James Spann: High-impact wind, storm event for Alabama tonight

Published On: 03.30.22 |

By: James Spann

James Spann: High-impact wind, storm event for Alabama tonight

HIGH-IMPACT WIND, STORM EVENT AHEAD: Strong south winds are increasing across Alabama this afternoon; gusts to 45 mph have already been reported, and gradient winds could gust to 50-60 mph in spots this evening ahead of the approaching line of thunderstorms.

A high wind warning remains in effect for northwest Alabama and a wind advisory is in effect for the rest of the state.

There is no change in the thinking for tonight. The Storm Prediction Center maintains a moderate risk (level 4 out of 5) of severe thunderstorms for areas west of a line from Muscle Shoals to Birmingham to Montgomery to Enterprise; an enhanced risk (level 3 of 5) covers the rest of the state.TIMING: The line of severe storms to the west will push into the northwest corner of the state around 6 this evening, then move quickly eastward. The line should be around I-59 (Tuscaloosa, Birmingham and Gadsden) by 10 p.m. and then into east Alabama after midnight.

THREATS: The main concern tonight will come from damaging straight-line winds. Stronger storms in the line will be capable of producing wind gusts of 60-80 mph, and this could bring down many trees. Also, a few tornadoes are possible; a strong tornado (EF-2 or higher) can’t be ruled out. The higher tornado probabilities are over the southern half of the state. Some hail is possible as well.

GRADIENT WINDS: Ahead of the storms, a tight pressure gradient will bring strong winds to the state this afternoon. Winds could gust to 40-50 mph in spots, and this could also bring some tree and power-line damage. A high wind warning has been issued for Lauderdale, Colbert, Franklin, Lawrence, Marion, Lamar, Fayette and Pickens counties, where gusts could reach 60 mph this afternoon and early tonight before the storms arrive.

RAIN: Amounts will be 1-2 inches. Some flooding is possible, but the line of storms will be moving at a pretty rapid clip, which should prevent major, widespread flooding.

IMPORTANT NOTES: It will be important to pay attention to severe thunderstorm warnings tonight, since much of the damage will be caused by straight-line winds. If you live in a mobile home, treat a severe thunderstorm warning like a tornado warning. Take some time soon to secure loose objects on your property that might fly away in high winds. Prepare for power outages; this could be a fairly widespread wind event and some could be without power for hours, if not longer.

Have two reliable ways of learning severe weather warnings (never a siren) — NOAA Weather Radio and your phone. Be sure emergency alerts are enabled, and install the free ABC 33/40 Weather app. In your safe place, have helmets for everyone. If you live in a mobile home, know the nearest shelter and how to get there quickly.

These kind of events are not unusual for Alabama in March and April. Don’t be anxious or scared; simply be ready and we will get through the night fine together.

REST OF THE WEEK AND THE WEEKEND: Look for a clearing sky Thursday with a high between 67 and 70 degrees. We will be rain-free Friday through Sunday, with highs in the mid 60s Friday and close to 70 over the weekend.

NEXT WEEK: The weather stays dry Monday, but the next weather system will bring rain and storms back to the state Tuesday and possibly into Wednesday. There will be a decent amount of instability available with this feature, and strong to severe storms could very well be possible, but it is too early to be specific. Dry air returns over the latter half of the week.ON THIS DATE IN 1805: New York’s City’s Battery Park was strewn with 24-inch snow rollers from a ferocious storm March 26-28. Snow rollers are natural snowballs that are formed when winds blow over a snow-covered surface.