/crossing pattern. Several homes received damage from direct or indirect hits from falling trees. On one street directly in the path of the tornado... the mailboxes on both sides of the street were sucked open. At Pinecliff Circle and Highland Park drive... at least 3 homes had roofing or siding stripped off the homes by the tornado. Wind speeds with this tornado were estimated between 80 and 95 mph. 20 to 30 homes were damaged along the path of this tornado... which occurred at approximately 350 am.
In the eastern portion of Highland Lakes and along Shelby County Road 41... there was extensive tree damage... with several hundred trees either snapped or fallen in a slightly divergent pattern centered around a heading of 040 degrees. This damage area was approximately 1.2 miles wide and approximately 0.6 miles long. Still... wind speeds in this area were estimated at 90 to 105 miles per hour... equivalent in strength of an EF-1 tornado or a low end category 2 hurricane.
On Highway 119 between Highway 280 and the Shelby County line... there were numerous sporadic instances of tree damage consistent with wind speeds of up to 90 mph. At approximately 400 am... at the intersection of Shelby County Road 43 and Lilly Road... 20 to 30 trees were either uprooted or snapped. All trees were felled in a uniform direction... with winds possibly funneled somewhat due to local terrain. Wind speeds in this area were also estimated at 90 to 105 miles per hour.
Severe Thunderstorm Watch 76 was in effect at the time of these events. A Severe Thunderstorm Warning was in effect from 347 am until 415 am. No injuries were reported.
... Leeds (Jefferson County) Tornado...
A National Weather Service survey team has assessed damage in the city of Leeds in eastern Jefferson County. After investigating a very complex pattern of widespread damage with both a ground survey team and an aerial survey... the team determined the damage was a result of a tornado.
The tornado has been rated an EF-1 on the Enhanced Fujita scale. Damage estimates were consistent with winds around 100 mph. The tornado damage path was approximately 3 miles long and 500 yards wide at its widest point. The tornado touched down east of Interstate 20 near Henry Ellen Rd... where trees falling on a Mobile home caused a fatality. The tornado tracked east-southeastward at a heading of 100 degrees... roughly between the railroad tracks and Highway 78 towards the city center. There was significant roof damage to several buildings along Highway 78 from Leeds City Park in the downtown area... windows were blown out of several businesses... buildings were partially de-roofed... and the brick facade of one building was collapsed. The old rock wool warehouse facility received major... irreparable damage. The most concentrated and significant material damage occured near Leeds High School. Fencing around the girls softball field was mangled and twisted... and a large batting catch was overturned and rolled. Tall wooden utility poles with field lighting were snapped half way up. Several homes just to the east of the athletic fields received significant damage. Witnesses in the area reported hearing a freight train.
Over the path of this tornado... an estimated 30 to 40 homes and 20 to 30 businesses were damaged or destroyed. Several hundred trees were either snapped off or were uprooted along the path. No other injuries were reported. The most significant damage occurred between 340 and 345 am. Severe Thunderstorm Watch number 76 was in effect at the time... and a Severe Thunderstorm Warning was in effect from 323 am until 4 am.
Special thanks to the Leeds Police Department for assisting in this storm survey.
... Pell City/Cropwell (St. Clair County) Tornado and Wind Damage...
After conducting areal and ground surveys... National Weather Service meteorologists have determined that the damage around Cropwell in southern St. Clair County was the result of a tornado... rated as an EF-1 on the Enhanced Fujita scale. Winds associated with this tornado were estimated around 105 mph. Total path length was 2.75 miles with a maximum width of 1100 yards. In the Hunting Ridge subdivision... a dozen homes sustained roof or structural damage along with five outbuildings sustaining structural damage... and power lines downed. On Holiday Estates Drive... six homes sustained roof or structural damage... and power lines were downed. At the Pell City sports complex... several signs... fences... and dugouts were damaged. Across this entire path... several hundred trees were uprooted or snapped.
Straight line wind damage was observed across other portions of the County. 50 to 100 trees uprooted or snapped just north of the Wolf Creek Volunteer Fire Department. Two homes and two mobile homes sustained structural damage with several trees uprooted or snapped in Chulavista on Mountain Ridge Road. Five homes sustained roof or structural damage with several trees uprooted or snapped in Margaret. Several trees were uprooted or snapped near Camp Winnataska. No injuries were reported. All damage occurred around 400 am.
... Northeast Talladega and Southern Calhoun Counties Wind Damage...
Wind damage along Interstate 20... Airport Road... and Highway 78 west of Oxford... was caused by straight-line winds. These winds were estimated to be on the order of 85 to 90 mph... or comparable to an EF-1 tornado. Most of the damage was in the form of snapped trees... uprooted trees... and limbs knocked down. There were some blown down signs and some damage to billboards.
The line of thunderstorms accelerated through the area around 418 am. A Severe Thunderstorm Warning was in effect from 413 to 445 am.
The roof damage at Saks High School was determined to be caused by straight-line winds. Estimated wind speeds were on the order of 70 to 80 mph... or comparable to an EF-0 tornado.
The widespread wind damage east of Friendship Road... beginning in the Douglas Drive... Glover Drive... and Jerry Avenue area... southeast of Oxford... was also determined to be associated with straight-line winds. These winds were likely on the order of 90 to 100 mph... or comparable to an EF-1 tornado. Numerous Oak trees were uprooted and numerous Pine trees were snapped. It is estimated 50 to 100 trees were damaged by the thunderstorm winds. There was some roof damage to a few homes... mainly on the west-facing sides. A roof was blown off a barn. A few fences were also blown down.
The line of thunderstorms accelerated through the Saks and Oxford areas around 420 am. A Severe Thunderstorm Warning was in effect from 413 to 445 am.
... Swath of Wind Damage...
Survey crews found a wide swath of 90 to 105 mph straight-line wind damage... with hundreds of trees and numerous power lines toppled... along with multiple structures... homes and businesses. The primary damage swath moved generally from west to east... starting in the southern portion of Metro Birmingham and continuing all the way to the Georgia state line. Significant damage was reported in the following portions of counties:
Southern Jefferson.Northeast Shelby.Southern St. Clair.Southern Calhoun.Northern Talladega.Southern Cleburne.Northern Clay.Northern Randolph.
Within this main damage swath... there were several areas of enhanced damage... caused by tornadoes and straight line winds.
... Highland Lakes (Shelby County) Tornado and Wind Damage...
A National Weather Service survey team has assessed damage in the Highland Lakes community in northern Shelby County. After investigating storm damage with both a ground survey team and an aerial survey... the team determined the damage was a result of a combination of an EF-1 tornado and severe winds from a thunderstorm.
A fairly narrow path of damage that was approximately 150 yards wide at the widest point began just to the lee of Double Oak Mountain... and continued east-northeastward on a 080 degree heading for 0.6 miles. Twenty to 30 trees were either uprooted /hardwoods/ or snapped /pines/ along the path in a slightly convergent/crossing pattern. Several homes received damage from direct or indirect hits from falling trees. On one street directly in the path of the tornado... the mailboxes on both sides of the street were sucked open. At Pinecliff Circle and Highland Park drive... at least 3 homes had roofing or siding stripped off the homes by the tornado. Wind speeds with this tornado were estimated between 80 and 95 mph. 20 to 30 homes were damaged along the path of this tornado... which occurred at approximately 350 am.
In the eastern portion of Highland Lakes and along Shelby County Road 41... there was extensive tree damage... with several hundred trees either snapped or fallen in a slightly divergent pattern centered around a heading of 040 degrees. This damage area was approximately 1.2 miles wide and approximately 0.6 miles long. Still... wind speeds in this area were estimated at 90 to 105 miles per hour... equivalent in strength of an EF-1 tornado or a low end category 2 hurricane.
On Highway 119 between Highway 280 and the Shelby County line... there were numerous sporadic instances of tree damage consistent with wind speeds of up to 90 mph. At approximately 400 am... at the intersection of Shelby County Road 43 and Lilly Road... 20 to 30 trees were either uprooted or snapped. All trees were felled in a uniform direction... with winds possibly funneled somewhat due to local terrain. Wind speeds in this area were also estimated at 90 to 105 miles per hour.
Severe Thunderstorm Watch 76 was in effect at the time of these events. A Severe Thunderstorm Warning was in effect from 347 am until 415 am. No injuries were reported.
... Leeds (Jefferson County) Tornado...
A National Weather Service survey team has assessed damage in the city of Leeds in eastern Jefferson County. After investigating a very complex pattern of widespread damage with both a ground survey team and an aerial survey... the team determined the damage was a result of a tornado.
The tornado has been rated an EF-1 on the Enhanced Fujita scale. Damage estimates were consistent with winds around 100 mph. The tornado damage path was approximately 3 miles long and 500 yards wide at its widest point. The tornado touched down east of Interstate 20 near Henry Ellen Rd... where trees falling on a Mobile home caused a fatality. The tornado tracked east-southeastward at a heading of 100 degrees... roughly between the railroad tracks and Highway 78 towards the city center. There was significant roof damage to several buildings along Highway 78 from Leeds City Park in the downtown area... windows were blown out of several businesses... buildings were partially de-roofed... and the brick facade of one building was collapsed. The old rock wool warehouse facility received major... irreparable damage. The most concentrated and significant material damage occured near Leeds High School. Fencing around the girls softball field was mangled and twisted... and a large batting catch was overturned and rolled. Tall wooden utility poles with field lighting were snapped half way up. Several homes just to the east of the athletic fields received significant damage. Witnesses in the area reported hearing a freight train.
Over the path of this tornado... an estimated 30 to 40 homes and 20 to 30 businesses were damaged or destroyed. Several hundred trees were either snapped off or were uprooted along the path. No other injuries were reported. The most significant damage occurred between 340 and 345 am. Severe Thunderstorm Watch number 76 was in effect at the time... and a Severe Thunderstorm Warning was in effect from 323 am until 4 am.
Special thanks to the Leeds Police Department for assisting in this storm survey.
... Pell City/Cropwell (St. Clair County) Tornado and Wind Damage...
After conducting areal and ground surveys... National Weather Service meteorologists have determined that the damage around Cropwell in southern St. Clair County was the result of a tornado... rated as an EF-1 on the Enhanced Fujita scale. Winds associated with this tornado were estimated around 105 mph. Total path length was 2.75 miles with a maximum width of 1100 yards. In the Hunting Ridge subdivision... a dozen homes sustained roof or structural damage along with five outbuildings sustaining structural damage... and power lines downed. On Holiday Estates Drive... six homes sustained roof or structural damage... and power lines were downed. At the Pell City sports complex... several signs... fences... and dugouts were damaged. Across this entire path... several hundred trees were uprooted or snapped.
Straight line wind damage was observed across other portions of the County. 50 to 100 trees uprooted or snapped just north of the Wolf Creek Volunteer Fire Department. Two homes and two mobile homes sustained structural damage with several trees uprooted or snapped in Chulavista on Mountain Ridge Road. Five homes sustained roof or structural damage with several trees uprooted or snapped in Margaret. Several trees were uprooted or snapped near Camp Winnataska. No injuries were reported. All damage occurred around 400 am.
... Northeast Talladega and Southern Calhoun Counties Wind Damage...
Wind damage along Interstate 20... Airport Road... and Highway 78 west of Oxford... was caused by straight-line winds. These winds were estimated to be on the order of 85 to 90 mph... or comparable to an EF-1 tornado. Most of the damage was in the form of snapped trees... uprooted trees... and limbs knocked down. There were some blown down signs and some damage to billboards.
The line of thunderstorms accelerated through the area around 418 am. A Severe Thunderstorm Warning was in effect from 413 to 445 am.
The roof damage at Saks High School was determined to be caused by straight-line winds. Estimated wind speeds were on the order of 70 to 80 mph... or comparable to an EF-0 tornado.
The widespread wind damage east of Friendship Road... beginning in the Douglas Drive... Glover Drive... and Jerry Avenue area... southeast of Oxford... was also determined to be associated with straight-line winds. These winds were likely on the order of 90 to 100 mph... or comparable to an EF-1 tornado. Numerous Oak trees were uprooted and numerous Pine trees were snapped. It is estimated 50 to 100 trees were damaged by the thunderstorm winds. There was some roof damage to a few homes... mainly on the west-facing sides. A roof was blown off a barn. A few fences were also blown down.
The line of thunderstorms accelerated through the Saks and Oxford areas around 420 am. A Severe Thunderstorm Warning was in effect from 413 to 445 am.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Bundle Up Today!
Cold temperatures and brisk northwest winds will remind us it's still winter! Hello, I'm Meteorologist, Lauren Whisenhunt.Bundle up as you head out the door today because temperatures will be below average today. Typically this time of year, daytime highs are in the low 60's with overnight lows in the upper 30's. This morning, temperatures started off below the freezing mark and will only warm up into the low to mid 40's today. However, when you factor in the wind chill, it will feel even colder outside as you head out the door. Expect a mix of sun and clouds with breezy, NW winds between 10 and 20 mph.
Tonight will be another cold night with clear skies. Overnight lows will be dropping into the upper 20s.
Thursday, our winds will become more southerly which will allow our temperatures to rebound nicely. Expect mostly sunny skies with temperatures warming up into the mid 50's by the afternoon hours.
Damaging Winds - Tuesday, Feb. 26
A long-lived windstorm produced by severe thunderstorms, known as a derecho, caused a widespread swath of damage across Central Alabama during the early morning hours of February 26, 2008. Although there were some sporadic reports of light tree damage and small hail west of Interstate 65, a more intense and widespread swath of damage started in southern Jefferson and northern Shelby Counties between 3:30 am and 4:00 am. From there, the damage swath moved eastward, roughly parallel to Interstate 20, reaching the Georgia border by 5:00 am.
Thunderstorm wind gusts estimated at 60 to 70 mph were widespread in this damage swath, with occasional hurricane force peak wind gusts, estimated just over 100 mph in some areas. National Weather Service meteorologists are still investigating damage in the city of Leeds (Jefferson County) and in the Highland Lakes Subdivision (northern Shelby County) for possible tornado damage.
In the map below, the red shapes indicate approximate location of strongest part of thunderstorm line at the times indicated. The blue chevrons show the area of the worst thunderstorm wind damage.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Colder Air on the Way!
Colder air is moving into central Alabama behind a strong cold front that moved through earlier today. Hello, I'm Meteorologist, Lauren Whisenhunt.Strong, northwest winds will continue to usher in colder air today. Temperatures will sharply tumble causing winter's chill to return in full force for the middle of our work week. For the rest of the day, we have a chance for showers, mainly before noon. Otherwise, expect mostly cloudy skies along with breezy, NW winds. Temperatures will continue to drop through the afternoon hours.
Expect much colder temperatures tonight with overnight lows forecasted to drop below the freezing mark. Winds will be breezy out of the NW between 10-20 mph. When you factor in the wind chill, it will feel even colder outside tomorrow morning as you head out the door for work or school.
Tomorrow will feature plenty of sunshine with highs only in the mid to upper 40's. Winds will be breezy between 10-15 mph.
Tuesday Damage Reports
6 W Northport [Tuscaloosa Co, AL] emergency mngr reports HAIL of marble size (E0.50 INCH) at 03:00 AM CST -- ema reports marble sized hail in coker
Amateur radio reports trees down on Belmont Road in Irondale. South side of I-459 near Meadowbrook Swim Club. Power lines have fallen as well. (JEFFERSON COUNTY)
Oxford [Calhoun Co, AL] trained spotter reports HAIL of quarter size (E1.00 INCH) at 04:30 AM CST -- reported near hwy 78 in oxford.
Cordova [Walker Co, AL] emergency mngr reports TSTM WND DMG at 03:10 AM CST -- trees down in cordova.(4:39:25 AM) iembot: Chelsea [Shelby Co, AL] nws employee reports HAIL of pea size (E0.25 INCH) at 03:56 AM CST -- reported by off duty nws employee.
Leeds [Jefferson Co, AL] public reports HAIL of penny size (E0.75 INCH) at 04:00 AM CST –
5 Ese Birmingham [Jefferson Co, AL] amateur radio reports TSTM WND DMG at 04:00 AM CST -- trees down on belmont road
Leeds [Jefferson Co, AL] emergency mngr reports TSTM WND DMG at 04:00 AM CST -- trees down and homes damaged on veasey road. no additional details as to extent of damage.
Hoover [Jefferson Co, AL] emergency mngr reports TSTM WND DMG at 04:00 AM CST -- trees and powerlines down with power outages along hwy 31 and junction of hwy 150 and shades creek.
S Tuskegee [Macon Co, AL] law enforcement reports TSTM WND DMG at 04:02 AM CST -- tree down on hwy 69 at wyndham springs.
Oxford [Calhoun Co, AL] trained spotter reports HAIL of quarter size (E1.00 INCH) at 04:30 AM CST -- reported near hwy 78 in oxford.
TPD reporting large tree completely blocking Elm St in City of Talladega
TPD reports "half the roof is peeled off" of residence on Autumn Ln in Talladega. LPD reports mobile home roof damage in the area of Michaels Ln in Lincoln (LFD responding). LPD reporting a power line on fire on Quail Ridge Rd, vehicle blocked by tree and power line on Hwy 207. Numerous trees down and power outages reported across the county.
Also, tree on a residence on Parkway Ave in Bemiston community of Talladega.
Hwy 207 in Talladega County is closed: numerous trees and power lines in roadway.(5:14:24 AM) talladega2_al_ema: Hwy 207 is in northern Talladega County in Lincoln area.
TPD reporting tree down with power lines on Battle St, west of Nolen, in City of Talladega
Numerous reports of trees and power lines down in Lincoln area
Lincoln [Talladega Co, AL] emergency mngr reports TSTM WND DMG at 04:40 AM CST -- powerline down on quail ridge road and also on hwy 207.
2 Ssw Talladega [Talladega Co, AL] emergency mngr reports TSTM WND DMG at 04:40 AM CST -- half of the roof is peeled off a residence in bemiston.
Lincoln [Talladega Co, AL] emergency mngr reports TSTM WND DMG at 04:45 AM CST -- mobile home roof damage near michaels lane.
Talladega [Talladega Co, AL] emergency mngr reports TSTM WND DMG at 04:45 AM CST -- tree and trampoline in road and another on a house.
TPD reporting large tree completely blocking Elm St in City of Talladega
Ave H at 6 points in City of Talladega: tree down blocking roadway
TPD reports tree down with partial road blockage on McMillan near Talladega High School
Ttrees down blocking road at Wolf Pond Road. Cheaha Road near Camp Mac had trees down but they have been removed. Low powerlines are preventing schoolbus traffic in this area.
5 Ese Birmingham [Jefferson Co, AL] amateur radio reports TSTM WND DMG at 03:40 AM CST -- trees down on belmont road
Hoover [Jefferson Co, AL] emergency mngr reports TSTM WND DMG at 03:40 AM CST -- trees and powerlines down with power outages along hwy 31 and junction of hwy 150 and shades creek.
Leeds [Jefferson Co, AL] public reports HAIL of penny size (E0.75 INCH) at 03:45 AM CST --
Lincoln [Talladega Co, AL] emergency mngr reports TSTM WND DMG at 04:20 AM CST -- mobile home roof damage near michaels lane.
Talladega [Talladega Co, AL] emergency mngr reports TSTM WND DMG at 04:20 AM CST -- tree and trampoline in road and another on a house.
2 Ssw Talladega [Talladega Co, AL] emergency mngr reports TSTM WND DMG at 04:20 AM CST -- half of the roof is peeled off a residence in bemiston.
Oxford [Calhoun Co, AL] emergency mngr reports TSTM WND DMG at 04:30 AM CST -- numerous trees and powerlines reported down county wide. some structual damage.
5 Ese Lake Purdy [Shelby Co, AL] nws storm survey reports TSTM WND GST of E95.00 MPH at 26 Feb, 03:55 AM CST -- 20 to 30 hardwood trees uprooted and softwood trees snapped on and near lilly lane off shelby cr 43.
6 Wsw Pell City [St. Clair Co, AL] nws storm survey reports TSTM WND GST of E95.00 MPH at 26 Feb, 03:55 AM CST -- 50 to 100 hardwood trees uprooted or softwood trees snapped just north of the wolf creek volunteer fire department.
Margaret [St. Clair Co, AL] emergency mngr reports TSTM WND GST of E105 MPH at 26 Feb, 03:54 AM CST -- 5 homes with roof or structural damage.(7:10:16 AM)
Odenville [St. Clair Co, AL] emergency mngr reports TSTM WND GST of E105 MPH at 26 Feb, 03:55 AM CST -- 2 homes with structural damage and 2 mobile homes with structural damage.(7:16:50 AM)
4 Se Moody [St. Clair Co, AL] nws storm survey reports TSTM WND GST of E105 MPH at 26 Feb, 03:54 AM CST -- 25 trees uprooted or snapped near camp winnataska.
Amateur radio reports trees down on Belmont Road in Irondale. South side of I-459 near Meadowbrook Swim Club. Power lines have fallen as well. (JEFFERSON COUNTY)
Oxford [Calhoun Co, AL] trained spotter reports HAIL of quarter size (E1.00 INCH) at 04:30 AM CST -- reported near hwy 78 in oxford.
Cordova [Walker Co, AL] emergency mngr reports TSTM WND DMG at 03:10 AM CST -- trees down in cordova.(4:39:25 AM) iembot: Chelsea [Shelby Co, AL] nws employee reports HAIL of pea size (E0.25 INCH) at 03:56 AM CST -- reported by off duty nws employee.
Leeds [Jefferson Co, AL] public reports HAIL of penny size (E0.75 INCH) at 04:00 AM CST –
5 Ese Birmingham [Jefferson Co, AL] amateur radio reports TSTM WND DMG at 04:00 AM CST -- trees down on belmont road
Leeds [Jefferson Co, AL] emergency mngr reports TSTM WND DMG at 04:00 AM CST -- trees down and homes damaged on veasey road. no additional details as to extent of damage.
Hoover [Jefferson Co, AL] emergency mngr reports TSTM WND DMG at 04:00 AM CST -- trees and powerlines down with power outages along hwy 31 and junction of hwy 150 and shades creek.
S Tuskegee [Macon Co, AL] law enforcement reports TSTM WND DMG at 04:02 AM CST -- tree down on hwy 69 at wyndham springs.
Oxford [Calhoun Co, AL] trained spotter reports HAIL of quarter size (E1.00 INCH) at 04:30 AM CST -- reported near hwy 78 in oxford.
TPD reporting large tree completely blocking Elm St in City of Talladega
TPD reports "half the roof is peeled off" of residence on Autumn Ln in Talladega. LPD reports mobile home roof damage in the area of Michaels Ln in Lincoln (LFD responding). LPD reporting a power line on fire on Quail Ridge Rd, vehicle blocked by tree and power line on Hwy 207. Numerous trees down and power outages reported across the county.
Also, tree on a residence on Parkway Ave in Bemiston community of Talladega.
Hwy 207 in Talladega County is closed: numerous trees and power lines in roadway.(5:14:24 AM) talladega2_al_ema: Hwy 207 is in northern Talladega County in Lincoln area.
TPD reporting tree down with power lines on Battle St, west of Nolen, in City of Talladega
Numerous reports of trees and power lines down in Lincoln area
Lincoln [Talladega Co, AL] emergency mngr reports TSTM WND DMG at 04:40 AM CST -- powerline down on quail ridge road and also on hwy 207.
2 Ssw Talladega [Talladega Co, AL] emergency mngr reports TSTM WND DMG at 04:40 AM CST -- half of the roof is peeled off a residence in bemiston.
Lincoln [Talladega Co, AL] emergency mngr reports TSTM WND DMG at 04:45 AM CST -- mobile home roof damage near michaels lane.
Talladega [Talladega Co, AL] emergency mngr reports TSTM WND DMG at 04:45 AM CST -- tree and trampoline in road and another on a house.
TPD reporting large tree completely blocking Elm St in City of Talladega
Ave H at 6 points in City of Talladega: tree down blocking roadway
TPD reports tree down with partial road blockage on McMillan near Talladega High School
Ttrees down blocking road at Wolf Pond Road. Cheaha Road near Camp Mac had trees down but they have been removed. Low powerlines are preventing schoolbus traffic in this area.
5 Ese Birmingham [Jefferson Co, AL] amateur radio reports TSTM WND DMG at 03:40 AM CST -- trees down on belmont road
Hoover [Jefferson Co, AL] emergency mngr reports TSTM WND DMG at 03:40 AM CST -- trees and powerlines down with power outages along hwy 31 and junction of hwy 150 and shades creek.
Leeds [Jefferson Co, AL] public reports HAIL of penny size (E0.75 INCH) at 03:45 AM CST --
Lincoln [Talladega Co, AL] emergency mngr reports TSTM WND DMG at 04:20 AM CST -- mobile home roof damage near michaels lane.
Talladega [Talladega Co, AL] emergency mngr reports TSTM WND DMG at 04:20 AM CST -- tree and trampoline in road and another on a house.
2 Ssw Talladega [Talladega Co, AL] emergency mngr reports TSTM WND DMG at 04:20 AM CST -- half of the roof is peeled off a residence in bemiston.
Oxford [Calhoun Co, AL] emergency mngr reports TSTM WND DMG at 04:30 AM CST -- numerous trees and powerlines reported down county wide. some structual damage.
5 Ese Lake Purdy [Shelby Co, AL] nws storm survey reports TSTM WND GST of E95.00 MPH at 26 Feb, 03:55 AM CST -- 20 to 30 hardwood trees uprooted and softwood trees snapped on and near lilly lane off shelby cr 43.
6 Wsw Pell City [St. Clair Co, AL] nws storm survey reports TSTM WND GST of E95.00 MPH at 26 Feb, 03:55 AM CST -- 50 to 100 hardwood trees uprooted or softwood trees snapped just north of the wolf creek volunteer fire department.
Margaret [St. Clair Co, AL] emergency mngr reports TSTM WND GST of E105 MPH at 26 Feb, 03:54 AM CST -- 5 homes with roof or structural damage.(7:10:16 AM)
Odenville [St. Clair Co, AL] emergency mngr reports TSTM WND GST of E105 MPH at 26 Feb, 03:55 AM CST -- 2 homes with structural damage and 2 mobile homes with structural damage.(7:16:50 AM)
4 Se Moody [St. Clair Co, AL] nws storm survey reports TSTM WND GST of E105 MPH at 26 Feb, 03:54 AM CST -- 25 trees uprooted or snapped near camp winnataska.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Hazardous Weather Outlook - Tonight/Tuesday AM
THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR THE COUNTIES SERVED BY THENATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE OFFICE IN BIRMINGHAM..DAY ONE...TODAY AND TONIGHT.
STRONG STORMS ARE POSSIBLE MAINLY ALONG AND SOUTH OF THE HIGHWAY80 INTERSTATE 85 CORRIDOR...GENERALLY AFTER MIDNIGHT. THE STORMS WILLBE CAPABLE OF PRODUCING GUSTY WINDS UP TO 40 MPH AND SMALL HAIL.THESE STORMS WILL FORM ALONG A STRONG COLD FRONT AS IT MOVES THROUGHCENTRAL ALABAMA..DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...TUESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY. A FEW LINGERING STRONG STORMS WILL BE POSSIBLE ACROSS FAR SOUTHEASTERN AREAS...GENERALLY SOUTHEAST OF A LINE FROM PHENIX CITYTO TROY. GUSTY WINDS AND SMALL HAIL WILL BE THE MAIN THREATS. THE STORMS MOVE INTO GEORGIA AFTER 9 AM. BREEZY CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED BEHIND THE STRONG COLD FRONT. NORTHWEST WINDS OF 15 TO 25 MPH CAN BE EXPECTED ON TUESDAY...DECREASING AFTER 8 PM.
Slight Risk for Severe WX Tonight/Early Tuesday
...THERE IS A SLGT RISK OF SVR TSTMS MAINLY TONIGHT FROM THE ARKLATEX EWD ACROSS MS/SRN AL... ...LOWER MS VALLEY AREA THIS EVENING INTO TONIGHT... A SRN STREAM MID LEVEL TROUGH NOW EMERGING OVER THE SRN HIGH PLAINS AND AN ASSOCIATED SURFACE CYCLONE IN NRN KS WILL PROGRESS EWD TO THE LOWER MS AND LOWER OH VALLEYS AND AMPLIFY TONIGHT IN RESPONSE TO PHASING OF THE SRN AND NRN STREAMS. THIS SYSTEM WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY A PLUME OF STEEP MID LEVEL LAPSE RATES ALREADY OVER THE SRN PLAINS. BENEATH THE STEEP LAPSE RATES...INDUCED SLY FLOW IN THE WARM SECTOR WILL DRAW BOUNDARY LAYER DEWPOINTS IN THE 60S NWD ACROSS THE NW GULF COAST TOWARD THE ARKLATEX. THIS DIFFERENTIAL ADVECTION...ALONG WITH DAYTIME HEATING INVOF A DEVELOPING DRYLINE ACROSS TX...WILL RESULT IN MLCAPE VALUES OF 1000-1500 J/KG IN A NARROW CORRIDOR FROM THE MIDDLE TX COAST TO THE ARKLATEX BY THIS EVENING. AN INITIALLY SHALLOW MOIST BOUNDARY LAYER...RELATIVELY LATE ARRIVAL OF THE RICHER LOW-LEVEL MOISTURE...AND STRONG CONVECTIVE INHIBITION ASSOCIATED WITH THE ELEVATED MIXED LAYER WILL LIKELY DELAY CONVECTIVE INITIATION UNTIL 00-03Z INVOF THE DRYLINE/COLD FRONT INTERSECTION. THEREAFTER...CONVECTION SHOULD SPREAD QUICKLY EWD OVERNIGHT ACROSS SE AR/NRN LA/MS/TN/AL. DESPITE THE LOSS OF DAYTIME HEATING...LOW-LEVEL MOISTENING SHOULD BE SUFFICIENT TO MAINTAIN DEEP CONVECTION THROUGH THE NIGHT AS BOUNDARY LAYER DEWPOINTS IN THE 60S SPREAD NWD FARTHER E INTO MS AND SRN AL. LOW-LEVEL SWLY FLOW NEAR 50 KT AND MID LEVEL WSWLY FLOW OF 70-90 KT WILL CONTRIBUTE TO STRONG VERTICAL SHEAR IN THE WARM SECTOR.
THE INITIAL CONVECTION MONDAY EVENING MAY CONSIST OF SUPERCELLS WITH AN ATTENDANT THREAT FOR A COUPLE OF TORNADOES...DAMAGING WINDS...AND LARGE HAIL. THE SEVERE THREAT SHOULD TRANSITION PRIMARILY TO DAMAGING WINDS OVERNIGHT WITH MORE LINEAR CONVECTIVE STRUCTURES IN AN ENVIRONMENT WITH ONLY LIMITED INSTABILITY.
Strong Cold Front Moves through Tonight
A FEW STRONG STORMS WILL BE POSSIBLE ACROSS CENTRAL ALABAMA MONDAY NIGHT INTO TUESDAY AS A COLD FRONT MOVES INTO AND ACROSS THE AREA. STRONG WINDS AND HAIL WILL BE THE MAIN THREAT WITH THESE STORMS.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Winter Weather and the North Atlantic Oscillation
The North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) is a cyclical change in the difference in atmospheric pressure between a low pressure center around Iceland and a high pressure center around the Azores Islands in the North Atlantic. When this difference in pressure is larger (i.e. the low pressure center is especially low and the high pressure center is especially high), the NAO is in a “positive” phase, whereas when the difference in pressure is smaller, the NAO is in a “negative” phase. This oscillation influences the subpolar westerly winds that flow between 35 and 55 degrees north. During positive phases, the westerlies are stronger and tend to “block” the polar air masses from invading the lower latitudes. This tends to keep winter weather in the mid- latitudes relatively mild and reduce the occurrence of below average winter temperatures in the United States. In Atlanta, for example, there are on average five times as many days each year when trace snow falls occur during negative phases, versus positive phases. Over the last thirty years, the index has been predominately positive. The index is currently positive, has been mostly positive this winter.
(Sources: Thompson, David W.J. “Regional Climate Impacts of the Northern Hemisphere Annular Mode.” Science 293, 85 (2001) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: Climate Prediction Center. North Atlantic Oscillation. Accessed Online 19 February 2008)
(Sources: Thompson, David W.J. “Regional Climate Impacts of the Northern Hemisphere Annular Mode.” Science 293, 85 (2001) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: Climate Prediction Center. North Atlantic Oscillation. Accessed Online 19 February 2008
Friday, February 22, 2008
Saturday Forecast Disco
The Weekend... Saturday into Sunday.
A Weak area of High Pressure will build in over us for the weekend. This will bring in some much drier air to the CBS 42 viewing area. This will help keep us dry through the weekend. There will be a small feature in the upper levels that could jet across the South later Saturday Night and Sunday Morning, but I think it will only serve to produce a few extra clouds and no precipitation because the air mass will be too dry. We should get into the Upper 50's on Saturday and back into the Low to Mid 60's on Sunday.
Monday.. back to work...
Winds will shift to become more Southerly and the flow will be a decent one. This should serve to rapidly increase the amount of moisture in the atmosphere. Also expect much warmer temperatures as well. I have stayed fairly conservative in the mid to upper 60's but I think we could even see a few 70's out there. As another Front approaches late Monday night, We will begin to see some small precipitation chances.
Tuesday...
The Cold Front will swoop through during the morning and afternoon hours. Right now it looks as if several ingredients are coming together for another round of strong to severe storms. We will have a strong Low-level Jet, Increasing Upper Level Support, plus increasing moisture... etc etc.. you get the idea. Tuesday could see some more Severe Weather... I admit I am getting a little tired of it, but I sure do love the extra rain.
Friday Weather Outlook - Update
THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHTSTRONG TO SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ARE POSSIBLE THIS AFTERNOON AS A WARM FRONT LIFTS NORTHWARD ACROSS CENTRAL ALABAMA AND A COLD FRONT MOVES FROM WEST TO EAST ACROSS THE AREA. THE GREATEST POTENTIAL FOR SEVERE STORMS WILL BE BETWEEN 2 PM AND 6 PM ALONG AND SOUTH OF A LINE FROM COLLIRENE TO MONTGOMERY TO AUBURN. THE MAIN THREAT FROM THESE STORMS WILL BE LARGE HAIL AND DAMAGING WINDS. CONDITIONS DO NOT LOOK FAVORABLE FOR TORNADOES...ALTHOUGH WITH ANY SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS THEY CANNOT BE TOTALLY RULED OUT.
STRONG STORMS WILL BE POSSIBLE ACROSS CENTRAL ALABAMA AGAIN DURING THE DAY ON TUESDAY. STRONG WINDS AND HAIL WILL BE THE MAIN THREAT WITH THESE STORMS...AS A COLD FRONT MOVES ACROSS THE AREA. STAY TUNED FOR ANY CHANGES ON THE TIMING AND STRENGTH OF THIS SYSTEM.
Friday Weather Outlook
TODAY AND TONIGHT.
STRONG TO SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ARE POSSIBLE TODAY AS A WARM FRONT LIFTS NORTHWARD ACROSS CENTRAL ALABAMA AND A COLD FRONT MOVES FROM WEST TO EAST ACROSS THE AREA. THE GREATEST POTENTIAL FOR SEVERE STORMS WILL BE BETWEEN NOON AND 6 PM ALONG AND SOUTH OF A LINE FROM DEMOPOLIS TO CLANTON TO ALEXANDER CITY TO LAFAYETTE.
THE MAIN THREAT FROM THESES STORMS WILL BE LARGE HAIL AND DAMAGING WINDS. CONDITIONS DO NOT LOOK FAVORABLE FOR TORNADOES...ALTHOUGH WITH ANY SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS THEY CANNOT BE TOTALLY RULED OUT.
SATURDAY THROUGH THURSDAY.
THE MAIN THREAT FROM THESES STORMS WILL BE LARGE HAIL AND DAMAGING WINDS. CONDITIONS DO NOT LOOK FAVORABLE FOR TORNADOES...ALTHOUGH WITH ANY SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS THEY CANNOT BE TOTALLY RULED OUT.
SATURDAY THROUGH THURSDAY.
STRONG STORMS WILL BE POSSIBLE ACROSS CENTRAL ALABAMA AGAIN DURING THE DAY ON TUESDAY. STRONG WINDS AND HAIL WILL BE THE MAIN THREAT WITH THESE STORMS...AS A COLD FRONT MOVES ACROSS THE AREA. STAY TUNED FOR ANY CHANGES ON THE TIMING AND STRENGTH OF THIS SYSTEM.
FLASH FLOOD WATCH
..A FLOOD WATCH IS IN EFFECT THROUGH THIS AFTERNOON....RAINFALL TOTALS BETWEEN TWO AND FIVE INCHES HAS FALLEN ACROSS PORTIONS OF CENTRAL ALABAMA OVER THE LAST 24 HOURS AND ADDITIONAL PRECIPITATION IS EXPECTED. AS A WARM FRONT LIFTS NORTHWARD ACROSS THE AREA...UP TO THREE INCHES OF ADDITIONAL RAINFALL IS POSSIBLE. AND THESE TYPE OF RAINFALL ACCUMULATIONS WOULD LIKELYRESULT IN AREAS OF FLOODING.
...FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT THROUGH THIS AFTERNOON...THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN BIRMINGHAM HAS ISSUED A* FLASH FLOOD WATCH FOR PORTIONS OF CENTRAL ALABAMA...EAST CENTRAL ALABAMA AND WEST CENTRAL ALABAMA...INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING AREAS...
IN CENTRAL ALABAMA...AUTAUGA...BIBB... CHILTON...COOSA...DALLAS...ELMORE...JEFFERSON...PERRY... SHELBY...ST. CLAIR AND TALLADEGA. IN EAST CENTRAL ALABAMA... CALHOUN...CHAMBERS...CLAY...CLEBURNE...LEE...RANDOLPH AND TALLAPOOSA.
IN WEST CENTRAL ALABAMA...GREENE...HALE... MARENGO...PICKENS...SUMTER AND TUSCALOOSA.*
THROUGH THIS AFTERNOON* A DISTURBANCE SWINGING ACROSS LOUISIANA AND MISSISSIPPI WILL CAUSE A WARM FRONT ACROSS SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI AND SOUTHERN ALABAMA TO LIFT NORTHWARD ACROSS CENTRAL ALABAMA DURING THE DAY. ABUNDANT MOISTURE AND INSTABILITY FROM DAYTIME HEATING WILL RESULT IN WIDESPREAD HEAVY RAINFALL. ADDITIONAL RAINFALL ON TOP OF RAINFALL TOTALS BETWEEN TWO AND FIVE INCHES THAT HAS ALREADY FALLEN IN PORTIONS OF CENTRAL ALABAMA WILL LIKELY RESULT IN FLOODING.* MOST FLOOD DEATHS OCCUR IN AUTOMOBILES. NEVER DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE INTO AREAS WHERE THE WATER COVERS THE ROADWAY. FLOOD WATERS ARE USUALLY DEEPER THAN THEY APPEAR. JUST ONE FOOT OF FLOWING WATER IS POWERFUL ENOUGH TO SWEEP VEHICLES OFF THE ROAD. WHEN ENCOUNTERING FLOODED ROADS MAKE THE SMART CHOICE...TURN AROUND...DON`T DROWN.A FLASH FLOOD WATCH MEANS THAT CONDITIONS MAY DEVELOP THAT LEADTO FLASH FLOODING. FLASH FLOODING IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION.YOU SHOULD MONITOR LATER FORECASTS AND BE PREPARED TO TAKE ACTION SHOULD FLASH FLOOD WARNINGS BE ISSUED.
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH UNTIL 7AM
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH UNTIL 7 AM CST THIS MORNING. THE NEW WATCH IS VALID FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS IN ALABAMA. THE WATCH INCLUDES THESE COUNTIES IN THE CBS 42 VIEWING AREA:
GREENE, HALE, BIBB, CHILTON, COOSA, SHELBY, TALLADEGA, CLAY
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Potential for Strong Storms Friday
STRONG TO SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ARE POSSIBLE ACROSS CENTRAL ALABAMA ON FRIDAY...MAINLY FROM 8 AM TO 8 PM CST...AS A LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM...ALONG WITH A TRAILING COLD FRONT...MOVES THROUGH THE AREA. AT THIS TIME...THE MAIN THREATS WITH THESE STORMS WILL BE DAMAGING STRAIGHT LINE WINDS AND HAIL. THE AREA WITH THE HIGHEST THREAT IS GENERALLY ALONG AND SOUTH OF A LINE EXTENDING FROM PICKENSVILLE...TO BIRMINGHAM...AND ANNISTON.
Flood Safety
SEVERE WEATHER AWARENESS WEEK CONTINUES TODAY WITH A CLOSER LOOK AT FLOOD AND FLASH FLOOD SAFETY.
ALABAMA RESIDENTS FALL VICTIM TO THESE DANGEROUS PHENOMENA EACH YEAR. GENERAL RIVER FLOODING OCCURS WHEN HEAVY RAINS AND RUNOFF FILL RIVER BASINS WITH TOO MUCH WATER TOO QUICKLY. FLASH FLOODS OCCUR SUDDENLY AND USUALLY WITHIN HOURS OF EXCESSIVE LOCALIZED HEAVY RAINFALL. THESE FLASH FLOODS CAN BECOME RAGING TORRENTS, RIPPING THROUGH NEIGHBORHOODS, STREETS OR VALLEYS, DESTROYING WHATEVER IS IN THEIR PATHS. WHEN CONDITIONS LOOK FAVORABLE FOR FLASH FLOODING, THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE WILL ISSUE A FLOOD WATCH, HIGHLIGHTING FLASH FLOOD POTENTIAL IN AND AROUND THE SPECIFIED AREA, USUALLY COVERING SEVERAL COUNTIES. THIS IS THE TIME TO START THINKING ABOUT YOUR PLAN OF ACTION IF WATER BEGINS TO RISE OR A FLASH FLOOD WARNING IS ISSUED.
WHEN A FLASH FLOOD WARNING IS ISSUED FOR A SMALLER, SPECIFIC AREA, YOU MUST ACT QUICKLY AS FLASH FLOODS ARE AN IMMINENT THREAT TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. YOU MAY ONLY HAVE SECONDS TO MOVE TO HIGHER GROUND.
HERE ARE SOME FLOOD AND FLASH FLOOD SAFETY RULES:
1. DURING PERIODS OF HEAVY RAINS, STAY AWAY FROM KNOWN FLOOD AREAS SUCH AS STREAM BEDS, DRAINAGE DITCHES AND CULVERTS. MOVE TO HIGHER GROUND IF FLOODING THREATENS YOUR AREA. HEAVY RAIN SHOULD BE A SIGNAL TO ALERTING YOU TO THE POSSIBILITY OF DANGEROUS FLOOD CONDITIONS.
2. IF YOU LIVE OR WORK IN KNOWN FLOOD PRONE AREAS, REMAIN ALERT DURING PERIODS OF HEAVY RAIN. NEVER DRIVE YOUR CAR INTO WATER OF UNKNOWN DEPTH. MOST FLASH FLOOD DEATHS OCCUR WHEN PEOPLE DRIVE THEIR VEHICLES INTO FLOOD WATERS. JUST REMEMBER, "TURN AROUND DON`T DROWN."
3. IF YOUR VEHICLE STALLS, ABANDON IT IMMEDIATELY AND SEEK HIGHER GROUND. FLOOD WATER MAY RISE VERY QUICKLY AND COULD COVER THE VEHICLE AND SWEEP IT AWAY.
4. BE ESPECIALLY CAUTIOUS AT NIGHT AS IT IS HARDER TO RECOGNIZE FLOOD DANGERS. STAY OUT OF FLOODED AREAS. THE WATER MAY STILL BE RISING AND IT IS USUALLY VERY SWIFT. A RAPIDLY FLOWING STREAM OR DITCH CAN SWEEP YOU OFF YOUR FEET OR SWEEP YOUR VEHICLE DOWNSTREAM.
5. CHILDREN ARE ESPECIALLY VULNERABLE AND SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO PLAY IN OR AROUND FLOWING WATER. WATER CAN ALSO RUN OFF STREETS AND PARKING LOTS VERY RAPIDLY, CAUSING NATURAL AND MAN MADE DRAINAGE SYSTEMS TO OVERFLOW WITH RUSHING FLOOD WATERS.
6. FLOOD WATERS CAN HIDE ROCKS, TREES,TRASH AND OTHER TYPES OF DEBRIS THAT CAN BE DANGEROUS TO SOMEONE IN THEIR PATHS. WATER IS A VERY POWERFUL FORCE AND SHOULD NEVER BE UNDERESTIMATED.
ALABAMA RESIDENTS FALL VICTIM TO THESE DANGEROUS PHENOMENA EACH YEAR. GENERAL RIVER FLOODING OCCURS WHEN HEAVY RAINS AND RUNOFF FILL RIVER BASINS WITH TOO MUCH WATER TOO QUICKLY. FLASH FLOODS OCCUR SUDDENLY AND USUALLY WITHIN HOURS OF EXCESSIVE LOCALIZED HEAVY RAINFALL. THESE FLASH FLOODS CAN BECOME RAGING TORRENTS, RIPPING THROUGH NEIGHBORHOODS, STREETS OR VALLEYS, DESTROYING WHATEVER IS IN THEIR PATHS. WHEN CONDITIONS LOOK FAVORABLE FOR FLASH FLOODING, THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE WILL ISSUE A FLOOD WATCH, HIGHLIGHTING FLASH FLOOD POTENTIAL IN AND AROUND THE SPECIFIED AREA, USUALLY COVERING SEVERAL COUNTIES. THIS IS THE TIME TO START THINKING ABOUT YOUR PLAN OF ACTION IF WATER BEGINS TO RISE OR A FLASH FLOOD WARNING IS ISSUED.
WHEN A FLASH FLOOD WARNING IS ISSUED FOR A SMALLER, SPECIFIC AREA, YOU MUST ACT QUICKLY AS FLASH FLOODS ARE AN IMMINENT THREAT TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. YOU MAY ONLY HAVE SECONDS TO MOVE TO HIGHER GROUND.
HERE ARE SOME FLOOD AND FLASH FLOOD SAFETY RULES:
1. DURING PERIODS OF HEAVY RAINS, STAY AWAY FROM KNOWN FLOOD AREAS SUCH AS STREAM BEDS, DRAINAGE DITCHES AND CULVERTS. MOVE TO HIGHER GROUND IF FLOODING THREATENS YOUR AREA. HEAVY RAIN SHOULD BE A SIGNAL TO ALERTING YOU TO THE POSSIBILITY OF DANGEROUS FLOOD CONDITIONS.
2. IF YOU LIVE OR WORK IN KNOWN FLOOD PRONE AREAS, REMAIN ALERT DURING PERIODS OF HEAVY RAIN. NEVER DRIVE YOUR CAR INTO WATER OF UNKNOWN DEPTH. MOST FLASH FLOOD DEATHS OCCUR WHEN PEOPLE DRIVE THEIR VEHICLES INTO FLOOD WATERS. JUST REMEMBER, "TURN AROUND DON`T DROWN."
3. IF YOUR VEHICLE STALLS, ABANDON IT IMMEDIATELY AND SEEK HIGHER GROUND. FLOOD WATER MAY RISE VERY QUICKLY AND COULD COVER THE VEHICLE AND SWEEP IT AWAY.
4. BE ESPECIALLY CAUTIOUS AT NIGHT AS IT IS HARDER TO RECOGNIZE FLOOD DANGERS. STAY OUT OF FLOODED AREAS. THE WATER MAY STILL BE RISING AND IT IS USUALLY VERY SWIFT. A RAPIDLY FLOWING STREAM OR DITCH CAN SWEEP YOU OFF YOUR FEET OR SWEEP YOUR VEHICLE DOWNSTREAM.
5. CHILDREN ARE ESPECIALLY VULNERABLE AND SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO PLAY IN OR AROUND FLOWING WATER. WATER CAN ALSO RUN OFF STREETS AND PARKING LOTS VERY RAPIDLY, CAUSING NATURAL AND MAN MADE DRAINAGE SYSTEMS TO OVERFLOW WITH RUSHING FLOOD WATERS.
6. FLOOD WATERS CAN HIDE ROCKS, TREES,TRASH AND OTHER TYPES OF DEBRIS THAT CAN BE DANGEROUS TO SOMEONE IN THEIR PATHS. WATER IS A VERY POWERFUL FORCE AND SHOULD NEVER BE UNDERESTIMATED.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Severe Thunderstorms Possible Again on Friday
STRONG TO SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ARE POSSIBLE ACROSS CENTRAL ALABAMA ON FRIDAY AFTERNOON AS A LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM...ALONG WITH A TRAILING COLD FRONT MOVE THROUGH THE AREA. AT THIS TIME...THE MAIN THREAT WITH THESE STORMS WILL BE DAMAGING STRAIGHT LINE WINDS. THE AREA WITH THE HIGHEST THREAT IS GENERALLY ALONG AND SOUTH OF A LINE EXTENDING FROM PICKENSVILLE...TUSCALOOSA...ALABASTER...SYLACAUGA...AND WEDOWEE.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Tornado Safety Awareness
SEVERE WEATHER AWARENESS WEEK CONTINUES TODAY WITH A CLOSER LOOK AT TORNADOES AND TORNADO SAFETY.
THE MONTHS OF MARCH THROUGH MAY ARE KNOWN AS THE SPRING TORNADO SEASON. A FALL TORNADO SEASON ALSO EXISTS FROM NOVEMBER THROUGH MID DECEMBER. ALABAMA IS ONE OF THE FEW LOCATIONS IN THE WORLD THAT HAS TWO DISTINCT SEVERE WEATHER SEASONS.
A TORNADO IS DEFINED AS A VIOLENTLY ROTATING COLUMN OF AIR IN CONTACT WITH THE GROUND. IF THE CIRCULATION IS NOT ON THE GROUND, THEN IT IS DEFINED AS A FUNNEL CLOUD. TORNADOES USUALLY DESCEND FROM THUNDERSTORMS. WIND SPEEDS IN TORNADOES CAN RANGE FROM 65 MILES AN HOUR TO 318 MILES AN HOUR, THE HIGHEST TORNADO WIND SPEED EVER RECORDED.
YOUR SAFETY DEPENDS ON BEING CONSTANTLY AWARE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SEVERE WEATHER. A TORNADO WATCH MEANS THAT CONDITIONS ARE FAVORABLE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS AND TORNADOES IN AND CLOSE TO THE WATCH AREA. A WATCH IS NORMALLY ISSUED FOR A LARGE AREA COVERING NUMEROUS COUNTIES. THE WATCH IS INTENDED TO GIVE YOU TIME TO REVIEW YOUR SAFETY RULES. THE SKY MAY BE SUNNY, BUT WEATHER CHANGES CAN TAKE PLACE QUITE RAPIDLY.
A TORNADO WARNING MEANS THAT A DEVELOPING TORNADO HAS BEEN DETECTED BY NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR OR HAS BEEN REPORTED ON THE GROUND BY RELIABLE SOURCES. A TORNADO WARNING IS TYPICALLY ISSUED FOR A PORTION OF COUNTIES AT A TIME AND USUALLY LASTS NO MORE THAN 45 MINUTES. IF A TORNADO WARNING IS ISSUED FOR YOUR COUNTY, YOU SHOULD SEEK SHELTER IMMEDIATELY. IF YOU SEE A TORNADO OR FEEL THREATENED, MOVE TO A SAFE PLACE IMMEDIATELY, AS PRECIOUS SECONDS CAN SAVE YOUR LIFE.
HERE IS SOME IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING TORNADO SAFETY.
1. IF YOU ARE IN A HOME OR SMALL BUSINESS, GO TO THE BASEMENT OR TO A SMALL INTERIOR ROOM SUCH AS A CLOSET, BATHROOM OR INTERIOR HALLWAY WITHOUT WINDOWS ON THE LOWEST LEVEL. PUT AS MANY WALLS BETWEEN YOURSELF AND THE OUTSIDE AS POSSIBLE. IF POSSIBLE, GET UNDER SOMETHING STURDY, SUCH AS A HEAVY TABLE, OR USE A MATTRESS TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM FLYING DEBRIS.
2. MOST INJURIES ASSOCIATED WITH HIGH WINDS ARE FROM FLYING DEBRIS, SO REMEMBER TO PROTECT YOURHEAD. IF AVAILABLE, PUT ON A BICYCLE OR MOTORCYCLE HELMET TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM HEAD INJURIES.
3. IF YOU ARE IN A LARGE BUSINESS, SCHOOL, HOSPITAL, SHOPPING CENTER OR FACTORY, GO TO THE DESIGNATED SHELTER AREA. IF A SHELTER AREA IS NOT AVAILABLE, THE BEST PLACE TO GO IS AN INTERIOR HALLWAY ON THE LOWEST LEVEL. STAY AWAY FROM THE STRUCTURALLY WEAKER PORTIONS OF BUILDINGS, SUCH AS WINDOWS AND ROOMS WITH EXPANSIVE ROOFS, WHICH ARE MORE LIKELY TO COLLAPSE WHEN TORNADOES STRIKE.
4. DO NOT WASTE TIME OPENING WINDOWS IN AN ATTEMPT TO PREVENT DAMAGE TO A BUILDING. THE OLD BELIEF THAT DAMAGE COULD RESULT FROM RAPID PRESSURE CHANGES DURING A TORNADO IS NOT TRUE. IT WILL NOT MAKE ANY DIFFERENCE IN A TORNADO IF THE WINDOW IS OPEN OR NOT. YOUR SAFEST COURSE OF ACTION IS TO TAKE SHELTER IMMEDIATELY WHEN A TORNADO WARNING IS ISSUED FOR YOUR AREA.
5. IF YOU ARE IN A MOBILE HOME OR VEHICLE, GET OUT AND TAKE SHELTER IN A STURDY BUILDING OR STORM SHELTER. IF THERE IS NOT AN ADEQUATE BUILDING NEARBY, GET TO A LOW SPOT AND COVER YOUR HEAD FROM FLYING DEBRIS. DO NOT TAKE COVER UNDER AN OVERPASS AS THIS DOES NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELTER DURING A TORNADO AND CAN ACTUALLY CAUSE INCREASEDWIND SPEEDS DUE TO A TUNNELING EFFECT.
THE MONTHS OF MARCH THROUGH MAY ARE KNOWN AS THE SPRING TORNADO SEASON. A FALL TORNADO SEASON ALSO EXISTS FROM NOVEMBER THROUGH MID DECEMBER. ALABAMA IS ONE OF THE FEW LOCATIONS IN THE WORLD THAT HAS TWO DISTINCT SEVERE WEATHER SEASONS.
A TORNADO IS DEFINED AS A VIOLENTLY ROTATING COLUMN OF AIR IN CONTACT WITH THE GROUND. IF THE CIRCULATION IS NOT ON THE GROUND, THEN IT IS DEFINED AS A FUNNEL CLOUD. TORNADOES USUALLY DESCEND FROM THUNDERSTORMS. WIND SPEEDS IN TORNADOES CAN RANGE FROM 65 MILES AN HOUR TO 318 MILES AN HOUR, THE HIGHEST TORNADO WIND SPEED EVER RECORDED.
YOUR SAFETY DEPENDS ON BEING CONSTANTLY AWARE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SEVERE WEATHER. A TORNADO WATCH MEANS THAT CONDITIONS ARE FAVORABLE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS AND TORNADOES IN AND CLOSE TO THE WATCH AREA. A WATCH IS NORMALLY ISSUED FOR A LARGE AREA COVERING NUMEROUS COUNTIES. THE WATCH IS INTENDED TO GIVE YOU TIME TO REVIEW YOUR SAFETY RULES. THE SKY MAY BE SUNNY, BUT WEATHER CHANGES CAN TAKE PLACE QUITE RAPIDLY.
A TORNADO WARNING MEANS THAT A DEVELOPING TORNADO HAS BEEN DETECTED BY NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR OR HAS BEEN REPORTED ON THE GROUND BY RELIABLE SOURCES. A TORNADO WARNING IS TYPICALLY ISSUED FOR A PORTION OF COUNTIES AT A TIME AND USUALLY LASTS NO MORE THAN 45 MINUTES. IF A TORNADO WARNING IS ISSUED FOR YOUR COUNTY, YOU SHOULD SEEK SHELTER IMMEDIATELY. IF YOU SEE A TORNADO OR FEEL THREATENED, MOVE TO A SAFE PLACE IMMEDIATELY, AS PRECIOUS SECONDS CAN SAVE YOUR LIFE.
HERE IS SOME IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING TORNADO SAFETY.
1. IF YOU ARE IN A HOME OR SMALL BUSINESS, GO TO THE BASEMENT OR TO A SMALL INTERIOR ROOM SUCH AS A CLOSET, BATHROOM OR INTERIOR HALLWAY WITHOUT WINDOWS ON THE LOWEST LEVEL. PUT AS MANY WALLS BETWEEN YOURSELF AND THE OUTSIDE AS POSSIBLE. IF POSSIBLE, GET UNDER SOMETHING STURDY, SUCH AS A HEAVY TABLE, OR USE A MATTRESS TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM FLYING DEBRIS.
2. MOST INJURIES ASSOCIATED WITH HIGH WINDS ARE FROM FLYING DEBRIS, SO REMEMBER TO PROTECT YOURHEAD. IF AVAILABLE, PUT ON A BICYCLE OR MOTORCYCLE HELMET TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM HEAD INJURIES.
3. IF YOU ARE IN A LARGE BUSINESS, SCHOOL, HOSPITAL, SHOPPING CENTER OR FACTORY, GO TO THE DESIGNATED SHELTER AREA. IF A SHELTER AREA IS NOT AVAILABLE, THE BEST PLACE TO GO IS AN INTERIOR HALLWAY ON THE LOWEST LEVEL. STAY AWAY FROM THE STRUCTURALLY WEAKER PORTIONS OF BUILDINGS, SUCH AS WINDOWS AND ROOMS WITH EXPANSIVE ROOFS, WHICH ARE MORE LIKELY TO COLLAPSE WHEN TORNADOES STRIKE.
4. DO NOT WASTE TIME OPENING WINDOWS IN AN ATTEMPT TO PREVENT DAMAGE TO A BUILDING. THE OLD BELIEF THAT DAMAGE COULD RESULT FROM RAPID PRESSURE CHANGES DURING A TORNADO IS NOT TRUE. IT WILL NOT MAKE ANY DIFFERENCE IN A TORNADO IF THE WINDOW IS OPEN OR NOT. YOUR SAFEST COURSE OF ACTION IS TO TAKE SHELTER IMMEDIATELY WHEN A TORNADO WARNING IS ISSUED FOR YOUR AREA.
5. IF YOU ARE IN A MOBILE HOME OR VEHICLE, GET OUT AND TAKE SHELTER IN A STURDY BUILDING OR STORM SHELTER. IF THERE IS NOT AN ADEQUATE BUILDING NEARBY, GET TO A LOW SPOT AND COVER YOUR HEAD FROM FLYING DEBRIS. DO NOT TAKE COVER UNDER AN OVERPASS AS THIS DOES NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELTER DURING A TORNADO AND CAN ACTUALLY CAUSE INCREASEDWIND SPEEDS DUE TO A TUNNELING EFFECT.
Total Lunar Eclipse
Eclipse Predictions by Fred Espenak, NASA's GSFCHopefully, the skies will be clear enough to view Wednesday night's TOTAL LUNAR ECLIPSE. As you see in the image above, courtesy of NASA, the FULL MOON will begin to enter the Earth's Shadow at 7:43pm Central Standard Time for us in central Alabama. The moon will continue to be covered by the Earth's shadow until 9:01pm CST.
Once the moon is totally covered by the Earth's shadow, the total lunar eclipse will last until 9:51pm CST. At this time, the moon will begin to come out of the Earth's shadow until 11:09pm CST.
If skies remain clear enough for your to view this total lunar eclipse, you will notice the moon having a reddish color during the period of total eclipse. The reason for the reddish color of the moon is actually due to sunlight passing through the Earth's atmosphere.
You see, the Earth's atmosphere acts like a prism that bends light according to the light's wavelength. As sunlight passes through the Earth's atmosphere, the Earth's atmosphere bends the light. While most of the sunlight is blocked by the Earth's shadow on the moon, red light, which is bent the least, passes through the Earth's atmosphere and continues all the way to the moon's surface. As a result, the moon looks somewhat red!
Unlike a solar eclipse, which is unsafe to watch with the unaided eye, a LUNAR ECLIPSE IS SAFE to watch.
So get ready to watch this interesting event on Wednesday night. Hopefully, clouds won't block your view.
If you miss this Total Lunar Eclipse, the next one for the United States is more than TWO Years Away on December 21, 2010.
Damage Surveys from Sunday 2/17/08
...DAMAGE SURVEYS CONTINUE ACROSS CENTRAL ALABAMA...
ON SUNDAY FEBRUARY 17, 2008 A STRONG UPPER LEVEL LOW EJECTED OUT OF THE SOUTHERN PLAINS AND TRACKED ACROSS THE TENNESSEE VALLEY. STRONG SOUTHERLY WINDS IN CONJUNCTION WITH DEWPOINTS CLIMBING INTO THE LOWER 60S...A STRONG LOW LEVEL JET...AND TEMPERATURES IN EXCESS OF 70 DEGREES RESULTED THE DEVELOPMENT OF SEVERAL SUPERCELL THUNDERSTORMS.
BEFORE NOON A SQUALL LINE DEVELOPED ALONG THE ALABAMA MISSISSIPPI STATE LINE AND TRACKED EASTWARD ACROSS CENTRAL ALABAMA...INTENSIFYING DURING THE AFTERNOON HOURS. BY SUNSET...DAMAGE WAS REPORTED AT NUMEROUS LOCATIONS...GENERALLY ALONG AND SOUTH OF A LINE FROM DEMOPOLIS TO WEDOWEE. TORNADO WATCHES WERE IN EFFECT FOR PORTIONS OF CENTRAL ALABAMA BETWEEN 530 AM AND 800 PM. A TOTAL OF 20 TORNADO WARNINGS AND 7 SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNINGS WERE ISSUED BETWEEN 1059 AM AND 505 PM BY THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE OFFICE IN BIRMINGHAM.
SO FAR...AT LEAST SIX TORNADOES HAVE BEEN CONFIRMED. BELOW IS A COUNTY BY COUNTY DISCUSSION OF THE EVENT.
SUMMERFIELD (DALLAS COUNTY) TORNADO:
A NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SURVEY TEAM HAS ASSESSED THE DAMAGE IN DALLAS COUNTY AND DETERMINED THE DAMAGE WAS THE RESULT OF A TORNADO...RANKING EF-2 ON THE ENHANCED FUJITA SCALE...WITH WIND SPEEDS ESTIMATED UP TO 120 MPH. THE TORNADO PATH WAS APPROXIMATELY 7 MILES LONG AND ONE HALF MILE WIDE AT ITS WIDEST POINT. THE TORNADO TOUCHED DOWN NEAR WARRIOR DRIVE...JUST SOUTHEAST OF THE PERRY COUNTY LINE...AND THEN TRACKED ACROSS HIGHWAY 219 NEAR THE INTERSECTION OF COUNTY ROAD 230...ENDING JUST WEST OF THE INTERSECTION OF COUNTY ROAD 37 AND COUNTY ROAD 866. SEVEN HOMES AND TWO BUSINESSES WERE TOTALLY DESTROYED...AND TWELVE TO FIFTEEN ADDITIONAL STRUCTURES WERE DAMAGED TO VARIOUS DEGREES. APPROXIMATELY 300 TREES WERE SNAPPED OR UPROOTED. THIS DAMAGE OCCURRED AROUND 1229 PM. A TORNADO WARNING WAS IN EFFECTFROM 1208 PM UNTIL 100 PM. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED.
CLANTON (CHILTON COUNTY) TORNADO AND WIND DAMAGE:
A NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SURVEY TEAM HAS ASSESSED THE DAMAGE NEAR EXIT 205 ALONG INTERSTATE 65 IN CHILTON COUNTY AND DETERMINED THAT THE MAJORITY OF THIS DAMAGE WAS THE RESULT OF STRAIGHT LINE WINDS. THIS DAMAGE ENCOMPASSED AN AREA NEARLY 2.75 MILES LONG BY 1.5 MILESWIDE BETWEEN COUNTY ROAD 7 AND COUNTY ROAD 41. HOWEVER THE SURVEY ALSO FOUND A LOCALIZED AREA EAST OF INTERSTATE 65 THAT WAS THE RESULT OF A TORNADO RATED EF-1 ON THE ENHANCED FUJITA SCALE...WITH WINDS ESTIMATED UP TO 110 MILES PER HOUR. THE TORNADO DAMAGE PATH WAS 1.1 MILES LONG AND 0.25 MILES WIDE AT ITS WIDEST POINT. DAMAGE WAS PRIMARILY TO TREES...WITH APPROXIMATELY 300 TREES EITHER UPROOTED OR SNAPPED. IN ADDITION...AROUND 15 STRUCTURES WERE DAMAGED...THE WORST BEING A MOBILE HOME ALONG COUNTY ROAD 41 THAT HAD TWO LARGE OAK TREESFALL ON IT. SEVERAL FAST FOOD RESTAURANT SIGNS AND A COUPLE OF ROADSIGNS WERE DAMAGED OR DESTROYED. THIS DAMAGE OCCURRED AT APPROXIMATELY 105 PM. TWO TORNADO WARNINGS WERE ISSUED FOR THIS STORM. THE FIRST WAS ISSUED AT 1208 PM AND EXPIRED AT 100 PM. THE SECOND TORNADO WARNING WAS ISSUED AT 1253 PM AND EXPIRED AT 130 PM. IN ADDITION...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING WAS ISSUED AT 1228 PM AND EXPIRED AT 130 PM. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED.
PIKE COUNTY TORNADO:
A NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SURVEY TEAM HAS ASSESSED THE DAMAGE IN PIKE COUNTY AND DETERMINED THE DAMAGE WAS THE RESULT OF ATORNADO. THE TORNADO ENTERED PIKE COUNTY FROM COFFEE COUNTY APPROXIMATELY 5 MILES SOUTHEAST OF HENDERSON...CROSSED STATE HIGHWAYS 87 AND 167 AND ENDED JUST NORTH OF THE INTERSECTION OF COUNTY ROADS 6 AND 57. THIS STORM TRACKED ACROSS COUNTIES IN BOTH MOBILE`S AND TALLAHASSEE`S AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY. ALTHOUGH THE STORM PRODUCED EF-1 DAMAGE IN PIKE COUNTY...WITH WINDS ESTIMATED UP TO 100 MPH...THE FINAL EF RANKING AND PATH LENGTH/WIDTH WILL BE DETERMINED BY THE MAXIMUM RANKING FROM THE THREE OFFICES. IN PIKE COUNTY...ONE HOME AND ONE CHURCH WERE DAMAGED AND NUMEROUS TREES WERE SNAPPED OR UPROOTED. THIS DAMAGE OCCURRED AT APPROXIMATELY 223 PM. A TORNADOWARNING WAS IN EFFECT FROM 150 PM UNTIL 245 PM.
COLLIRENE (LOWNDES COUNTY) TORNADO:
A NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SURVEY TEAM HAS ASSESSED THE DAMAGE IN LOWNDES COUNTY AND DETERMINED THAT THE DAMAGE WAS THE RESULT OF A TORNADO...RANKING EF-2 ON THE ENHANCED FUJITA SCALE WITH WINDS ESTIMATED UP TO 120 MPH. THE TORNADO TOUCHED DOWN NEAR THE COLLIRENE COMMUNITY...AND THEN TRACKED NORTHEASTWARD TO AT LEAST US HIGHWAY 80 JUST EAST OF ALABAMA ROUTE 23. ELEVEN STRUCTURES WERE DAMAGED WITH THREE OF THESE COMPLETELY DESTROYED. IN ADDITION TEN PEOPLE WERE INJURED. HUNDREDS OF TREES WERE SNAPPED OR UPROOTED. THE MOST EXTENSIVE DAMAGE WAS LOCATED NEAR COLLIRENE. THIS DAMAGE OCCURRED AT APPROXIMATELY 225 PM. A TORNADO WARNING WAS IN EFFECT FROM 145 PM UNTIL 245 PM. IT IS NOT YET KNOWN FOR CERTAIN IF THIS TORNADO CONTINUED BEYONDUS-80 AND ACROSS THE ALABAMA RIVER INTO AUTAUGA COUNTY. IF LATER SURVEYS CONFIRM THAT IT DID CONTINUE INTO AUTAUGA COUNTY...IT WOULD LIKELY BE LINKED TO AND COMBINED WITH THE PRATTVILLE TORNADO.
PRATTVILLE TORNADO:AUTAUGA COUNTY...
A NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SURVEY TEAM HAS ASSESSED THE DAMAGE IN AUTAUGA COUNTY AND DETERMINED THE DAMAGE WAS THE RESULT OF A TORNADO...RANKING EF-3 ON THE ENHANCED FUJITA SCALE...WITH WINDS ESTIMATED UP TO 155 MPH. THE TORNADO...WHICH MAY HAVE BEGUN IN LOWNDES COUNTY...TRACKED ACROSS THE SOUTHEASTERN CORNER OF AUTAUGA COUNTY INCLUDING THE CITY OF PRATTVILLE. THE MOST DAMAGE OCCURRED ALONG EAST MAIN STREET NEAR MCQUEEN SMITH ROAD AND IN THE SILVER HILLS SUBDIVISION. AN ESTIMATED 200 RESIDENTIAL HOMES AND 40BUSINESSES WERE DAMAGED OR DESTROYED. HUNDREDS OF TREES WERE EITHERSNAPPED OR UPROOTED. IN ADDITION...50 INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE MOST SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE OCCURRED BETWEEN 300 AND 305 PM BUT DAMAGE LIKELY OCCURRED AS EARLY AS 253 PM. A TORNADO WARNING WAS IN EFFECT FROM 231 PM UNTIL 330 PM.
ELMORE COUNTY...THE PRATTVILLE TORNADO CONTINUED INTO ELMORE COUNTY...SNAPPING AND UPROOTING SEVERAL TREES AND PRODUCING GENERALLY LIGHT STRUCTURALDAMAGE TO SEVERAL BUILDINGS. THIS DAMAGE OCCURRED AROUND 310 PM. A TORNADO WARNING WAS IN EFFECT FROM 231 PM UNTIL 330 PM. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED IN ELMORE COUNTY.
COTTONTON (RUSSELL COUNTY) TORNADO:
A NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SURVEY TEAM HAS ASSESSED THE DAMAGE IN RUSSELL COUNTY AND DETERMINED THE DAMAGE WAS THE RESULT OF A TORNADO...RANKING EF-2 ON THE ENHANCED FUJITA SCALE...WITH WINDS ESTIMATED UP TO 125 MPH. THE DAMAGE PATH IN ALABAMA WAS ABOUT 7 MILES LONG...AND UP TO ONE MILE WIDE. THE TORNADO TOUCHED DOWN NEAR THE INTERSECTION OF US-431 AND COUNTY ROAD 51 IN THE SOUTHERN PORTION OF THE COUNTY...AND MOVED NORTHEAST TO AT LEAST THE CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVER NEAR THE COTTONTON COMMUNITY. THE HEAVIEST DAMAGE WAS LOCATED NEAR COUNTY ROAD 12. AT LEAST TWO MOBILE HOMES WERE DESTROYED...AND TWO FRAME HOUSES RECEIVED SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE. NUMEROUS TREES WERE SNAPPED OR UPROOTED...AND AT LEAST ONE VEHICLE WAS FLIPPED OVER. THIS DAMAGE OCCURRED AROUND 345 PM. A TORNADO WARNING WAS IN AFFECT FROM 337 PM UNTIL 415 PM.
GAINO (BARBOUR COUNTY) TORNADO:
A NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SURVEY TEAM HAS ASSESSED THE DAMAGE IN SOUTHEASTERN BARBOUR COUNTY AND DETERMINED IT WAS THE RESULT OF A TORNADO RANKING EF-1 ON THE ENHANCED FUJITA SCALE...WITH ESTIMATED WINDS UP TO 100 MPH. THE PATH LENGTH WAS 21.5 MILES LONG AND 75 YARDS WIDE AT ITS WIDEST POINT. THE TORNADO TOUCHED DOWN NEAR RIVER ROAD ALONG HIGHWAY 10 WHERE IT SNAPPED TWO WOODEN POWER POLES. IT THEN TRACKED NORTHEAST ACROSS JOHN MARTIN ROAD BEFORE LIFTING NEAR THE INTERSECTION OF COUNTY ROAD 79 SOUTH AND HIGHWAY 30. ALONG THE PATH NUMEROUS TREES WERE UPROOTED OR SNAPPED AND SEVERAL MOBILE HOMES SUSTAINED MINOR DAMAGE. THIS DAMAGE OCCURRED AT APPROXIMATELY 415 PM.A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING WAS IN EFFECT FROM 410 PM UNTIL 515 PM.A TORNADO WARNING WAS IN EFFECT FROM 405 PM UNTIL 445 PM. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED.
http://www.srh.noaa.gov/bmx/pns/index.php?yr=2008&mo=02&dy=17
ON SUNDAY FEBRUARY 17, 2008 A STRONG UPPER LEVEL LOW EJECTED OUT OF THE SOUTHERN PLAINS AND TRACKED ACROSS THE TENNESSEE VALLEY. STRONG SOUTHERLY WINDS IN CONJUNCTION WITH DEWPOINTS CLIMBING INTO THE LOWER 60S...A STRONG LOW LEVEL JET...AND TEMPERATURES IN EXCESS OF 70 DEGREES RESULTED THE DEVELOPMENT OF SEVERAL SUPERCELL THUNDERSTORMS.
BEFORE NOON A SQUALL LINE DEVELOPED ALONG THE ALABAMA MISSISSIPPI STATE LINE AND TRACKED EASTWARD ACROSS CENTRAL ALABAMA...INTENSIFYING DURING THE AFTERNOON HOURS. BY SUNSET...DAMAGE WAS REPORTED AT NUMEROUS LOCATIONS...GENERALLY ALONG AND SOUTH OF A LINE FROM DEMOPOLIS TO WEDOWEE. TORNADO WATCHES WERE IN EFFECT FOR PORTIONS OF CENTRAL ALABAMA BETWEEN 530 AM AND 800 PM. A TOTAL OF 20 TORNADO WARNINGS AND 7 SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNINGS WERE ISSUED BETWEEN 1059 AM AND 505 PM BY THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE OFFICE IN BIRMINGHAM.
SO FAR...AT LEAST SIX TORNADOES HAVE BEEN CONFIRMED. BELOW IS A COUNTY BY COUNTY DISCUSSION OF THE EVENT.
SUMMERFIELD (DALLAS COUNTY) TORNADO:
A NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SURVEY TEAM HAS ASSESSED THE DAMAGE IN DALLAS COUNTY AND DETERMINED THE DAMAGE WAS THE RESULT OF A TORNADO...RANKING EF-2 ON THE ENHANCED FUJITA SCALE...WITH WIND SPEEDS ESTIMATED UP TO 120 MPH. THE TORNADO PATH WAS APPROXIMATELY 7 MILES LONG AND ONE HALF MILE WIDE AT ITS WIDEST POINT. THE TORNADO TOUCHED DOWN NEAR WARRIOR DRIVE...JUST SOUTHEAST OF THE PERRY COUNTY LINE...AND THEN TRACKED ACROSS HIGHWAY 219 NEAR THE INTERSECTION OF COUNTY ROAD 230...ENDING JUST WEST OF THE INTERSECTION OF COUNTY ROAD 37 AND COUNTY ROAD 866. SEVEN HOMES AND TWO BUSINESSES WERE TOTALLY DESTROYED...AND TWELVE TO FIFTEEN ADDITIONAL STRUCTURES WERE DAMAGED TO VARIOUS DEGREES. APPROXIMATELY 300 TREES WERE SNAPPED OR UPROOTED. THIS DAMAGE OCCURRED AROUND 1229 PM. A TORNADO WARNING WAS IN EFFECTFROM 1208 PM UNTIL 100 PM. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED.
CLANTON (CHILTON COUNTY) TORNADO AND WIND DAMAGE:
A NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SURVEY TEAM HAS ASSESSED THE DAMAGE NEAR EXIT 205 ALONG INTERSTATE 65 IN CHILTON COUNTY AND DETERMINED THAT THE MAJORITY OF THIS DAMAGE WAS THE RESULT OF STRAIGHT LINE WINDS. THIS DAMAGE ENCOMPASSED AN AREA NEARLY 2.75 MILES LONG BY 1.5 MILESWIDE BETWEEN COUNTY ROAD 7 AND COUNTY ROAD 41. HOWEVER THE SURVEY ALSO FOUND A LOCALIZED AREA EAST OF INTERSTATE 65 THAT WAS THE RESULT OF A TORNADO RATED EF-1 ON THE ENHANCED FUJITA SCALE...WITH WINDS ESTIMATED UP TO 110 MILES PER HOUR. THE TORNADO DAMAGE PATH WAS 1.1 MILES LONG AND 0.25 MILES WIDE AT ITS WIDEST POINT. DAMAGE WAS PRIMARILY TO TREES...WITH APPROXIMATELY 300 TREES EITHER UPROOTED OR SNAPPED. IN ADDITION...AROUND 15 STRUCTURES WERE DAMAGED...THE WORST BEING A MOBILE HOME ALONG COUNTY ROAD 41 THAT HAD TWO LARGE OAK TREESFALL ON IT. SEVERAL FAST FOOD RESTAURANT SIGNS AND A COUPLE OF ROADSIGNS WERE DAMAGED OR DESTROYED. THIS DAMAGE OCCURRED AT APPROXIMATELY 105 PM. TWO TORNADO WARNINGS WERE ISSUED FOR THIS STORM. THE FIRST WAS ISSUED AT 1208 PM AND EXPIRED AT 100 PM. THE SECOND TORNADO WARNING WAS ISSUED AT 1253 PM AND EXPIRED AT 130 PM. IN ADDITION...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING WAS ISSUED AT 1228 PM AND EXPIRED AT 130 PM. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED.
PIKE COUNTY TORNADO:
A NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SURVEY TEAM HAS ASSESSED THE DAMAGE IN PIKE COUNTY AND DETERMINED THE DAMAGE WAS THE RESULT OF ATORNADO. THE TORNADO ENTERED PIKE COUNTY FROM COFFEE COUNTY APPROXIMATELY 5 MILES SOUTHEAST OF HENDERSON...CROSSED STATE HIGHWAYS 87 AND 167 AND ENDED JUST NORTH OF THE INTERSECTION OF COUNTY ROADS 6 AND 57. THIS STORM TRACKED ACROSS COUNTIES IN BOTH MOBILE`S AND TALLAHASSEE`S AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY. ALTHOUGH THE STORM PRODUCED EF-1 DAMAGE IN PIKE COUNTY...WITH WINDS ESTIMATED UP TO 100 MPH...THE FINAL EF RANKING AND PATH LENGTH/WIDTH WILL BE DETERMINED BY THE MAXIMUM RANKING FROM THE THREE OFFICES. IN PIKE COUNTY...ONE HOME AND ONE CHURCH WERE DAMAGED AND NUMEROUS TREES WERE SNAPPED OR UPROOTED. THIS DAMAGE OCCURRED AT APPROXIMATELY 223 PM. A TORNADOWARNING WAS IN EFFECT FROM 150 PM UNTIL 245 PM.
COLLIRENE (LOWNDES COUNTY) TORNADO:
A NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SURVEY TEAM HAS ASSESSED THE DAMAGE IN LOWNDES COUNTY AND DETERMINED THAT THE DAMAGE WAS THE RESULT OF A TORNADO...RANKING EF-2 ON THE ENHANCED FUJITA SCALE WITH WINDS ESTIMATED UP TO 120 MPH. THE TORNADO TOUCHED DOWN NEAR THE COLLIRENE COMMUNITY...AND THEN TRACKED NORTHEASTWARD TO AT LEAST US HIGHWAY 80 JUST EAST OF ALABAMA ROUTE 23. ELEVEN STRUCTURES WERE DAMAGED WITH THREE OF THESE COMPLETELY DESTROYED. IN ADDITION TEN PEOPLE WERE INJURED. HUNDREDS OF TREES WERE SNAPPED OR UPROOTED. THE MOST EXTENSIVE DAMAGE WAS LOCATED NEAR COLLIRENE. THIS DAMAGE OCCURRED AT APPROXIMATELY 225 PM. A TORNADO WARNING WAS IN EFFECT FROM 145 PM UNTIL 245 PM. IT IS NOT YET KNOWN FOR CERTAIN IF THIS TORNADO CONTINUED BEYONDUS-80 AND ACROSS THE ALABAMA RIVER INTO AUTAUGA COUNTY. IF LATER SURVEYS CONFIRM THAT IT DID CONTINUE INTO AUTAUGA COUNTY...IT WOULD LIKELY BE LINKED TO AND COMBINED WITH THE PRATTVILLE TORNADO.
PRATTVILLE TORNADO:AUTAUGA COUNTY...
A NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SURVEY TEAM HAS ASSESSED THE DAMAGE IN AUTAUGA COUNTY AND DETERMINED THE DAMAGE WAS THE RESULT OF A TORNADO...RANKING EF-3 ON THE ENHANCED FUJITA SCALE...WITH WINDS ESTIMATED UP TO 155 MPH. THE TORNADO...WHICH MAY HAVE BEGUN IN LOWNDES COUNTY...TRACKED ACROSS THE SOUTHEASTERN CORNER OF AUTAUGA COUNTY INCLUDING THE CITY OF PRATTVILLE. THE MOST DAMAGE OCCURRED ALONG EAST MAIN STREET NEAR MCQUEEN SMITH ROAD AND IN THE SILVER HILLS SUBDIVISION. AN ESTIMATED 200 RESIDENTIAL HOMES AND 40BUSINESSES WERE DAMAGED OR DESTROYED. HUNDREDS OF TREES WERE EITHERSNAPPED OR UPROOTED. IN ADDITION...50 INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE MOST SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE OCCURRED BETWEEN 300 AND 305 PM BUT DAMAGE LIKELY OCCURRED AS EARLY AS 253 PM. A TORNADO WARNING WAS IN EFFECT FROM 231 PM UNTIL 330 PM.
ELMORE COUNTY...THE PRATTVILLE TORNADO CONTINUED INTO ELMORE COUNTY...SNAPPING AND UPROOTING SEVERAL TREES AND PRODUCING GENERALLY LIGHT STRUCTURALDAMAGE TO SEVERAL BUILDINGS. THIS DAMAGE OCCURRED AROUND 310 PM. A TORNADO WARNING WAS IN EFFECT FROM 231 PM UNTIL 330 PM. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED IN ELMORE COUNTY.
COTTONTON (RUSSELL COUNTY) TORNADO:
A NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SURVEY TEAM HAS ASSESSED THE DAMAGE IN RUSSELL COUNTY AND DETERMINED THE DAMAGE WAS THE RESULT OF A TORNADO...RANKING EF-2 ON THE ENHANCED FUJITA SCALE...WITH WINDS ESTIMATED UP TO 125 MPH. THE DAMAGE PATH IN ALABAMA WAS ABOUT 7 MILES LONG...AND UP TO ONE MILE WIDE. THE TORNADO TOUCHED DOWN NEAR THE INTERSECTION OF US-431 AND COUNTY ROAD 51 IN THE SOUTHERN PORTION OF THE COUNTY...AND MOVED NORTHEAST TO AT LEAST THE CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVER NEAR THE COTTONTON COMMUNITY. THE HEAVIEST DAMAGE WAS LOCATED NEAR COUNTY ROAD 12. AT LEAST TWO MOBILE HOMES WERE DESTROYED...AND TWO FRAME HOUSES RECEIVED SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE. NUMEROUS TREES WERE SNAPPED OR UPROOTED...AND AT LEAST ONE VEHICLE WAS FLIPPED OVER. THIS DAMAGE OCCURRED AROUND 345 PM. A TORNADO WARNING WAS IN AFFECT FROM 337 PM UNTIL 415 PM.
GAINO (BARBOUR COUNTY) TORNADO:
A NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SURVEY TEAM HAS ASSESSED THE DAMAGE IN SOUTHEASTERN BARBOUR COUNTY AND DETERMINED IT WAS THE RESULT OF A TORNADO RANKING EF-1 ON THE ENHANCED FUJITA SCALE...WITH ESTIMATED WINDS UP TO 100 MPH. THE PATH LENGTH WAS 21.5 MILES LONG AND 75 YARDS WIDE AT ITS WIDEST POINT. THE TORNADO TOUCHED DOWN NEAR RIVER ROAD ALONG HIGHWAY 10 WHERE IT SNAPPED TWO WOODEN POWER POLES. IT THEN TRACKED NORTHEAST ACROSS JOHN MARTIN ROAD BEFORE LIFTING NEAR THE INTERSECTION OF COUNTY ROAD 79 SOUTH AND HIGHWAY 30. ALONG THE PATH NUMEROUS TREES WERE UPROOTED OR SNAPPED AND SEVERAL MOBILE HOMES SUSTAINED MINOR DAMAGE. THIS DAMAGE OCCURRED AT APPROXIMATELY 415 PM.A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING WAS IN EFFECT FROM 410 PM UNTIL 515 PM.A TORNADO WARNING WAS IN EFFECT FROM 405 PM UNTIL 445 PM. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED.
http://www.srh.noaa.gov/bmx/pns/index.php?yr=2008&mo=02&dy=17
Monday, February 18, 2008
Severe Weather Awareness
THIS WEEK IS SEVERE WEATHER AWARENESS WEEK IN ALABAMA.
TODAY IS LIGHTNING AWARENESS DAY...
THE SUMMER MONTHS OF JUNE THROUGH SEPTEMBER ARE THE DEADLIEST AS FAR AS LIGHTNING IS CONCERNED BECAUSE OF MORE THUNDERSTORMS DURING THESE MONTHS AND THE FACT THAT MORE PEOPLE ARE OUTSIDE DURING WARMER WEATHER.
ACCORDING TO STATISTICS FROM THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE, IN AN AVERAGE YEAR, 3 PEOPLE WILL BE STRUCK AND KILLED BY LIGHTNING IN ALABAMA AND AT LEAST 6 WILL BE INJURED.
TO REDUCE YOUR RISK OF BECOMING A VICTIM OF A LIGHTNING STRIKE, HERE ARE SOME IMPORTANT LIGHTNING SAFETY RULES:
IF YOU SEE A FLASH OF LIGHTNING AND HEAR THUNDER WITHIN 30 SECONDS,
1. MOVE INSIDE A WELL CONSTRUCTED HOUSE, A LARGE BUILDING OR AN ALL METAL VEHICLE. STAY AWAY FROM ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES AND DO NOT USE A LAND-LINE TELEPHONE WHERE LIGHTNING COULD TRAVEL ALONG THE TELEPHONE WIRE.
2. IF YOU ARE IN A BOAT OR SWIMMING, GET OFF OR OUT OF THE WATER AND INTO A SUBSTANTIAL BUILDING OR AT LEAST INTO AN ENCLOSED AND ALL-METAL VEHICLE WITH THE WINDOWS UP. IF YOU ARE CAUGHT IN AN OPEN METAL BOAT, LIE DOWN IN THE BOAT WITH CUSHIONS BETWEEN YOU AND THE METAL SIDES AND BOTTOM.
3. IF YOU ARE CAUGHT OUTDOORS DURING A STORM AND ARE TOO FAR AWAY FROM APPROPRIATE SHELTER, CROUCH DOWN LOW, BUT DO NOT LIE FLAT ON THE GROUND. IF IN A RAVINE OR VALLEY, BE ALERT FOR THE THREAT OF FLOODING.
4. MOVE AWAY FROM MOTORCYCLES, SCOOTERS, GOLF CARTS, BICYCLES, TRACTORS AND OTHER METAL FARM EQUIPMENT. AVOID WIRE FENCES, CLOTHESLINES, METAL PIPES AND DRAINS, RAILROAD TRACKS AND ANY OTHER METAL SURFACES WHERE LIGHTNING IS PRONE TO TRAVEL.
5. AVOID ISOLATED TREES. STAY AWAY FROM THE TALLEST TREES. IF CAUGHT IN THE WOODS, PICK A SMALL GROVE OF TREES AS YOUR SHELTER AND STAND AT LEAST 5 FEET FROM THE TRUNK OF THE NEAREST TREE TO AVOID FLYING BARK IF THE TREE IS STRUCK.
6. AVOID STANDING IN A SMALL ISOLATED SHED OR OTHER SMALL UNGROUNDED STRUCTURE LIKE A DUGOUT AT THE BALL PARK.
7. IF YOU ARE WITH A GROUP OF PEOPLE IN AN OPEN AREA AND CANNOT GET TO APPROPRIATE SHELTER, SPREAD OUT BEFORE FOLLOWING RULE NUMBER 3.
8. FINALLY, STAY IN A SAFE SHELTER UNTIL THE LIGHTNING THREAT IS GONE. WAIT AT LEAST 30 MINUTES FROM THE LAST SOUND OF THUNDER BEFORE VENTURING BACK OUTSIDE OR AWAY FROM YOUR SAFE SHELTER.
TODAY IS LIGHTNING AWARENESS DAY...
THE SUMMER MONTHS OF JUNE THROUGH SEPTEMBER ARE THE DEADLIEST AS FAR AS LIGHTNING IS CONCERNED BECAUSE OF MORE THUNDERSTORMS DURING THESE MONTHS AND THE FACT THAT MORE PEOPLE ARE OUTSIDE DURING WARMER WEATHER.
ACCORDING TO STATISTICS FROM THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE, IN AN AVERAGE YEAR, 3 PEOPLE WILL BE STRUCK AND KILLED BY LIGHTNING IN ALABAMA AND AT LEAST 6 WILL BE INJURED.
TO REDUCE YOUR RISK OF BECOMING A VICTIM OF A LIGHTNING STRIKE, HERE ARE SOME IMPORTANT LIGHTNING SAFETY RULES:
IF YOU SEE A FLASH OF LIGHTNING AND HEAR THUNDER WITHIN 30 SECONDS,
1. MOVE INSIDE A WELL CONSTRUCTED HOUSE, A LARGE BUILDING OR AN ALL METAL VEHICLE. STAY AWAY FROM ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES AND DO NOT USE A LAND-LINE TELEPHONE WHERE LIGHTNING COULD TRAVEL ALONG THE TELEPHONE WIRE.
2. IF YOU ARE IN A BOAT OR SWIMMING, GET OFF OR OUT OF THE WATER AND INTO A SUBSTANTIAL BUILDING OR AT LEAST INTO AN ENCLOSED AND ALL-METAL VEHICLE WITH THE WINDOWS UP. IF YOU ARE CAUGHT IN AN OPEN METAL BOAT, LIE DOWN IN THE BOAT WITH CUSHIONS BETWEEN YOU AND THE METAL SIDES AND BOTTOM.
3. IF YOU ARE CAUGHT OUTDOORS DURING A STORM AND ARE TOO FAR AWAY FROM APPROPRIATE SHELTER, CROUCH DOWN LOW, BUT DO NOT LIE FLAT ON THE GROUND. IF IN A RAVINE OR VALLEY, BE ALERT FOR THE THREAT OF FLOODING.
4. MOVE AWAY FROM MOTORCYCLES, SCOOTERS, GOLF CARTS, BICYCLES, TRACTORS AND OTHER METAL FARM EQUIPMENT. AVOID WIRE FENCES, CLOTHESLINES, METAL PIPES AND DRAINS, RAILROAD TRACKS AND ANY OTHER METAL SURFACES WHERE LIGHTNING IS PRONE TO TRAVEL.
5. AVOID ISOLATED TREES. STAY AWAY FROM THE TALLEST TREES. IF CAUGHT IN THE WOODS, PICK A SMALL GROVE OF TREES AS YOUR SHELTER AND STAND AT LEAST 5 FEET FROM THE TRUNK OF THE NEAREST TREE TO AVOID FLYING BARK IF THE TREE IS STRUCK.
6. AVOID STANDING IN A SMALL ISOLATED SHED OR OTHER SMALL UNGROUNDED STRUCTURE LIKE A DUGOUT AT THE BALL PARK.
7. IF YOU ARE WITH A GROUP OF PEOPLE IN AN OPEN AREA AND CANNOT GET TO APPROPRIATE SHELTER, SPREAD OUT BEFORE FOLLOWING RULE NUMBER 3.
8. FINALLY, STAY IN A SAFE SHELTER UNTIL THE LIGHTNING THREAT IS GONE. WAIT AT LEAST 30 MINUTES FROM THE LAST SOUND OF THUNDER BEFORE VENTURING BACK OUTSIDE OR AWAY FROM YOUR SAFE SHELTER.
Climate Change Forecasters on the Hot Seat
More than 20 years ago, climate scientists began to sound the alarm over the possibility that global temperatures were rising due to human activities, such as deforestation and the burning of fossil fuels. In 1988, the World Meteorological Organization and the United Nations Environment Program created the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in order to study and better understand this potential threat. The IPCC’s mission was to provide a “comprehensive, objective, scientific, technical and socio-economic assessment of human-caused climate change, its potential impacts and options for adaptation and mitigation.”
The rest of the story: http://www.ncpa.org/pub/ba/ba609/
.
The rest of the story: http://www.ncpa.org/pub/ba/ba609/
.
Cooler President's Day Forecast
Breezy, NW winds will continue to usher in cooler temperatures today. Hello, I'm Meteorologist, Lauren Whisenhunt
Severe weather resulting in large hail, damaging winds, minor flooding and possible tornadoes raced through our state on Sunday and affected numerous counties. In the CBS 42 viewing area, this severe weather with damage was found in Tuscaloosa County, Hale County, Bibb County, Chilton County, Coosa County, Shelby County and Clay County. Storm Damage Survey Crews from the National Weather Service will assess the storm damage on Monday and Tuesday. We will continue to update you on this assessment as new information becomes available.
Severe weather resulting in large hail, damaging winds, minor flooding and possible tornadoes raced through our state on Sunday and affected numerous counties. In the CBS 42 viewing area, this severe weather with damage was found in Tuscaloosa County, Hale County, Bibb County, Chilton County, Coosa County, Shelby County and Clay County. Storm Damage Survey Crews from the National Weather Service will assess the storm damage on Monday and Tuesday. We will continue to update you on this assessment as new information becomes available.
In addition to the severe weather on Sunday, some record rainfall amounts were also broken.
A RECORD RAINFALL OF 1.07 INCH(ES) WAS SET AT TUSCALOOSA YESTERDAY. THIS BREAKS THE OLD RECORD OF 0.67 SET IN 1992.
A RECORD RAINFALL OF 1.33 INCH(ES) WAS SET AT ANNISTON YESTERDAY. THIS BREAKS THE OLD RECORD OF 1.07 SET IN 1998.
Our President's Day forecast will feature some morning clouds followed by clearing skies this afternoon. Breezy, Northwest winds between 10 and 15 mph will keep temperatures feeling rather chilly today with daytime highs in the low 50's.
Tonight expect clear skies and cold temperatures with overnight lows dropping into the upper 20's to lower 30's.
Tuesday will be beautiful with mostly sunny skies and temperatures warming up to around average for this time of year. Highs will be in the mid 50s with winds out of the west 10-15 mph.
Towards the end of the week expect another chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs will be in the low to mid 60's.
A RECORD RAINFALL OF 1.07 INCH(ES) WAS SET AT TUSCALOOSA YESTERDAY. THIS BREAKS THE OLD RECORD OF 0.67 SET IN 1992.
A RECORD RAINFALL OF 1.33 INCH(ES) WAS SET AT ANNISTON YESTERDAY. THIS BREAKS THE OLD RECORD OF 1.07 SET IN 1998.
Our President's Day forecast will feature some morning clouds followed by clearing skies this afternoon. Breezy, Northwest winds between 10 and 15 mph will keep temperatures feeling rather chilly today with daytime highs in the low 50's.
Tonight expect clear skies and cold temperatures with overnight lows dropping into the upper 20's to lower 30's.
Tuesday will be beautiful with mostly sunny skies and temperatures warming up to around average for this time of year. Highs will be in the mid 50s with winds out of the west 10-15 mph.
Towards the end of the week expect another chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs will be in the low to mid 60's.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Severe Weather Threat Today
DAY ONE...TODAY AND TONIGHT.
STRONG TO SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ARE LIKELY ACROSS MUCH OF CENTRAL ALABAMA TODAY...STARTING AS EARLY AS 8 AM IN THE SOUTHWEST AND LASTING AS LATE AS 8 PM IN THE SOUTHEAST. THE PRIMARY THREAT WILL BEDAMAGING WINDS...BUT THE POTENTIAL FOR TORNADOES AND LARGE HAIL ALSO EXISTS.
A SQUALL LINE WILL BE NEAR THE ALABAMA MISSISSIPPI STATE LINEBY 8 AM...MOVE TO NEAR A BIRMINGHAM TO SELMA LINE BY 10 AM...AND THEN AFFECT AREAS EAST OF THIS LINE AFTER 10 AM
THE GREATEST TORNADO THREAT THIS MORNING WILL GENERALLY BE SOUTH OF ALINE FROM GEIGER...TO MARION...TO PRATTVILLE. AS THE MORE UNSTABLE AIR SHIFTS NORTHWARD THIS AFTERNOON...THE TORNADO THREAT AREA WILL ALSO SHIFT FARTHER NORTHWARD FOR THOSE AREAS EAST OF I-65. THE GREATEST TORNADO THREAT THIS AFTERNOON WILL GENERALLY BE EAST OF ALINE FROM MOSSES...TO WETUMPKA...TO DADEVILLE...TO ROANOKE. PLEASE STAY TUNED TO FURTHER STATEMENTS REFINING THE THREAT AREAS AND THE TIMING FOR YOUR SPECIFIC AREA.
NORTH OF THE TORNADO THREAT AREAS AND SOUTH OF I-20...STRONG TO SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ARE POSSIBLE THIS AFTERNOON...WITH THE PRIMARY THREAT BEING DAMAGING STRAIGHT LINE WINDS AND LARGE HAIL.
BRISK SOUTH WINDS WILL PREVAIL ACROSS ALL OF CENTRAL ALABAMA TODAY... AND A LAKE WIND ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT FOR WINDS OF 15 TO 25MPH WITH GUSTS TO 35 MPH ON AREA LAKES AND WATERWAYS.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Potential Severe Weather on Sunday - Update
DAY ONE...TONIGHT.SURFACE WINDS WILL INCREASE AFTER MIDNIGHT ACROSS THE NORTHWESTERN HALF OF CENTRAL ALABAMA. A FEW GUSTS OF 25 TO 30 MPH ARE EXPECTED... ESPECIALLY ON AREA LAKES AND WATERWAYS.
DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...SUNDAY THROUGH FRIDAY.
SUNDAY...SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ARE LIKELY ACROSS MUCH OF CENTRAL ALABAMA AS EARLY AS 10 AM IN THE FAR WEST...LASTING AS LATE AS 8 PM IN THE FAR SOUTHEAST. THE PRIMARY THREAT WILL BE DAMAGING WINDS...BUT THE POTENTIAL FOR TORNADOES AND LARGE HAIL ALSO EXISTS.
A BROKEN SQUALL LINE WILL BE NEAR THE ALABAMA MISSISSIPPI STATE LINE BETWEEN 8 AND 10 AM...MOVE TO A LINE NEAR GADSDEN TO BIRMINGHAM TO DEMOPOLIS BETWEEN 11 AM AND 1 PM...THEN AFFECT AREAS SOUTH OFLINE FROM WEDOWEE TO MONTGOMERY GENERALLY AFTER 3 PM.
THE GREATEST TORNADO THREAT WILL GENERALLY BE SOUTH OF A LINE FROM DEMOPOLIS...TO CLANTON...TO WEDOWEE AFTER NOON ON SUNDAY. THIS WILL BE A RAPIDLY DEVELOPING AND POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SITUATION. PLEASE STAY TUNED TO FURTHER STATEMENTS REFINING THE THREAT AREAS AND THETIMING FOR YOUR SPECIFIC AREA. IF WATCHES ARE WARNINGS BECOME NECESSARY... PLEASE TAKE QUICK ACTION.
BREEZY CONDITIONS ARE ALSO EXPECTED FROM EARLY SUNDAY MORNING THROUGH AT LEAST NOON ON MONDAY. WIND GUSTS OF 25 TO 30 MPH ARE POSSIBLE AREAWIDE.
JUST A HEADS UP... THURSDAY AND FRIDAY...
ANOTHER FRONT WILL AFFECT CENTRAL ALABAMA DURING THIS PERIOD. AT THIS TIME...INSTABILITY AND MOISTURE APPEARHIGH ENOUGH THAT SOME OF THE STORMS COULD BECOME STRONG. STAY TUNED TO LATER STATEMENTS ADDRESSING SPECIFIC AREAS AND TIMING OR FOR A POTENTIAL THREAT UPGRADE.
Below is the Day 1 Convective Outlook - I have set this so it should automatically reload when it is updated early Sunday Morning. It will be update around 0600 Z or around Midnight.
Strong to Severe Storms Likely Sunday
HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOKNATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BIRMINGHAM AL
605 AM CST SAT FEB 16 2008
THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR THE COUNTIES SERVED BY THENATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE OFFICE IN BIRMINGHAM
..DAY ONE...TODAY AND TONIGHT.
SURFACE WINDS WILL INCREASE AFTER MIDNIGHT ACROSS WEST ALABAMA AS A STORM APPROACHES THE AREA. A LAKE WIND ADVISORY MAY BE REQUIRED..
DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...SUNDAY THROUGH FRIDAY.
STRONG TO SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ARE LIKELY ACROSS CENTRAL ALABAMA DURING THE DAY SUNDAY. THE STORM PREDICTION CENTER HAS PLACED A MAJORITY OF CENTRAL ALABAMA IN A SLIGHT RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS. A SQUALL LINE WILL MOVE INTO WEST ALABAMA AROUND 9 AM SUNDAY AND WILL BE NEAR I-65 BY 12 NOON. THE MAIN THREAT WILL BE DAMAGING STRAIGHTLINE WINDS ALONG THE SQUALL LINE...BUT ISOLATED TORNADOES ARE POSSIBLE DUE TO VERY FAVORABLE WIND PROFILES.
THE BEST CHANCE FOR SEVERE WEATHER TO DEVELOP WILL BE GENERALLYALONG AND SOUTH OF INTERSTATE 20. THE GREATEST TORNADO THREAT WILL BE SOUTH OF A LINE FROM LIVINGSTON TO PRATTVILLE TO PHOENIX CITY.THIS IS STILL A DEVELOPING EVENT AND ADJUSTMENTS TO THIS FORECAST WILL LIKELY BE REQUIRED..
SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...
ACTIVATION OF STORM SPOTTERS AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT MAY BENEEDED ON SUNDAY.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Climate in the News: Winter Severe Weather
"Winter Tornadoes Can Be Faster, Deadlier, Experts Say" – National Geographic News, February 6, 2008 - http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2008/02/080206-winter-tornadoes.html
Winter tornadoes tend to move faster than those that develop in the summer months, and this year’s La Niña may have some connection to the recent rash of tornadoes in the Southeast.
Winter tornadoes tend to move faster than those that develop in the summer months, and this year’s La Niña may have some connection to the recent rash of tornadoes in the Southeast.
Earth Gauge: Winter Pruning
Late winter is the perfect time to prune fruit trees. Properly pruning your trees now will help to stimulate new spring growth, control the size of your tree, and can result in larger and better-quality fruit. First and foremost, pruning allows you to remove diseased or dead branches and "open" the canopy, helping to maintain strong branches and allow sunlight to reach the center parts of the tree.
When pruning fruit trees, remove dead, broken, or diseased branches first, cutting them all the way back to the tree's main branch or trunk. Use pruning shears for small branches (less than half-an-inch in diameter), and a pruning saw or loppers for larger branches. Always use caution - if the job seems too big, consult a professional for help.
Find information about making pruning cuts and tips for pruning particular types of fruit trees at the National Gardening Association's "Edible Landscaping" Website: http://www.garden.org/ediblelandscaping/?page=pruning-fruit.
(Sources: Nardozzi, Charlie. February 2008. National Gardening Association, "Edible Landscaping: Pruning Fruit Trees." http://www.garden.org/ediblelandscaping/?page=pruning-fruit)
When pruning fruit trees, remove dead, broken, or diseased branches first, cutting them all the way back to the tree's main branch or trunk. Use pruning shears for small branches (less than half-an-inch in diameter), and a pruning saw or loppers for larger branches. Always use caution - if the job seems too big, consult a professional for help.
Find information about making pruning cuts and tips for pruning particular types of fruit trees at the National Gardening Association's "Edible Landscaping" Website: http://www.garden.org/ediblelandscaping/?page=pruning-fruit.
(Sources: Nardozzi, Charlie. February 2008. National Gardening Association, "Edible Landscaping: Pruning Fruit Trees." http://www.garden.org/ediblelandscaping/?page=pruning-fruit)
Nice Friday Forecast
Enjoy the nice weather today because later on this weekend, a strong low pressure system will bring us a round of strong thunderstorms. Hello, I'm Meteorologist, Lauren WhisenhuntA dry frontal system will move through the CBS 42 viewing area later today bringing with it a few more clouds. Daytime highs will be seasonable in the low 60's with light winds. Tonight expect partly cloudy skies with overnight lows around 42.
This same front will stall along the Gulf Coast and keep the rain chances mainly along the southern part of our state on Saturday. Although, most of us will remain dry tomorrow, we do have just a slight chance for a pop up shower. Highs will reach the low to mid 60s Saturday afternoon under partly cloudy skies.
On Sunday, we will continue to monitor a strong low pressure system that will bring us a round of strong to severe thunderstorms. The Storm Prediction Center has portions of central Alabama (mainly South of I-20) under a slight risk for severe weather. The timing of these storms looks to be from midday into the afternoon on Sunday across central Alabama. Please stay with CBS 42 as we continue to monitor this developing weather situation for you.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Memphis Tornado - An Update
I had an email today from a gentleman in Memphis, TN that happened to live very close to the Tornado that struck the mall a week or so ago. He requested an image I had captured at home on my computer of the Radar just before it hit. Please revisit this post and read his account of that evening.
http://cbs42weather.blogspot.com/2008/02/memphis-tornado.html
http://cbs42weather.blogspot.com/2008/02/memphis-tornado.html
Average Temperatures Return
After a cold start this morning, temperatures will quickly rebound this afternoon. Hello, I'm Meteorologist, Lauren Whisenhunt.
It's going to be a beautiful Valentine's Day with sunny skies and temperatures in the mid to upper 50's. Typically this time of year, daytime highs are near 58 degrees. Winds will become more Southerly today between 5 and 10 mph, which will help temperatures return to average by the afternoon hours.
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN BIRMINGHAM HAS ISSUED A RED FLAG WARNING...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 5 PM CST THIS AFTERNOON.
It's going to be a beautiful Valentine's Day with sunny skies and temperatures in the mid to upper 50's. Typically this time of year, daytime highs are near 58 degrees. Winds will become more Southerly today between 5 and 10 mph, which will help temperatures return to average by the afternoon hours.
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN BIRMINGHAM HAS ISSUED A RED FLAG WARNING...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 5 PM CST THIS AFTERNOON.
THE FIRE WEATHER WATCH IS NO LONGER IN EFFECT. VERY DRY AIR AT THE SURFACE WILL RESULT IN LOW AFTERNOON HUMIDITY WITH VALUES FALLING BELOW 25 PERCENT FOR SEVERAL HOURS. A RED FLAG WARNING MEANS THAT CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE EITHER OCCURRING NOW...OR WILL SHORTLY.
Tonight will not be as cold, but still chilly with lows dropping to the middle 30s.
A cold front will approach central Alabama on Friday bringing us another chance of rain. This front will stall over the Deep South and will keep us with a chance of wet weather throughout the weekend. Temperatures are expected to remain mild Friday, Saturday and Sunday with afternoon highs in the upper 50s to lower 60s.
Looking back to Wednesday, many of you were surprised to observe some snow flurries during the day as this latest installment of Arctic Air collided with lingering moisture over central Alabama. Although we expected some moisture to keep our skies mostly cloudy for part of Wednesday, there was more moisture than anticipated to allow a period of freezing drizzle and snow flurries to fall across the CBS 42 viewing area. For those that enjoy snow, it was a pretty sight! Fortunately, there was not enough frozen precipitation to cause any interruption to our normal routines.
Wednesday night will be frigid with clear skies and calm winds.
Then, after a very cold start with temperatures in the low to mid 20s, Valentine's Day will be beautiful with sunny skies and temperatures rebounding nicely into the upper 50's. Southerly breezes between 5 and 10 mph will do their part in bringing back this milder weather.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Lake Wind Advisory in Effect
A LAKE WIND ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM CST THISAFTERNOON...
BREEZY NORTHWEST WINDS OF 10 TO 20 MPH WITH GUSTS TO AROUND 25 MPH CAN BE EXPECTED ON AREA LAKES AND WATERWAYS ONCE AGAIN TODAY. WINDS ARE EXPECTED TO DIMINISH FROM WEST TO EAST DURING THEAFTERNOON HOURS.
A LAKE WIND ADVISORY INDICATES THAT WINDS WILL CAUSE ROUGH CHOP ON AREA LAKES. SMALL BOATS WILL BE ESPECIALLY PRONE TO CAPSIZING.
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN BIRMINGHAM HAS ISSUED A FIRE WEATHER WATCH...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 12 PM TO 5 PM THURSDAYAFTERNOON. A FIRE WEATHER WATCH MEANS THAT CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONSARE FORECAST TO OCCUR. LISTEN FOR LATER FORECASTS AND POSSIBLE RED FLAG WARNINGS.
BREEZY NORTHWEST WINDS OF 10 TO 20 MPH WITH GUSTS TO AROUND 25 MPH CAN BE EXPECTED ON AREA LAKES AND WATERWAYS ONCE AGAIN TODAY. WINDS ARE EXPECTED TO DIMINISH FROM WEST TO EAST DURING THEAFTERNOON HOURS.
A LAKE WIND ADVISORY INDICATES THAT WINDS WILL CAUSE ROUGH CHOP ON AREA LAKES. SMALL BOATS WILL BE ESPECIALLY PRONE TO CAPSIZING.
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN BIRMINGHAM HAS ISSUED A FIRE WEATHER WATCH...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 12 PM TO 5 PM THURSDAYAFTERNOON. A FIRE WEATHER WATCH MEANS THAT CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONSARE FORECAST TO OCCUR. LISTEN FOR LATER FORECASTS AND POSSIBLE RED FLAG WARNINGS.
Winter Weather Returns
Winter coats will be needed today as colder air returns to central Alabama. Hello, I'm Meteorologist, Lauren Whisenhunt.
**Today we are seeing some light snow flurries across portions of the CBS 42 viewing area until around noon today. This is due to lingering low level moisture behind the cold front that moved through our area last night. Cold air is sinking southward into central Alabama and with plenty of moisture still in place, that is why we are seeing the snow flurries today. No accumulation is expected. We may see a light dusting on roofs, decks and parked vehicles but it should melt fairly quickly. Use caution on the roadways as there may be a few slick spots (especially on bridges and overpasses) with the recent rains and temperatures below freezing this morning.
**Today we are seeing some light snow flurries across portions of the CBS 42 viewing area until around noon today. This is due to lingering low level moisture behind the cold front that moved through our area last night. Cold air is sinking southward into central Alabama and with plenty of moisture still in place, that is why we are seeing the snow flurries today. No accumulation is expected. We may see a light dusting on roofs, decks and parked vehicles but it should melt fairly quickly. Use caution on the roadways as there may be a few slick spots (especially on bridges and overpasses) with the recent rains and temperatures below freezing this morning.
For the rest of the day, northwesterly winds will continue to usher in much colder air today. Grab the heavy winter coat as you head out and about today because temperatures are not expected to warm up too much. Daytime highs are expected to only reach the upper 30's. Skies will remain mostly cloudy today along with breezy, northwest winds 10-20 mph. This will make it feel even colder with the wind chill factor.
Tonight will be very cold with lows dipping to the mid 20s.
Valentine's Day will be beautiful with sunny times and temperatures rebounding nicely into the upper 50's.
Another system will approach us later in the week into the weekend to give us a chance of scattered showers and thunderstorms. We will keep you updated.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Rain Chances Increase Today
An approaching cold front will bring us another shot of welcomed rainfall. Hello, I'm Meteorologist, Lauren Whisenhunt.A cold front will move eastward today bringing with it showers and thunderstorms to the deep south. Expect breezy, southerly winds throughout the day between 10 and 20 mph. This will allow temperatures to warm up into the upper 60s, which is about 10 degrees above normal. Although a stray shower can't be ruled out during the day on Tuesday, the more likely chance of showers and thunderstorms will arrive as the front crosses central Alabama Tuesday evening and overnight. The latest forecast information shows the most unstable air confined to the Gulf Coast. As a result, the best chance of severe weather will stay in the southern part of our state between Montgomery and Mobile. There may be a few strong thunderstorms in the CBS 42 viewing area, but the severe threat remains minimal for us.
Once the cold front passes through central Alabama later tonight, our winds will become more northwesterly. This will usher in much colder air come Wednesday morning. Overnight lows are expected to fall into the mid 30s tonight. Today you'll need an umbrella, but by tomorrow, grab the heavy winter coat because highs on Wednesday will struggle to reach the upper 40s. Expect decreasing clouds throughout the day along with breezy, northwest winds which will make it feel even colder with the wind chill factor.
Wednesday night will be very cold with lows dipping to the mid 20s. However, temperatures should rebound nicely on Thursday with highs in the upper 50s and plenty of sunshine.
Another system will approach us later in the week into the weekend to give us a chance of scattered showers and thunderstorms. We will keep you updated.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Why Our Severe Weather Threat is Minimal on Tuesday
Hello, I'm CBS 42 Chief Meteorologist, David Sawyer.
A developing storm system off to the west will come our way on Tuesday. Winds will increase out of the south between 10 and 20 mph boosting temperatures to the upper 60s, which is about 10 degrees above normal. Although a stray shower can't be ruled out during the day on Tuesday, the more likely chance of showers and thunderstorms will arrive as the front crosses central Alabama Tuesday evening and overnight.
Now, you may wonder about the very mild air we expect on Tuesday clashing with this approaching cold front and ask, "Why don't we have another threat of severe weather?" Well, the latest forecast information shows the most unstable air confined to the Gulf Coast. The main component we study when evaluating the instability of the atmosphere is the dew point, when is a measure of moisture. Generally, severe thunderstorms need dew points greater than 63 degrees to become a significant threat. These richer dew point readings are not forecasted to get much farther north than the Interstate 10 corridor. As a result, the best chance of severe weather will stay in the southern part of our state primarily toward Mbile. There may be a few strong thunderstorms in the CBS 42 viewing area, but the severe threat remains minimal for us.
A developing storm system off to the west will come our way on Tuesday. Winds will increase out of the south between 10 and 20 mph boosting temperatures to the upper 60s, which is about 10 degrees above normal. Although a stray shower can't be ruled out during the day on Tuesday, the more likely chance of showers and thunderstorms will arrive as the front crosses central Alabama Tuesday evening and overnight.
Now, you may wonder about the very mild air we expect on Tuesday clashing with this approaching cold front and ask, "Why don't we have another threat of severe weather?" Well, the latest forecast information shows the most unstable air confined to the Gulf Coast. The main component we study when evaluating the instability of the atmosphere is the dew point, when is a measure of moisture. Generally, severe thunderstorms need dew points greater than 63 degrees to become a significant threat. These richer dew point readings are not forecasted to get much farther north than the Interstate 10 corridor. As a result, the best chance of severe weather will stay in the southern part of our state primarily toward Mbile. There may be a few strong thunderstorms in the CBS 42 viewing area, but the severe threat remains minimal for us.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
