Spann: “Significant Severe Weather Threat” Headed to Alabama

The Townsquare Media Weather Center has been closely tracking a weather system for several days, which is expected to bring severe conditions to our area. The potential for severe weather has been growing steadily daily, including today.

James Spann, ABC 33/40 and Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa Chief Meteorologist, said, “SIGNIFICANT SEVERE WEATHER THREAT: A high-end severe weather risk is setting up for Alabama in the broad window from 9 p.m. Friday through 6 a.m. Sunday.”

Where is the Storm Coming From?

“A major storm entering California today will eventually produce a severe weather outbreak, including a tornado threat, in parts of the Midwest and South as well as widespread high winds in the Plains that could bring blizzard conditions to some, said The Weather Channel.

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Here is What to Expect in Alabama

Please be sure you are staying weather-aware. Alabama's threat stretches Thursday through Sunday, with three rounds of expected active weather.

ROUND ONE: Thursday

Risk Level and Area

The Storm Prediction Center has placed a Level 1 out of 5 risk in effect for all but the far northeast section of Central Alabama.

This includes the Townsquare Media coverage area.

Timeline

The overall threat timing is between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. However, the Townsquare Media Coverage Area counties in West Alabama are between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Threats

The National Weather Service in Birmingham said the main concerns are “hail up to golf ball size and damaging winds up to 60 mph.”

ROUND TWO: Friday Night into Saturday Morning

Risk Area and Level

For round 2, risk levels range from Level 1 to 3 out of 5. The Storm Prediction Center has the Townsquare Media Coverage Area split between levels 2 and 3.

Bibb – Risk Level 2

Fayette – Risk Level 3

Greene – Mostly in Risk Level 2

Hale – Risk Level 2

Lamar – Risk Level 3

Perry – Risk Level 2

Pickens – Risk Level 3

Sumter – Mostly in Risk Level 2

Tuscaloosa – Split between Risk Level 2 and 3

Walker – Risk Level 3

Timeline

The system's timing will become more detailed as Friday approaches. The risk area's current timeframe is Friday at 9 p.m. through Saturday at 7 a.m.

Threats

The National Weather Service in Birmingham said the main concerns are “isolated tornadoes, quarter-size hail, and damaging winds up to 60 mph.”

ROUND THREE – Saturday through Sunday Morning

“Saturday Afternoon/Saturday Night: This will likely be the 'main show,' said Spann.

Risk Area and Levels

There is a risk level of 3 out of 5 for all West and Central Alabama.

Timeline

The overall outlook for this round is between Saturday through early Sunday morning.

Threats

The National Weather Service in Birmingham said the main concerns are “tornadoes, some of which could be strong, golf ball size hail, and damaging winds up to 70 mph.”

“Storms will be capable of producing large hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes. Based on forecast parameters, a few strong tornadoes will be possible (EF-2 or higher),” said Spann.

Important Points

Be sure to check back often. This is a developing weather system, which means changes could occur to risk areas, risk levels, timing, and threats.

What You Can Do Now to Prepare

Identify the safest spot in every location you spend time in, whether it’s your home, workplace, grandmother's house, or anywhere else you might be in the coming days. It might seem like an unnecessary step, but knowing this ahead of time in an emergency could make a critical difference when you have just minutes or moments to get to your safe place.

If you don’t have a safe place, ensure you know the nearest shelter or identify a 24/7 business that can serve as one. Arrange reliable transportation in advance so you can reach it quickly if needed.

Be sure you know what county you live in and the section, like North, South, East, and West. This will help you when warnings come out for sections of the county. In addition, know the counties that surround you as well. Knowing a warning for a nearby county can help you stay alert during severe weather.

Spann reminds us, "In your safe place, have helmets for everyone, including adults. Most serious injuries in tornadoes involve blunt force trauma above the shoulders.”

I always recommend keeping your shoes on or close by during a severe weather threat. After arriving home, it’s natural to relax and kick off your shoes. But consider this: if, and I emphasize if, you had to step outside into an area damaged by strong winds or a tornado, you could find yourself walking through debris, including sharp glass and other hazards. I have been to a site where a tornado had hit, and residents expressed how bad the bottoms of their feet were cut up because of not wearing shoes.

Mary K. – Weather Forecaster