Discussion this morning is from Bill Murray….
Once again this morning we are picking up the pieces after a tragic night of tornadoes across Central Alabama. An apparent long track tornado, or series of tornadoes moved across northern Tuscaloosa and northern Jefferson County early this morning. The first damage was reported in northern Tuscaloosa County north of Coker. It moved across Lake Tuscaloosa and then across the relatively unpopulated part of northern Tuscaloosa County. There is extensive damage in the following areas: Taylors Ferry Road in western Jefferson County, Oak Grove,, Fultondale, Pinson Valley, Center Point, Clay Chalkville, Trussville and Margaret. There are reports of numerous injuries and some fatalities. Another tornado apparently hit Maplesville and Clanton in Chilton County. Stay out of the affected areas please, please.
SEVERE THREAT ENDING: The line of thunderstorms is pushing eastward this morning. A tornado watch continues along and ahead of the line of storms. We can now sound the all clear for areas from Cherokee through Calhoun, Talladega, Chilton, Perry, Hale and Marengo Counties and points to the northwest including the Gadsden, Anniston, Birmingham and Tuscaloosa Counties.
BRIEF BREAK: Skies are already clearing over western Alabama. That clearing will progress eastward. A cold front now extends along the Mississippi River. It will push eastward today and reach a line from Oxford to Prattville by this evening. Highs this afternoon will edge into the middle 60s, not very far from the morning readings.
TUESDAY: Tuesday will feature a quick transition with mostly sunny skies to start the day, but clouds will increase by late afternoon and become cloudy overnight. Highs will be in the middle 60s. There could be an overnight shower as warm, moist air moves back into the area.
WEDNESDAY/THURSDAY: Showers and maybe a storm will occur on Wednesday. Highs will be in the middle 60s. Look for an even better chance for showers and storms on Thursday. Expect similar readings on Thursday afternoon after lows in the 50s. Heavy rain should be the main threat. Hopefully we won’t deal with any severe weather.
WEEKEND: Friday will feature ending showers and clearing skies late in the day. Highs will fall back into the 50s. The weekend will be dry, but cooler, with highs in the 50s and lows in the 40s.
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ON THIS DATE IN 1971: Prospect Creek Camp in the Endicott Mountains of northern Alaska records the coldest temperature ever recorded in the U.S. with -79.8 degrees F (rounded off to -80 degrees F.) There have been colder unofficial readings, but this is the official reading. Follow my weather history tweets on Twitter. I am @wxhistorian at Twitter.com.
