Alabama Skies: Confidence in severe weather threat increasing; record cold possible
Published 8:59 pm Wednesday, January 10, 2024
We have two major storm events possible over the next few days, both with very different impacts.
First, beginning overnight Thursday, but mainly into Friday morning, a severe weather outbreak is possible with at least a few severe storms likely.
We now have a Level 3 risk covering the southeastern third of Alabama. Communities in this risk include Clanton, Alexander City, Auburn, Montgomery, Selma, Troy, Camden, Greenville, Burnt Corn, Andalusia, and Eufaula. In this zone, tornadoes are expected, along with hail and damaging winds.
A Level 2 covers Demopolis, Tuscaloosa, Birmingham, Anniston, Gadsden, Jasper, Butler, Brewton, Mobile, and Fayette. In the Level 2 risk area, tornadoes are possible, along with damaging winds and hail.
A Level 1 covers the rest of the state. All modes of severe weather are possible, but not as likely as the other areas.
The second weather event arrives Sunday night into Monday. Temperatures will plummet to below normal records across the state. Wind chills, especially overnight, will be dangerous, and there’s a slight chance of snow in northern communities.
Makes plans now to protect people, pets, plants, and pipes during the cold weather events.
North Alabama
Partly cloudy and breezy with a high of 56. Thursday night, a few showers. Partly cloudy with a low of 47. Wind gusts as high of 35 miles per hour.
Central Alabama
Mostly sunny with a high near 59. Overnight, a chance of showers. Mostly cloudy with a low of 47. Wind gusts up to 30 miles per hour. Severe weather is possible early Friday morning.
South Alabama
Mostly sunny with a high of 61. Mostly cloudy Thursday night with a few showers towards Friday morning. Low of 46. Severe weather is possible early Friday morning.
Gulf Coast
Partly sunny with a high of 65. Mostly cloudy Thursday night with a chance of showers and thunderstorms overnight. A storm or two could be severe by early Friday morning.