As of noon, Alabama is facing severe weather conditions, including active tornado warnings and high wind advisories. Conditions are expected to worsen with a squall line moving into the region later this evening. Residents are urged to prepare for strong winds and potential tornadoes while maintaining awareness of weather updates.
As of noon, the squall line stretches from southern Arkansas through central and southwest Louisiana. Severe thunderstorm warnings are in effect from Monticello, Arkansas to areas near Monroe, Leesville, Alexandria, and DeQuincy in Louisiana. Although a tornado near Alexandria was confirmed approximately thirty minutes ago, the storm’s intensity has since diminished. A new tornado warning is in place for Pollock, north of Alexandria, with winds at Alexandria International Airport gusting to 45 mph from the southeast.
In Alabama, weather conditions show some improvement with clearing skies and an inversion at roughly 10,000 feet. Afternoon temperatures are expected to rise into the upper 60s to lower 70s, while dew points are also increasing into the upper 40s and lower 50s. Winds are gusty, reaching 42 mph at Huntsville International, 25 mph at Birmingham, and 35 mph at Greenville in Butler County.
A Wind Advisory will remain active for Alabama until Wednesday afternoon as a deepening surface low increases the pressure gradient across the region. Winds outside of thunderstorms are already prominent, with gusts of 30 to 40 mph expected, and even potential gusts up to 45 mph later today. These winds pose risks such as downed tree limbs and power lines, hence securing outdoor objects is recommended.
The Storm Prediction Center has announced an impending tornado watch for the southern two-thirds of Mississippi and much of southeastern Louisiana. Dew points in the low to mid-60s are rapidly advancing inland, contributing to significant atmospheric instability. A wind gust measuring 61 knots has already been recorded, indicating the storm system’s strength. Areas south of I-20 in Mississippi are anticipated to face the greatest instability, heightening the risk for emergent tornadoes within the storm line.
The advancing line of storms is expected to reach northwest Alabama between 6 and 7 PM, moving swiftly across the state and exiting southeast Alabama by 1 to 2 AM. The primary threat remains damaging straight-line winds; however, isolated tornadoes are possible, particularly in Southwest Alabama. An Enhanced Risk (level 3/5) has been issued for this region, where significant tornadoes could develop along a line from Livingston to Linden to Beatrice to Evergreen.
While overall instability is somewhat limited for much of Alabama, substantial wind shear may still lead to embedded tornadoes within the squall line. Anticipated wind gusts could exceed 60 mph, leading to power outages and falling trees. Residents should remain vigilant and prepared for evolving weather conditions.
For safety tonight, it is advised that residents maintain multiple avenues for receiving warnings, including NOAA Weather Radio, Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA), the AlabamaWX Blog, and updates from ABC3340, notably from Chief Meteorologist James Spann. Individuals should ensure their electronic devices are charged in anticipation of potential power outages and have a severe weather plan ready, particularly if residing in manufactured homes or less sturdy structures.
In summary, Alabama is currently experiencing a mix of severe weather with active warnings for thunderstorms and potential tornadoes. High winds pose additional risks, and residents are encouraged to prepare for severe weather and remain informed through official channels. The threat, especially in Southwest Alabama, necessitates vigilance and readiness for any weather changes.
Original Source: www.alabamawx.com
