33 Years Ago Today
It’s hard to believe, but 33 years ago today was the beginning of the Blizzard of ’93 — a day and night many of us will never forget. At this point on that Friday, a lot of folks were wondering if the storm would ever begin. We were confident a snowstorm was coming, just not sure how much. Birmingham ended up with 13 inches, still an all-time record.
Over the weekend it turned into a very scary situation — no power for 48 to 72 hours for many people, buildings collapsed under the weight of the snow, and children were dwarfed by drifts you could walk across the top of. The images from that Saturday morning on March 13th were terrifying.
Where Things Stand This Morning
Nothing like the Blizzard of ’93 today, but it’s quite a shock to the system after the warm temperatures earlier this week. A line of showers and thunderstorms pushed through overnight, bringing severe weather to parts of Southeast Alabama — wind damage reports came in from Tallapoosa, Chambers, Lee, Dale, Henry, Geneva, and Houston counties. A couple of small tornadoes occurred in the southeastern corner of the state. We also saw plenty of trees come down from gradient winds alone across Jefferson, St. Clair, Shelby, and surrounding counties — no thunderstorms required.
Right now, about 20,000 customers across Alabama are without power, and line crews are working hard to get everyone back online. Wind advisories are in effect across the Birmingham National Weather Service county warning area, small craft advisories are posted in the Gulf, and rip current alerts are up along the Gulf Coast. Winds are gusting 25 to 40 mph, and that will continue through the day until the pressure gradient relaxes. Temperatures range from the low 40s across North Alabama to the upper 50s along the coast.
The Forecast Ahead
We’ll see clearing skies through the afternoon with highs in the 50s. If you have plans this evening, temperatures will be falling into the upper 40s and 50s. Tonight, lows drop into the upper 30s north and lower 40s south — frost is possible by morning in northern sections. As James Spann’s longtime colleague always says, “Don’t plant till April 15th.”
Freeze advisories have been issued for Central Alabama and other will most certainly be issued this afternoon for part s for North and southern Alabama.
Friday looks beautiful — back in the 60s with near-total sunshine and a return flow off the Gulf. Saturday will be warm with upper 60s to lower 70s north and lower to mid 70s south after some morning fog burns off in southwest Alabama. A few showers could show up on radar by early Sunday morning, but we should remain mainly dry during the day. The main activity waits until late Sunday night into early Monday morning when a thin line of showers and thunderstorms pushes through — and the good news is no severe weather is expected with it.
The big concern next week is the cold. The northern half of Alabama could see a freeze Monday night, with frost possible again Tuesday night. Even the southern half of the state may dip into the mid-30s. If you jumped the gun on spring planting, you’ll need to protect those plants. In between, we’re looking at 70s Saturday and Sunday — a very nice weekend with no bad weather for a change.
