WBRC Weather

Hail Pictures Associated With Saturday's Storms

Wes Wyatt-Fox 6 Meteorologist

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Tracking Severe Storms

Good evening folks, as expected thunderstorms have re-developed and some are very severe. At this time we’re monitoring severe storms lining up from Double Springs south to near Tannehill and Centreville. These storms are drifting southwest and they are producing frequent cloud to ground lightning, winds at or above 58 mph, and large damaging hail. At one point hail coated the ground in the Smith Lake area.

In response to these storms a severe thunderstorm watch has been issued to include all of our West Alabama counties south to Perry and Chilton counties through 1 AM. All of these advisories will continue through the next half hour so be sure to avoid travel until these storms weaken or pass. Folks in Marion County should pay close attention to the storm over Franklin and Colbert counties that is now capable of producing a tornado. At this time there is no tornado warning for Marion county but this will be a storm to watch. Stay with Fox 6 as we continue to monitor these very strong thunderstorms. 

Wes Wyatt-Fox 6 Meteorologist

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Strong Storms...Otherwise Hot and Humid

Most areas south of Birmingham didn't get the pounding storms Saturday but the areas where the storms did erupt certainly felt the sting.

The afternoon will be followed by more patches of dense fog overnight, especially in East Alabama but Sunday and Monday look drier and warmer with near record temperatures possible.

The long range forecast models still can't get a handle on the approaching storm system. No surprise, since Easter weather is always unusual and unpredictable.

The Big Cool Down we had been expecting just prior to the weekend looks less likely now so we're still looking at highs around 80 and lows in the 60's.

Could still see a few isolated strong-to-severe in the meantime, so stay abreast of the changing conditions.

Fred Hunter

FOX6 Meteorologist

fhunter@wbrc.com

A Friday Downpour

We wanted to share this neat looking photo from Amy Wyatt from Tuscaloosa. This was taken on highway 69 south near Shelton State Community College yesterday. This image shows a heavy rain shaft on the right side of the image. The heaviest rain was occuring in southwest Tuscaloosa at the time. 

Wes Wyatt-Fox 6 Meteorologist

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The Blue Angels: "Inside The Demo"

I received this message from my friend Don Hartley with the State EMA and wanted to share:

I got home from out of town yesterday afternoon just in time to watch the Blue Angels practice. It wasn't 10 minutes after a thunderstorm passed that they were in the air and practicing their show while neighbors and I stood in our yards and watched. The sight and sound of the F/A-18 Hornet slicing through the sky are exciting and makes you feel proud to be an American. I plan to be at the show Sunday. If you want to get an idea of what is going on while the Blues do their demonstration go to their website at www.blueangels.navy.mil/ and click on "Inside the Demo". Also, don't forget some of the remaining "Tuskegee Airmen", true heros from the Greatest Generation will also be at the show as will the P-51D, the aircraft many of them flew. Like the Hornet; the P-51 was the hottest tactical fighter aircraft of its day.

Wes Wyatt-Fox 6 Meteorologist

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Saturday Discussion: More Thunderstorms-Some May Be Severe

 

Morning fog will be giving way to a partly cloudy sky across the area today. There will be another elevated chance of rainfall for today but we’re expecting scattered thunderstorms and showers. Prior to lunchtime the wet weather will be more confined to southeast sections of the area. During the afternoon a passing shower or storm will be possible area-wide. Some of the storms today may be on the severe side, with the main threat being hail and gusty straight-line winds. Be sure to keep an eye out later today as these storms begin to re-develop. The showers and storm development is expected to continue into the overnight hours.

Tomorrow: We will have a much better chance of squeezing in some outdoor activities tomorrow as the upper atmosphere becomes more stable. Showers and thunderstorms will still be possible but the activity will become more isolated in nature.

Next Week: We’ll have to keep a very close eye on the setup for next week because long range data shows a very dynamic system entering the region by Tuesday. One of our reliable models projects a strong low pressure system will track near Tulsa, Oklahoma on Tuesday. There will be plenty of low level moisture and warm air to raise instability values. Based on this outlook, we’re forecasting a good chance for thunderstorms and rain for late Tuesday and into Wednesday. There is the potential for this to be a storm system capable of producing severe weather across the region. Be sure to pay close attention to the long range forecast over the next few days as we gather new information and fine-tune the forecast. Fox 6 news Saturday morning is on through 9AM, be sure to join us for more. 

Wes Wyatt-Fox 6 Meteorologist

Follow Me on Twitter@weswyattweather

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A Weekend Full of Activity

We hope everyone has a safe and fun filled weekend.

But.

Stay weather alert and not just for the possibility for strong-to-severe thunderstorms.

First, let's talk fog.

The patchy fog will limit visibility through the morning Saturday. With partly cloudy skies and warm temperatures there's a good chance for afternoon thunderstorms which may be strong to severe with the potential for large hail and damaging straight line winds.

Slight chances for thunderstorms linger Sunday and Monday with another chance for strong thunderstorms returning Tuesday.

Finally, cooler, drier, more stable air returns for the second half of the work-week.

Fred Hunter
FOX6 Meteorologist
fhunter@wbrc.com

Flooding in Bessemer

A heavy downpour caused flash flooding in Bessemer this afternoon, as shown in these photos.

Showers and thunderstorms will continue to move across our area today, but no severe weather is expected. Be careful out there on the roads!

Rain and Storms Likely Today, Warm Weekend

Expect a wet and stormy day across Alabama today as showers and thunderstorms move across the state. The good news? No severe weather expected, but we could see a few strong thunderstorms and some brief, heavy downpours.

The weekend looks mostly dry and warm. We could see a few showers early Saturday morning and late Sunday afternoon. In between that, look for partly cloudy skies with afternoon highs both days in the 80s.

Monday begins three days of very spring-like weather. Highs will be in the 80s Monday and Tuesday with scattered showers and thunderstorms on Monday and stronger, more numerous storms on Tuesday into Wednesday. Some of the storms late Tuesday into Wednesday could be severe. We'll update you on that as the time draws closer.

Thursday and Friday next week look awesome. Cooler, drier air will move into the state, clearing our skies and pushing temperatures into the upper 40s by Friday morning.

Don't forget you can take our weather updates with you this weekend. Just download our free weather app on your smart phone to have access to our forecast, current conditions, and an interactive radar map. Visit www.myfoxal.com/apps for more details. 

Have a great weekend!

Dennis Washington

Rain Likely Friday

Chances for thunderstorms appear likely at least through Friday night when a front should move east of the region ending the rain...for now.

Weekend temperatures remain warm with only a slight chance for a Sunday afternoon thunderstorm.

Thunderstorm chances, some strong to severe, ramp up Tuesday across the entire region with the possibility for damaging straight line winds and large hail.

Following this frontal passage cooler air moves in returning temperatures to something closer to normal for this time of year.

Fred Hunter

FOX6 Meteorologist

fhunter@wbrc.com