Central Alabama Tornado Trackers

09/30/2024

As we approach the beginning of tornado season in Dixie Alley, now is the perfect opportunity to build or update your severe weather kit as well as plan and review your severe weather plan with your family so you are ready in the event of severe weather in your area.

October can be an eventful month in the deep South for severe weather. Always be weather aware.

09/01/2024

September is when we can start to see a slight uptick on severe storms and tornadoes across the south. While not on what is considered "tornado season" which is November-May, potential begins to rise in September and October. Now is the perfect time to begin preparing and building your disaster kit and rehearsing your tornado emergency plan.

If you would like more information on how to build or what to include in your kit, or how to make a tornado emergency plan. Don't hesitate to reach out

07/02/2024

(7/2, 6:26a) - Another hot day is expected with heat indices ranging from 103 to 105F across the west this afternoon. There's a chance for some showers and storms, mainly in the south, but otherwise it will be mostly sunny. The Heat Advisory will be in effect through tomorrow.

06/26/2024

It is going to be a hot one today, practice heat safety and stay hydrated.

06/26/2024

(06/26/2024 5:35 am) Increasing clouds today with chances for showers and storms this afternoon with best potential west. Some storms may be severe west and central. Highs will be in the upper 90s. Mostly cloudy tonight with isolated showers and storms with best chances west. Lows in the lower 70s. Partly cloudy with chances for showers and storms Thursday with best chances south. Highs in the lower 90s.

06/20/2024

06/20/2024

Active Systems:
The National Hurricane Center is issuing advisories on Tropical Storm Alberto, located inland over northeastern Mexico. For the latest Public Advisory, visit: Hurricanes.gov/

In the southwestern Atlantic Ocean (AL92):
A small area of low pressure located about 150 miles east of the northernmost Bahamas continues to produce disorganized shower and thunderstorm activity. While environmental conditions are only marginally conducive due to nearby dry air, further development of this system could lead to the development of a tropical depression while the low moves west-northwestward at 10 to 15 mph and
approaches the northeastern coast of Florida or the Georgia coast early on Friday. An Air Force Reserve reconnaissance aircraft is scheduled to investigate this system this afternoon, if necessary. It has a medium (40 percent) chance of formation in the next 48 hours and a (40 percent) chance in the next 7 days.

In the southwestern Gulf of Mexico:
A broad area of low pressure is forecast to form over southeastern Mexico and northern Central America on Friday. Environmental conditions appear conducive for gradual development after this system moves over the Bay of Campeche on Saturday, and a tropical depression could form over the southwestern Gulf of Mexico this weekend while it moves slowly west-northwestward or northwestward. It has a low (20 percent) chance of formation in the next 48 hours and a medium (50 percent) chance in the next 7 days.

For the latest information, please visit: Hurricanes.gov
En Español, visite: https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/text/MIATWOSAT.shtml

06/19/2024

...TROPICAL STORM ALBERTO FORMS OVER THE WESTERN GULF OF MEXICO...
..HEAVY RAINS, COASTAL FLOODING, AND GUSTY WINDS FORECAST ALONG THE COASTS OF TEXAS AND NORTHEASTERN MEXICO THROUGH THURSDAY...

For the latest advisory, please visit: https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/text/refresh/MIATCPAT1+shtml/191448.shtml

En Español: https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/text/refresh/MIATASAT1+shtml/191449.shtml

06/17/2024

Gulf of Mexico:
Satellite imagery and surface observations indicate that a broad area of low pressure is forming over the Bay of Campeche. Environmental conditions appear conducive for additional gradual development, and a tropical depression or tropical storm is likely to form by midweek while it moves slowly westward or west-northwestward toward the western Gulf coast.

Regardless of development, several days of heavy rainfall are expected across portions of southern Mexico and Central America, and these rains are likely to cause life-threatening flooding and flash flooding. Locally heavy rainfall is also expected to spread over portions of the northwestern coast of the Gulf of Mexico by the
middle of the week. In addition, gale warnings have been issued for portions of the Gulf of Mexico, and more information on those warnings is available in High Seas Forecasts issued by the National Weather Service. Interests along the western and northwestern Gulf coasts should monitor the progress of this system. An Air Force
Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft is scheduled to investigate the system later today.
It has a high (70 percent) chance of formation in the next 48 hours and in the next 7 days.

Southwestern Atlantic Ocean:
An area of cloudiness and thunderstorms located several hundred miles east of the Bahamas is associated with a surface trough and an upper-level area of low pressure. Environmental conditions could be conducive for some development of this system during the next few days while it moves westward or west-northwestward. The
system is forecast to approach the coast of the southeast United States on Thursday or Friday. It has a low (10 percent) chance of formation in the next 48 hours and a low (30 percent) in the next 7 days.

For the latest update, please visit: hurricanes.gov
For the latest marine forecast, please visit: hurricanes.gov/marine
En Español: https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/text/MIATWOSAT.shtml

06/17/2024

This Sunday, a large area of disturbed weather has formed over Central America, the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, and the adjacent waters of the northwestern Caribbean Sea. A broad area of low pressure is forecast to form from this system over the southwestern Gulf of Mexico in a day or two. Environmental conditions appear conducive for gradual development of this system, and a tropical depression could form by midweek while it moves slowly westward or west-northwestward. Regardless of development, several days of heavy rainfall are expected across portions of southern Mexico and Central America. These rains are likely to cause life-threatening flooding and flash flooding. It has a low (10 percent) chance of formation in the next 48 hours and a medium (60 percent) chance in the next 7 days.

An area of low pressure is forecast to form by midweek a few hundred miles northeast of the central Bahamas. Environmental conditions could be conducive for some development of this system thereafter while it moves westward or west-northwestward. It has a near zero chance of formation in the next 48 hours and a low (30 percent) chance in the next 7 days.

For more information, please visit: Hurricane.gov
En Español: https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/text/MIATWOSAT.shtml

06/16/2024

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06/08/2024

Weather radios on clearance at the south Walmart in Cullman. $14 is a good deal.

05/24/2024

SEVERE STORMS POSSIBLE SUNDAY

SPC has outlined a severe weather risk for Sunday across parts of Alabama. A slight risk, level 2 out of 5, runs along and north of a line from Hamilton to Hartselle to Scottsboro and includes areas like Russellville, Florence, Decatur, Huntsville, and Harvest. A marginal risk, level 1 out of 5, extends further south to along the I-20 corridor and includes areas like Vernon, Jasper, Cullman, Birmingham, Anniston and Gadsden.

Storms are expected to move into the state during the afternoon and evening hours will all modes being possible, including Damaging winds, large hail, and a tornado or two is possible.

We will work to nail down the risks and forecast as the event gets closer.

04/05/2024

STORMS POSSIBLE NEXT WEEK

We are currently monitoring the potential for storms across parts of the state, some could be strong, on Wednesday next week. Can't get too much into the details until the event gets closer, but we wanted to make sure you're aware. As the event gets closer, we will post updates. Remember, this is April in Alabama and things like this are normal. Just prepare before hand and have multiple ways to receive warnings and if you live in a manufactured home, have your safety plan ready by knowing the nearest shelter to you as you cannot stay in a manufactured home during a tornado.

04/02/2024

SEVERE STORMS LIKELY TODAY STATE WIDE

SPC has extended the Enhanced risk farther south with the latest update. Currently the Enhanced risk, level 3 out of 5, extends from near Demopolis to near Greenville to Dothan and all points of the state to the north, with a Slight risk, level 2 out of 5, south of those areas all the way to the gulf coast. The enhanced risk area includes a 10% hatched area for strong tornadoes (EF2+)

THREATS

The threats are the same as the previous outlook with all modes of severe weather possible including damaging straight line winds up to 70 mph, large hail up to ping pong ball sized, and a few tornadoes, some of which could be strong (EF2+), especially in the enhanced risk area.

TIMING

Storms should enter the north western portion of the state around 3 to 4 pm and sweep across the State, finally exiting the state around 3 am. Storms should be near the I-20 corridor around 6 or 7pm.

CALL TO ACTION

Have a reliable way to receive warnings today such as a smart phone app, weather radio, and have Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) enabled on your phone. Know where you are going to go in the event you are placed under a tornado warning. If you live in a manufactured home, know where your nearest shelter is located and be sure you have transportation arranged to get there because you CANNOT stay ina mobile home during a tornado. We understand that there are some of you that suffer from storm anxiety. Just know that this is April in Alabama, these events are normal this time of year. Understand that we are here to help you through days like this and you will be alright. If you're afraid, don't ever be afraid to ask questions.

Stay tuned for future updates and follow your local media outlet for weather updates.

04/02/2024

SEVERE WEATHER LIKELY TODAY

SPC has outlined a severe weather risk for all of Alabama. There is an Enhanced risk, level 3 out of 5, for roughly the northern half of Alabama, extending along a line from near Tuscaloosa, to Hoover, to near Piedmont and all points north to the Tennessee state line. This includes areas like Birmingham, Cullman, Decatur, Huntsville, Scottsboro, Fort Payne, Florence, Hamilton, and Jasper. The rest of the state down to the gulf coast is in the standard slight risk, level 2 out of 5.

THREATS

Today will be an all modes of severe weather threat state wide, including Damaging straight line winds, large hail, and even a few tornadoes. The probabilities are higher in the Enhanced risk area with the potential for a strong tornado or 2 (EF2+). As well as locally heavy rain and the potential for flash flooding.

TIMING

It looks like the window for severe weather will open up around 3 PM in the northwestern parts of the state then sweeping across the State as the afternoon and evening progresses, finally exiting the state around 3 or 4 AM.

CALL TO ACTION

Be sure to have multiple ways to receive warnings today, such as a weather radio, smart phone app and have Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) enabled on your phone, this is the same alert system that gives you Amber Alerts. NEVER rely on outdoor sirens if you are indoors, you will not hear them. Be sure to know your tornado safety plan in advance of the coming storms and have your bicycle helmets ready in the event you are placed under a warning. If you live in a mobile home, know where you are going in the event of a warning because you CANNOT stay in a mobile home during a tornado.

Stay tuned to local media outlets and reliable sources for weather information for updates on todays severe weather threat. I will post another update later before the event if anything changes with the forecast.

04/01/2024

SEVERE WEATHER POSSIBLE TUESDAY

SPC has outlined a severe weather risk for almost all of Alabama on Tuesday. The far northern counties are within an enhanced risk, includuing Florence, Decatur and Huntsville, with a slight risk south of that down to Demopolis to Clanton to Heflin and a marginal risk south of that to the gulf coast region over to Dothan.

THREATS

The primary threat with the storms on Tuesday will be from damaging wind gusts, but isolated large hail and a tornado or two will be possible with the greater likelihood of these threats in the enhanced risk area but severe storms are possible state wide. I've attached a map of the significant tornado parameter for Tuesday evening.

TIMING

The window for strong to severe storms will open up around 3 or 4 pm for the Northwestern areas of the state and finally exiting the state around midnight.

CALL TO ACTION

Be sure to have reliable ways to receive severe weather warnings whether you are at home or at your work place. This includes smart phone apps, weather radios, and having wireless emergency alerts enabled on your phone, WEA is the same alert setting that gives you amber alerts. NEVER rely on outdoor sirens as you will not hear them indoors. Remember, we are in our spring tornado season, April is one of our most active months of the year so this is normal every year. We understand that there are some that suffer from storm anxiety, just don't panic and know that we, along with your local news outlets will keep you informed and try to help with that anxiety. Don't be afraid.

03/08/2024

SEVERE STORMS POSSIBLE TODAY

SPC has outlined a slight and marginal risk over alabama today. Not much has changed in the overall thinking from yesterday as all modes of severe weather will be possible, especially in the slight risk area, including strong possibly damaging straight line winds, large hail and possibly a couple tornadoes. There will also be heavy rain associated with this system and some places could receive several inches, enough to cause flash flooding.

Have a reliable way to receive warnings today. A weather radio should be your baseline to receive warnings at home or at your work place. A smart phone app is also a good way to receive warnings as they are GPS based and will only warn you if you are inside the polygon.

Storm anxiety is real and we here at Central Alabama Tornado Trackers understand that events like this can be difficult for some people as well as pets (we have a pet with storm anxiety). We want you to know that everything will be alright, we will be here to get you through this event as well as others in the future along with local news outlets.

03/07/2024

STRONG TO SEVERE STORMS POSSIBLE FRIDAY

SPC has outlined a slight and marginal risk for severe weather across Alabama for tomorrow (Friday). Primary threats will be from strong gusty winds, large hail and possibly a few brief tornadoes with the greatest threat in the slight risk area. Locally heavy rain could also lead to flash flooding.

02/25/2024

SPC has removed the severe weather risk for Wednesday due to continued downtrends in model guidance. Rain and Storms are still possible. This could still change but for now, we do not expect Severe Weather in Alabama later this week. We will continue to keep you updated.

02/24/2024

This weekend is Severe Weather Preparation Sales Tax Free weekend. Severe weather season is in full swing and its time to get items to prepare.

02/23/2024

We are monitoring the potential for strong to severe storms on day 6 Wednesday next week. Details for now are limited but the overall threat will become more clear as the event approaches. We will post updates later in the weekend and into next week as the event gets closer.

Remember, we are in our tornado season in Alabama which runs from November to May with probabilities treading up into the spring portion of the season.

Make sure you have reliable warning sources available in the event of severe weather and have a tornado safety plan in place before severe weather strikes.

02/08/2024

Tonight's gorgeous sunset! If you have any pictures of tonight's sunset in your location post it in the comments!

01/15/2024

Jan 15 4:45p: 🚫"But it's just rain."

Let's dig into your updated forecast! First off, we don't want anyone to fall into the trap of "it's just rain" tonight! Very cold air at the surface is spilling southward at this hour. Meanwhile, a few thousand feet above our head, the air is several degrees above freezing. This means that anything falling from the sky tonight will be sleet or freezing rain. It may look like "just rain" but if the temperature is 32 degrees or lower at your location, there's a risk of the rain drops freezing on contact with road surfaces, walkways, power lines, etc., creating a coating of ice. Some of you may also see sleet. That's the tiny ice ball-looking stuff that makes a pinging sound when hitting the ground.

This is not going to be a crippling ice storm, but rather one where we need to exercise extra caution! Instances of icy patches could occur just about anywhere, so please either (1) stay off the roads tonight into Tuesday or (2) if you MUST travel, allow extra travel time, decrease your speed, and take some extra items with you in case you become stranded (coat, blanket, water, phone charger). Travel impacts could last through Tuesday as high temperatures hold at or below freezing for much of central Alabama, especially for sheltered/shaded roadways.

The current radar is a tad misleading. There's a big batch pulling northeastward away from us and it doesn't look like there's much in the pipeline, BUT we expect more to form to our west over the coming hours and move across central Alabama tonight into Tuesday morning.

Very cold air, for Alabama standards, will occur tonight through Thursday morning. Some locations won't get above freezing on Tuesday and wind chill values could be as low as the single digits below zero! Bring cold-sensitive pets inside, wrap/drip exposed and uninsulated pipes, and check on those without access to warmth. Enter your zip or city at weather.gov to check out your local temperature forecast.