RADAR CHECK: While most of Alabama is simply warm and dry on this Good Friday, we do have a few isolated storms over the east and southeast part of the state. Temperatures are in the 78-84 degree range, expect a low tomorrow morning in the 60s.
Highs remain in the 80s across Alabama tomorrow, about ten degrees above average for early April. Widely scattered, random showers/storms are possible tomorrow afternoon, but an organized area of rain and thunderstorms will move through the state tomorrow night and Sunday morning ahead of a cold front. With limited instability and weak dynamic support we don’t expect thunderstorms to reach severe limits.
Most of the rain for the northern half of Alabama will come tomorrow night; for the southern counties the best chance of rain comes Sunday morning. Rain amounts will be in the 1/2 to 1 inch range for North Alabama, with around 1/2 inch to the south. Sunday will be cooler with highs in the upper 60s and low 70s for most communities, and the sky will clear by afternoon.
NEXT WEEK: The week looks dry with sunny pleasant days and fair cool nights. Morning lows will be in the 40s, afternoon highs in the 70s through Thursday. Friday will be warmer as 80s return to most of the state. Still no sign of any late season frost/freeze threat… See the video briefing for maps, graphics, and more details.
ON THIS DATE IN 1974: The “Super Outbreak” was underway, the most violent tornado outbreak ever recorded, with 30 violent (F4 or F5 rated) tornadoes confirmed. From April 3–4, there were 149 tornadoes confirmed in 13 U.S. states and the Canadian province of Ontario. In the United States, the tornadoes struck Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, and New York. A total of 335 people lost their life, and over 6,000 were injured that horrible night.
In Alabama, 86 were killed, and just under 1,000 were injured. The most violent tornado tore through Guin, in Marion County, where 23 lives were lost. It is considered to be one of the most violent ever recorded in the nation. Other communities hard hit included Jasper, Cullman, Tanner, Harvest, Hazel Green, and Huntsville.
Look for my next video briefing here by 6:00 a.m. Monday… enjoy the weekend!
