West Alabama Upgraded to Moderate Risk for Severe Weather Wednesday

As we prepare for another potential severe weather threat on Wednesday, March 30, 2022, the first thing you should know is that West Alabama has been upgraded to a “Moderate Risk” level by the Storm Prediction Center. This is a level 4 out of 5. Nearly the rest of the State of Alabam is under an “Enhanced Risk” which is level 3 out of 5.

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James Spann, ABC 33/40, and Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa Chief Meteorologist said that “a significant severe weather threat is ahead for Alabama tomorrow night.... this system will feature a very high level of kinematic energy with strong wind fields at all levels, but thankfully there is little surface-based instability. Still, the dynamics will bring the potential for a high impact event to the state tomorrow night.”

Possible Threats

Wind Advisory

The National Weather Service in Birmingham has issued a Wind Advisory in advance of the incoming severe weather system. The wind advisory starts on Wednesday, March 30, 2022, at 9:00 am until Thursday, March 31, 2022, at 4:00 am. Click here for more details.

Please be mindful of this wind advisory. As we experienced not too long ago that damaging winds can cause much destruction. Take all advisories, watches, and warnings seriously. Yes, even severe thunderstorm watches and warnings.

Pay attention to these two areas 1) before the storm enters our area and 2), during the storm system.

#1 – Before the Storm Enters Our Area

There is the possibility of gradients winds that could bring wind gusts You can expect sustained winds from 15 to 25 miles per hour with gusts from 40 to 50 miles per hour. These “gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Trees and tree limbs could be blown down which could result in property damage and power outages,” said the National Weather Service in Birmingham.

#2 – During the Storm System

“There is potential for relatively widespread wind damage with the line of storms as it passes through, with winds possibly gusting to 65 mph or higher in many places,” said Spann.

Tornadoes and Hail

There is the possibility of a few spin-up tornadoes within the line. In addition, hail is possible as well.

Rain

There is the potential for some flooding issues. We should see about 1 to 2 inches of rain in our area.

TIMELINE

The big question is always, “when will this impact my area?” Currently, the overall time frame for the system is between 6 pm on Wednesday and Thursday at 5 am. For our Townsquare Media Coverage area, we see the system starting up at 6 pm, and depending on where you are located on the state map, it could go until 2 am. See graphic from National Weather Service.

As always, weather conditions and information change as storm systems develop and moves along the course headed towards Alabama. We are constantly monitoring this system and checking for updates.

(Source) For more from the National Weather Service Birmingham, click here. Click here to follow the Facebook Page for James Spann.