11/30/2006
A strong Arctic front will move into northwest Alabama Thursday night and exit southeast counties early Friday morning. Several weather concerns are possible with this system.
The potential for severe thunderstorms appears limited at this time. A few strong storms are possible with the main threat being gusty winds around 50 mph. The best chance for strong storms will be:
- Between 10 pm and midnight west including Tuscaloosa and Hamilton,
- Between midnight and 3 am central including Birmingham and Montgomery, and
- Between 3 am and 5 am east including Phenix City and Anniston.
At this time not all the parameters are lining up for a severe weather episode, but the strength of the system will bear extensive monitoring for potential changes.
The potential for wind gusts of 30 to 40 mph looks good ahead of the front, near the front, and behind the front. Winds will become gusty across western Alabama generally after 3 pm Thursday spreading to all locations overnight. A few weaker trees and tree limbs may be knocked down. Lighter objects such as trash cans, lawn furniture, and other lightweight outdoor objects may be tossed around.
The moisture will be exiting central Alabama before the freezing temperatures move into the area; therefore, no winter weather is anticipated at this time. For areas west of a Tuscaloosa to Jasper line, freezing temperatures are expected by sunrise Friday morning. Any liquid remaining on the ground from the rain the night before will freeze. This will produce a few hazardous spots on area roadways. If any ice develops on the roadways, it will quickly melt between 8 and 9 am as temperatures rise into the mid and upper 30s.
We are in the heart of fall severe weather season. If the severe weather parameters can become a bit more aligned, the chances for severe weather would be increased. Please stay tuned to your weather radio for further information regarding this developing weather situation.