Severe Storms on Thursday… Wednesday Thoughts… 2:50pm Update

Good Wednesday afternoon! After looking over the new data coming today, it sure looks like we will have to increase the damaging wind risk across Alabama. Above is a map from the Storm Prediction Center. This is the chance of severe weather within 25 miles of a point. Notice the huge 45% risk area over central and east Alabama. Over west Alabama, the SPC has the area under a 30% risk of damaging winds. This means there’s a pretty high chance of severe weather for one given location.

What to expect… A squall line will reach west Alabama sometime around 9am and slowly move east through the day. The line will be a very slow mover and will produce the risk of widespread wind damage across west and central Alabama. Since the line will be moving slower than earlier expected, some afternoon heating will add to higher instability. Higher instability will increase the damaging wind risk through the midday hours and early afternoon. There is a risk of isolated tornadoes within the line. If any cells develop ahead of the main line, they stand the best chance of producing isolated tornadoes. Stay alert…

When to expect… The storms will reach west Alabama around 9am and continue through parts of west Alabama through 4pm. The risk of severe storms will continue to move east and will include east Alabama between 1pm and 7pm Thursday.

If you’re issued under a severe thunderstorm warning, go indoors and stay away from windows. Do not drive during a severe thunderstorm due to the risk of trees falling on the roads. If a tornado warning is issued for your area, go indoors, lowest floor, away from windows, small room such as a bathroom or closet. Avoid a car and mobile home!

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Richard Scott

WVUA Chief Meteorologist

rscott@wvuatv.com

Twitter: Richard_wvua