Friday March 24, 2023
{/strong}Forecaster: James Spann{/strong}

ACTIVE WEATHER AHEAD: Alabama's weather will stay warm and dry today with a high in the low 80s this afternoon. Expect a mix of sun and clouds, with a gusty south wind by afternoon. Then, late tonight, an organized line of rain and thunderstorms will move into the state.

There is an "enhanced risk" (level 3/5) of severe thunderstorms for the northwest corner of Alabama... a "slight risk" (level 2/5) extends as far east as Fort Payne, Clanton, and Grove Hill. A "marginal risk" is defined down to Lake Martin, Greenville, and Mobile.

The outlook posted is valid through 7:00 a.m. tomorrow... after that there is a "marginal risk" for the southeast counties of the state, including places like Troy, Eufaula, and Dothan.

A broken line of strong to severe thunderstorms will move through the state during the overnight hours late tonight night and early tomorrow. The main threat will come from strong, potentially damaging straight line winds, but a few tornadoes are likely as well, especially in areas from Birmingham north and west.

With events like this it is very important that you have a way of hearing weather warnings in the middle of the night. The baseline for every home and business is a NOAA Weather Radio. Those WILL wake you up. Never, ever rely on an outdoor siren. Be sure your phone has WEA (Wireless Emergency Alerts) enabled, and "Do Not Disturb" and "Sleep Mode" are not active. Know the safe place in your home, and have helmets for everyone in the family there.

If you live in a mobile home, know the location of the nearest shelter (or business that is open 24/7 that can serve as a shelter), and the fastest way of getting there. Have transportation available. It sure isn't convenient going to a shelter during the pre-dawn hours, but you can't risk your life staying in a mobile home if you are in a tornado warning polygon.

Rain amounts will average 1/2 to 1 inch... for now flooding issues are not expected.

REST OF THE WEEKEND: The sky becomes mostly sunny tomorrow over much of Alabama as dry air returns; the day will be warm with a high in the low 80s in most communities. The front will stall out over South Alabama, drifting slowly northward Sunday. Showers and storms return Sunday, mainly over the southern 2/3 of the state (along and south of I-20). The air will be unstable, and strong storms are possible Sunday afternoon, with the main threats coming from strong winds and hail; a "marginal risk" (level 1/5) has been defined by SPC. The high Sunday will be in the upper 70s.

NEXT WEEK: Showers and storms remain possible Monday and Tuesday, mainly over the southern 2/3 of the state. Then, dry and mild weather is expected Wednesday and Thursday before another round of showers and storms at the end of the week. Highs will be in the mostly in the 70s.

ON THIS DATE IN 1929: St. Louis, Missouri soared to 92 degrees; their all-time record high for March.

ON THIS DATE IN 1975: "The Governor's Tornado" hop-scotched a 13-mile path across the western part of Atlanta, GA during the early morning hours, causing considerable damage to the Governor's mansion. Hundreds of expensive homes, businesses and apartment complexes were damaged. Total losses were estimated at $56 million. Three people lost their lives, and the F3 tornado injured another 152.