SLIGHTLY HIGHER SEVERE WEATHER RISK LATER TODAY… The Storm Prediction Center has upgraded part of southwest Alabama into their Level 2 (out of 5) severe weather risk valid for later today (Sunday, January 9). This means that scattered instances of severe storms, including damaging wind gusts and a few tornadoes, will be possible. MOST communities will simply have rain and general thunderstorms at times, but a few stronger storms will be possible, mainly across inland areas. Timing for this severe weather potential has not changed since our last detailed update: Noon to 9PM remains the time frame when storms are most likely to develop. Please have a way to get urgent weather warnings this afternoon into this evening.
STORM TIMING TODAY – P.M. HOURS… A few isolated thunderstorms can’t completely be ruled out this morning, but the “better combination of atmospheric ingredients” will set up in the afternoon and evening hours. Noon to 9PM will be the time frame when storms are most likely to develop. We may see a few isolated storms develop early this afternoon ahead of a line of strong to potentially marginally severe storms moving through in the evening hours. Storms should be east of our area before midnight, thus the severe weather threat should be completely done by then.
LEVEL 2 (OUT OF 5) RISK ZONE FOR INLAND SOUTHWEST ALABAMA… The Storm Prediction Center chose to upgrade parts of southwest Alabama into their Level 2 (out of 5) severe weather risk zone, in addition to including parts of southern Mississippi and eastern Louisiana. The following counties are included in the Level 2 (out of 5) risk zone: Washington, Clarke, Choctaw, Marengo, Monroe, Wilcox, Butler, Conecuh, western Escambia (AL), northern Baldwin, and northern Mobile counties. These are the zones that have the greatest chance of experiencing a strong to severe thunderstorm today and where the overall tornado risk will be a bit greater.
LOWER END RISK FARTHER SOUTHEAST… All parts of northwest Florida, much of Covington, eastern Escambia (AL), and southern portions of Mobile and Baldwin counties are involved in the lower-end, Level 1 (out of 5) severe weather risk zone. These areas still may have a stronger storm or two, but the risk is clearly a bit greater farther inland.
APP… If you haven’t already, be sure to download the free RedZone Weather app to keep up with all the latest information on the world of weather in south Alabama and northwest Florida. redzoneweather.com/app is the link for the free download. Once you have the app downloaded to your iOS or Android device, be sure to visit the Alerts tab (lower right corner) and tap the large, yellow Alert Settings button to customize the alerts you would like to receive straight from me.
I will have more updates later today in the RedZone Weather app. Have a great Sunday!