SEVERE WEATHER RISK INCREASES ACROSS AREA; RAIN LIKELY FOR ALL… The Storm Prediction Center has decided to upgrade parts of our area into their Level 2 (out of 5) risk zone due to a slightly higher severe weather potential for today. Rain is expected throughout the day across south Alabama and northwest Florida with a few stronger/severe storms being possible across the area, particularly closer to the coastline. The main concern in the stronger storms today will be damaging straight line wind gusts and a few isolated tornadoes. We will have updates throughout the day in the RedZone Weather app and live tornado warning coverage (if needed) for our primary coverage counties. We’re also looking ahead to a cooler end to the week. Let’s look at the details…
LEVEL 2 RISK AREA… The standard “slight risk” zone (aka Level 2 out of 5) includes parts of Mobile, Baldwin, Escambia (FL), and Santa Rosa counties. A Level 2 risk means that scattered severe thunderstorms will be possible, including a slightly higher tornado risk. The following places are included in the Level 2 risk zone today: Mobile, Pensacola, Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, Perdido Key, Fort Morgan, Foley, Elberta, Lillian, Magnolia Springs, Point Clear, Fairhope, Daphne, Spanish Fort, Stapleton, Silverhill, Robertsdale, Summerdale, Dauphin Island, Coden, Bayou La Batre, Grand Bay, Tillmans Corner, Prichard, Tanner Williams, Pensacola Beach, Gulf Breeze, Pace, Ensley, Gonzalez, and Warrington.
LEVEL 1 RISK AREA… If you’re not included in the above list and you’re in our local area, then you’re under a lower-end, Level 1 risk zone. These are the areas where the atmosphere is only marginally supportive of potential severe storms. The severe weather risk is NOT zero, but it’s a bit lower: Brewton, Atmore, Flomaton, Poarch, Evergreen, Castleberry, Repton, Lenox, Lyeffion, Greenville, Chapman, Georgiana, Andalusia, Opp, Florala, Monroeville, Beatrice, Uriah, Thomasville, Grove Hill, Jackson, Coffeeville, Silas, Toxey, Chatom, Millry, Fruitdale, Wagerville, Citronelle, Saraland, Satsuma, Bay Minette, Stockton, Molino, Century, Walnut Hill, Jay, Berrydale, Munson, Whiting Field, Milton, Navarre, Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Niceville, Crestview, Laurel Hill, and Baker.
POTENTIAL HAZARDS… Damaging straight line winds will be the main concern as the squall line of storms passes through our area from west to east this afternoon. There could be a brief, spin-up tornado in the line as well. We also will be watching radar trends as we could have a few supercell storms out ahead of the main line of storms that could produce tornadoes. Large hail should not be an issue. Flash flooding impacts will likely be limited as well as this will be a fast moving line of heavy rain/storms.
TIMING OF STORMS TODAY… Rain will be possible throughout the day, into this evening, and into the overnight hours before clearing out early Thursday morning. The core of the severe weather risk will be from 2PM to 9PM today. We encourage everyone to have a way to receive urgent weather warnings throughout the day. Smartphone apps (including our RedZone Weather app!) are great, as is NOAA Weather Radio. You’ve got to be able to GET the warnings first and then DO something if/when your location goes under a warning.
JOIN ME IF WE HAVE TORNADO WARNINGS… Our longstanding tornado warning policy will be in effect today. If we have a tornado warning polygon for any part of our 12 county primary coverage area (see redzoneweather.com/coverage for more), we “go live” across our platforms to bring you the very latest information via streaming video.
APP ALERTS… Please visit the Alerts tab in the RedZone Weather app (lower right corner) and then tap the large, yellow “Alert Settings” button to set up the alerts that you would like to receive straight from me. Unlike most weather apps, I promise we won’t bother you unless it’s something you need to know. If you like a lot of alerts, be sure to turn on the Low-Level Alerts option.
COOLER TEMPS TO END THE WEEK… One of the reason we’re having all the rain and storms today is because of an approaching cold front. Temperatures will quickly drop this evening after the line of storms passes through your location. Much cooler air will filter into our region overnight. High temperatures on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday will be in the 50s.
See all the details in your Wednesday #rzw forecast video… Have a great day!