RADAR CHECK: As expected we have random, widely scattered showers and thunderstorms across Alabama this afternoon. Most places are dry, but a few communities are getting a good downpour. Away from the showers temperatures are in the 77-84 degree range. Scattered showers and storms end soon after sunset.
THE WEEKEND: Tomorrow morning will be dry, but a batch of rain and thunderstorms will move into the northwest part of the state during the late afternoon hours ahead of a surface front. SPC maintains a low end “marginal risk” (level 1/5) of severe thunderstorms for most of Alabama…
The air will be somewhat unstable, but wind fields aren’t especially strong, and the overall severe threat is relatively low. Still, a few thunderstorms could produce strong, gusty winds during the late afternoon and evening hours over the northern half of the state. Storms will weaken as they drift southward tomorrow night.
The front will stall out Sunday around the northwest corner of Alabama, so we will maintain the risk of scattered showers and thunderstorms. But, it won’t rain everywhere Sunday, and the sun will be out at times. Sunday with be a little cooler with highs generally in the 70s.
NEXT WEEK: The weather will be warm Monday through Wednesday… highs in the 77-84 degree range. Showers are possible each day, but they should be widely scattered. A cold front will push an organized batch of rain and storms into the state Wednesday night; a few strong storms will be possible, but at the moment is doesn’t look like a classic severe thunderstorm setup. The air will be cooler following the front Thursday and Friday… See the video briefing for maps, graphics, and more details.
ON THIS DATE IN 1967: A series of tornadoes touched down across Alabama. The most significant tornado of the day touched down near Sumiton in Walker County at mid-afternoon. The F4 tornado cut a thirty mile path across Walker and Jefferson Counties. It would strike Sumiton, Rocky Hollow, Dilworth, Empire and North Warrior.
The tornado passed near Rocky Hollow, where it killed a sixteen year old young man named Dennis Wright, who was credited with saving a young girl by urging her to safety. The tornado also caused heavy damage at Dilworth and killed a 27 year old woman. The tornado lifted after passing near Warrior. A total of fifty homes were damaged or destroyed across Walker and northern Jefferson Counties. A total of two people died.
ON THIS DATE IN 1996: Tornadoes killed 7 people and injured 45 others in Alabama. Just after 4:00 am, a tornado touched down 9 miles west of Selma, and moved east-northeast on a path at least 10 miles long. A trailer park was hit just north of Selma, killing 4 people. Another tornado just east of Montgomery where two people were killed. There were a total of 6 tornadoes reported on this day in Alabama.
Look for my next video briefing here by 6:00 a.m. Monday… enjoy the weekend!
