MORE AREAS NOW INCLUDED IN SLIGHTLY HIGHER RISK AREA… The Storm Prediction Center has yet again expanded the standard, slight (Level 2 out of 5) risk zone due to a slightly higher severe weather potential this afternoon and this evening. This means that a few more severe thunderstorms will be possible than we initially thought. Isolated tornadoes and damaging wind gusts will be the main concerns.
TIMING OF STORMS… Showers and thunderstorms will continue to bubble up and move north-northeast over the next few hours. We’ve already had several broadly rotating storms in the area. This tells me that the atmosphere is becoming more unstable and we need to be ready for storms this afternoon that could be stronger/severe. 1PM to 9PM is the core eight hour window when severe weather will be most likely across south Alabama and northwest Florida. The good news is once the main line of storms passes through your location, I’ll be able to give you an “all clear.” We send the all clear messages by county alerts in the RedZone Weather app.
KEEP FOCUS ON BIG PICTURE… I talk a lot about the risk zones, but I want to be clear in saying that regardless of if you’re in the Level 1 or Level 2 risk zone YOU have a severe weather risk today. The greater combination of “atmospheric ingredients” (like CAPE and shear) will be over coastal Alabama and northwest Florida, but if a brief tornado happens to affect you (regardless of where you are), it’s a big deal. Everyone across the region should have a way to receive urgent weather warnings today. Perhaps most importantly, do something about it when you get a warning. Take action. Get to the tornado safe place WHEN you get the warning. We’re so fortunate these days to have an abundance of lead time before tornadoes strike. Let’s all take advantage of that blessing and get sheltered if a warning is required for your area.
APP ALERTS… 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.
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.