The Iron Bowl between Alabama and Auburn is being played in Tuscaloosa this weekend, and the weather looks great. However, that has not been the case in past years. Back when the game was played in Birmingham, hence the name Iron Bowl, there was one noteworthy event. Back in 1983 on December 3rd, a severe weather event was unfolding during the game. Spectators watched as ominous clouds moved overhead. According to Jim Thompson, an Auburn fan, “the first clue that bad weather was on the way was when the Goodyear Blimp orbiting the stadium, sailed off to the east before the start of the second half.”That day as severe weather threatened, the game played on. Seven tornadoes rated F-1 on the fajita scale touched down that day and one twister was a strong F-3. These tornadoes produced extensive damage thought the state along with multiple injuries. The F-3 touched down in Calhoun County and this was where 51 people were injured and two were killed.
On November 18th, 2000, the Iron Bowl was played under very cold weather conditions. This was the first time the game was played in Tuscaloosa and the weather was terrible. Temperatures throughout the game hovered near freezing. There was a mixture between rain and sleet. Thankfully, tomorrow the weather will be nice in Tuscaloosa.
Richard Scott
WVUA-TV Weather
