James Spann: Strong to severe storms possible tonight, early Thursday
James Spann forecasts overnight storms for Alabama from Alabama NewsCenter on Vimeo.
RADAR CHECK: A weakening band of showers is pushing into west Alabama before sunrise; this activity should dissipate by mid to late morning, and most of the afternoon should be dry with a mix of sun and clouds. Temperatures rise into the low 80s in most places this afternoon.
The Storm Prediction Center maintains an enhanced risk (level 3 out of 5) of severe thunderstorms for northwest Alabama, areas west of a line from Athens to Haleyville to Reform. A slight risk (level 2) extends as far east as Fort Payne, Sylacauga and Bay Minette. A marginal risk (level 1) covers most of the rest of the state, parts of east and south Alabama.
TIMING: A few scattered strong to severe storms could form over northwest Alabama as early as 8 tonight, but the main line will enter the northwest corner of the state around 11 p.m. to midnight. The line reaches places like Birmingham, Tuscaloosa and Gadsden around 2 a.m. and then pushes into east and south Alabama after 3 a.m.
THREATS: The main concern is strong, potentially damaging straight-line winds, but an isolated tornado or two is certainly possible. Higher tornado probabilities are over northwest Alabama between 8 p.m. and 1 a.m. Large hail is possible as well. The storms should weaken after 2 a.m. as the dynamic support fades and instability values decrease.
RAIN: Amounts will be around 1 inch in most spots; for now major flooding is not expected.
This is your classic spring middle-of-the-night event, so be sure your Weather Radio is on and has a fresh battery so you don’t miss any warnings.
THURSDAY/FRIDAY: A few lingering showers or storms are possible across southeast Alabama during the morning; otherwise the sky becomes mostly sunny Thursday with a high in the mid 70s. Friday will be dry as well, with ample sunshine and a high in the upper 70s.
EASTER WEEKEND: A warm front will lift northward into Alabama Saturday, bringing clouds and rain back to the state. The front will stall across the central counties and keep the wet weather in place through Sunday. It won’t rain all weekend long, but occasional showers are likely both days. Some thunder is possible, but severe storms are not expected. Highs will be in the 70s.
NEXT WEEK: Showers will likely end Monday morning, and the weather looks dry Tuesday and Wednesday. A cold front will bring a chance of showers Thursday, followed by another shot of dry air Friday. Highs will be mostly in the 70s through the week.
FOOTBALL WEATHER: For the Alabama A Day game in Tuscaloosa Saturday (2 p.m. kickoff), the sky will be cloudy with periods of rain likely. Temperatures will be between 70 and 74 degrees.
The Birmingham Stallions will host the New Jersey Generals Saturday evening at Protective Stadium (6:30 kickoff). Expect a cloudy sky with occasional showers; temperatures will fall from near 72 at kickoff into the upper 60s by the final whistle.
ON THIS DATE IN 1999: A two-mile-wide area of wind-driven hail pounded residences and farm equipment for about a 5-mile stretch in west Texas near Midland and Odessa. Hail grew to about golf-ball size and winds peaked at approximately 80 mph. The hail broke windows in houses and blasted paint off the wooden siding.
BEACH FORECAST: Click here to see the AlabamaWx Beach Forecast Center page.
WEATHER BRAINS: You can listen to our weekly 90-minute show any time on your favorite podcast app. This is the show all about weather featuring many familiar voices, including the meteorologists at ABC 33/40.
CONNECT: You can find me on the major social networks:
For more weather news and information from James Spann and his team, visit AlabamaWx.
