SIGNIFICANT SEVERE WEATHER THREAT AHEAD: A dynamic storm system will bring the threat of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes to parts of LA/MS/AL later today and tonight.
In Alabama, there is a "moderate risk" (level 4/5) defined for parts of Sumter, Choctaw, and Washington counties in West Alabama. An "enhanced risk" (level 3/5) extends over to Fayette, Selma, and Mobile. Most of the rest of the state is in a "slight risk" (level 2/5).
TIMING: A few isolated severe storms are possible in the 3 to 9 p.m. time frame, but high resolution models are suggesting these storms will be isolated. The "main show" will come late tonight from 9:00 p.m. through the pre-dawn hours Sunday. All storms should be out of Southeast Alabama by 8:00 a.m. tomorrow.
THREATS: Any isolated storms this evening and tonight will have to be watched for severe potential, but with the "main show" late tonight the highest concern is widespread straight line winds that could feature gusts to 70 mph in spots. This mass of storms will have potential to produce a good bit of tree and power line damage tonight.
Storms could also produce hail and a few tornadoes. The highest threat of long track tornadoes (EF-3 ) is in the "moderate risk" area across LA/MS and extreme West Alabama.
GRADIENT WIND: Ahead of the line of storms tonight, gradient winds (not related to thunderstorms) will ramp up, gusting to 40 mph in spots.
RAIN: Additional rain amounts of 1-2 inches are expected for much of Alabama through early tomorrow morning; for now major flooding issues are not expected.
CALL TO ACTION: Be sure you have a reliable way of getting warnings later today and tonight; a NOAA Weather Radio is the baseline for any home or business. On your phone, be sure and have emergency alerts enabled. Know the safe place in your home (small room, lowest floor, away from windows, and near the center of the house), and have a helmet for everyone (including adults)
If you live in a mobile home, know the location of the nearest shelter (or business that can serve as a shelter), and how to get there quickly. Have transportation available.
BE A HERO: If you are reading this, you pay attention to the weather. Take the time to share important weather information (especially tornado warnings) with family and friends with a text or phone call. You could be the only warning they get.
REMEMBER: Having a severe weather threat in Alabama in late December is nothing unusual. Our tornado season runs from November through May. No need to be alarmed or anxious; just pay attention to warnings, have a plan, and we will get through the this just fine together.