RADAR CHECK: Rain continues across the Tennessee Valley of North Alabama this afternoon, and a cluster of thunderstorms has moved into parts of West-Central Alabama. The rest of the state is dry; Dothan is the warmest spot where temperatures are in the mid 80s.
SPC maintains an “enhanced risk” (level 3/5) across parts of Central and Southwest Alabama… this includes cities like Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Sylacauga, Clanton, Brent, Greensboro, Demopolis, Eutaw, York, Butler, and Aliceville. A level 2/5 risk covers the northern 2/3 of the state, and a level 1/5 risk is up as far south as Mobile and Dothan.
Here are the key messages….
*Rain and storms over the Tennessee Valley are limiting instability and the overall severe thunderstorm threat there; heavy rain/flooding is the main concern over far North Alabama through this evening.
*To the south of the Tennessee Valley severe thunderstorms are possible this afternoon and tonight.
*Highest tornado probability is in the “enhanced risk” (level 3/5)…. the areas in orange in the attached maps. As far north as Tuscaloosa and Birmingham, and as far south as Grove Hill and Montgomery.
*SPC has much of Alabama in a “SIG1” hatched area. This is part of the new “conditional intensity group” messaging… this means a strong tornado (EF-2) is possible. But the greatest risk of a stronger tornado is over the southwest counties of the state, where instability values are higher.
*Storms later today and tonight will also be capable of producing strong winds and some hail.
*Heavy rain is likely; a flash flood watch is in effect for most of Central Alabama.
Storms will slowly weaken after midnight as they push into the southern half of the state, but a low end severe threat will continue during the pre-dawn hours tomorrow. The northern 2/3 of the state will be dry most of the day tomorrow, and rain will end over the southeast counties by late morning. The day will be cooler with a high in the low to mid 70s.
FRIDAY AND THE WEEKEND: Most of Alabama will remain dry during the day Friday with just a few isolated showers near the coast. A wave of low pressure will form on the front in the northern Gulf, and rain will be possible Friday night into part of the day Saturday over the southern half of the state. North Alabama will likely be dry Saturday, but the sky will be mostly cloudy.
Sunday looks wet and unsettled with a chance of showers and thunderstorms with the approach of another upper trough/surface front. Then, much of next week looks rain-free. See the video briefing for maps, graphics, and more details.
ON THIS DATE IN 1967: An EF-2 tornado tore through the western part of the city of Birmingham that Saturday evening, just west of downtown… some of the heaviest damage was along Lomb Avenue, near Rickwood Field and the GES store (the Walmart of the day). One person was killed, and 25 people were injured along four mile path. Two homes were destroyed and sixty damaged. Another thirty industrial buildings were damaged.
Look for the next video briefing here by 6:00 a.m. tomorrow…
