Isolated Strong Storms Possible Thursday
The Storm Prediction Center has placed much of Alabama in a Level 2 (out of 5) “slight” risk to potentially see a few strong or severe thunderstorms on Thursday. We’re in the heart of primary severe weather season meaning each cold front that moves through poses a varying degree of risk of strong to severe storms. While I do NOT think that this system will be anything like the cold front that caused significant tornadoes and major hail to happen in northern Alabama last week, I would not be shocked to see a few trees knocked down and perhaps a tornado or two. Let’s talk about what we know as of now AND who is involved…
MAIN CONCERN: DAMAGING WINDS… This setup favors a squall line (QLCS) moving through our local area, moving from northwest to southeast. Damaging wind gusts will be the main concern. There could be a few isolated tornadoes as well, but at this time, the damaging wind threat seems to be the main concern. For MOST of us, we’re looking at a strong line of thunderstorms moving through with little in the way of significant impact, but as I always caution in these scenarios: It only takes ONE tornado to wreak havoc. That’s why I’ll be monitoring model trends closely over the next few days.
SEVERE WEATHER TIMING… We’ll be able to get much more specific in the days ahead. The main 12 hour window for severe weather for south Alabama and northwest Florida will be 11AM to 11PM on Thursday, March 29, 2018.
SOUTH ALABAMA… These cities/towns in south Alabama are included in the Level 2 risk zone: Thomasville, Millry, Silas, Toxey, Butler, Jackson, Grove Hill, Coffeeville, McIntosh, Wagerville, Chatom, Fruitdale, Vinegar Bend, Frankville, Gainestown, Whatley, Monroeville, Perdue Hill, Beatrice, Burnt Corn, Uriah, Excel, Frisco City, Mexia, Evergreen, Repton, Range, Johnsonville, Brooklyn, Owassa, Bowles, Greenville, Georgiana, Chapman, Luverne, Red Level, Andalusia, Straughn, Lenox, Brewton, East Brewton, Appleton, Huxford, Poarch, Atmore, Flomaton, Canoe, Bay Minette, Spanish Fort, Stockton, Stapleton, Mobile, Citronelle, Mt. Vernon, Prichard, Saraland, Satsuma, Wilmer.
Walnut Hill, Century, Bratt, and Jay are included in northwest Florida.
ELSEWHERE IN ALABAMA… Tuscaloosa, Montgomery, Clanton, Greensboro, Eutaw, Livingston, Selma, Marion, Hoover, Centreville, Linden, Prattville, Wetumpka, Camden, and Hayneville are involved in the Level 2 risk.
Let me know if you have specific questions. My next video update will be uploaded tomorrow (Tuesday) morning by 7:20AM. See you then!