Spann: “Another High-Impact Event Is Ahead for Alabama”

The Townsquare Media Weather Center has been busy monitoring multiple weather situations that could impact listeners in our coverage area. We are watching a severe weather threat for Friday and an arctic blast for early next week.

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James Spann, ABC 33/40, and Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa Chief Meteorologist said, "Another high impact event is ahead for Alabama on Friday as a dynamic storm system will bring the threat of severe thunderstorms statewide.”

A storm system will develop in eastern Texas into portions of Oklahoma, Arkansas, and through Louisiana on Thursday. This system will then track toward Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, and into the Carolinas.

Risk Areas

The Storm Prediction Center has defined an "enhanced risk" (level 3/5) for much of East and Southeast Alabama... a "slight risk" (level 2/5) extends as far north as Winfield, Oneonta, and Gadsden, and the Tennessee Valley of North Alabama is in a "marginal risk" (level 1/5),” said Spann.

Timing

The overall timing of severe weather will be Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., said the National Weather Service in Birmingham. Please remember that as weather conditions develop, this could impact the timing of this system.

There is never an “up” side to severe weather, but this storm system will occur during the daytime when it is typical to be more alert. Spann said, "The risk begins in West Alabama around 8-9 a.m. and will end over the eastern counties around 4-5 p.m.”

Potential Threats

The concerns with this storm system will be damaging winds up to 60 mph, quarter-size hail, and tornadoes.

Tornado Outlook

“There is concern that this environment may support and maintain discrete supercell development with a risk for strong tornadoes, especially in the "enhanced risk" area across East and Southeast Alabama,” said Spann.

Recommendations

Now is a perfect opportunity to review your severe weather safety plan with your family, friends, colleagues, and workplace. Dedicate some time to pinpointing your designated "safe space" in your vicinity so that you're well-prepared and know where to seek shelter when needed.

Having prior knowledge of the county and quadrant in which you reside and being aware of the surrounding counties is incredibly beneficial when it comes to anticipating and preparing for a storm. Equipping yourself with this information ensures you are well-prepared and ready to take necessary precautions.