A radar check just before 4:30 p.m. shows a few showers across Central Alabama from parts of Chambers, Tallapoosa and Coosa counties westward through Chilton, Bibb, Hale, northern Greene, and Pickens Counties into Mississippi. No lightning associated with these showers at this time.
Storms have strengthened over South Alabama. They extend from Monroe through Butler, Conecuh, Crenshaw, Covington, and Pike Counties. They are lifting north northeast and will affect areas from Prattville to Montgomery to Tuskegee and Auburn. They are not severe but do have a good bit of lightning and heavy rain. They will have gusty winds as well.
To the west, a complex of storms is passing through Jackson MS right now. A severe thunderstorm warning is in effect for areas just north and east of Jackson. There have been a few reports of wind damage with this complex, as well as some 1-inch hail reports. On its present course and speed, these storms will reach West Alabama around Pickens, Sumter and perhaps Lamar Counties by a little after 7 p.m. They are tracking along a warm front, and there is nothing in their path environmentally that would cause them to weaken for the time being.
These are not the main storms for tonight. Those are in eastern Texas right now. There are at least four severe thunderstorm and two tornado warning right now from south of Tyler back to the east of Austin in the Lone Star State. These storms will move into western Mississippi this evening and reach the western counties of Alabama around 10-11 p.m. They will push across areas north of I-20 through the overnight, exiting into Georgia between 3-5 a.m.
These storms will still be working with 1,200-1,800 joules of CAPE despite the late hours. They won’t have much to work within the way of wind shear however and tornadoes look very doubtful. But they will be capable of producing damaging wind gusts and hail. We will be tracking them through the night.
Remember that severe thunderstorms can produce damage that can rival that of a tornado. They bring down trees, tree limbs, and power lines. Have redundant ways to receive warnings and go through your safety plan if a severe thunderstorm or tornado warning is issued for your location.
Stay tuned for frequent updates throughout the rest of this afternoon and tonight here on AlabamaWX.
