Thunderstorms are very common here in central Alabama

Central, Ala. - Thunderstorms are very common here in central Alabama as we all know too well. During the Summer months, when central Alabama is typically under the influence of high pressure, thunderstorms usually form along outflow boundaries or simply during the heating of the afternoon.

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NWS Significant Weather Advisory

Harmony Mendoza's full forecast 9-11-11

Tropical Weather Outlook

NHC issuing advisories on TS MARIA and TS NATE

What Are The Hurricane Hazards?

Storm Surge - Water that is pushed toward the shore by the force of the winds swirling around the storm. This advancing surge combines with the normal tides to create the hurricane storm tide, which can increase the mean water level 15 feet or more.

Inland Flooding - In the last 30 years, inland flooding has been responsible for more than half the deaths associated with tropical cyclones in the US.

High Winds - Hurricane force winds can destroy poorly constructed buildings and mobile homes. Debris such as signs, roofing material, and small items left outside become flying missiles in hurricanes.

Tornados - Hurricanes can produce tornadoes that add to the storm's destructive power. Tornados are most likely to occur in the right-front quadrant of the hurricane.



What Should I Do With a Watch or Warning?

When a HURRICANE WATCH is issued for your part of the coast this indicates the possibility that you could experience hurricane conditions within 36 hours. This watch should trigger your family's disaster plan, and proactive measures should be initiated especially those actions that require extra time such as securing a boat, leaving a barrier island, etc. When a HURRICANE WARNING is issued for your part of the coast this indicates that sustained winds of at least 74 mph are expected within 24 hours. Once this warning has been issued, your family should be in the process of completing proactive actions and deciding the safest location to be during the storm.

Source:  http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/


Not too much longer...we'll see our first hurricane of 2011

So...Don is basically falling apart as it moves inland over south Texas. The dryness of the region and hostile upper level conditions are all contributing to its quick demise.

At least the sunshine has returned

Source:  NOAA/NWS
Highs today will be in the low 30s.  Some areas may not even hit the freezing mark of 32 degrees, where a decent snow pack is still present.  There is still a very cold arctic air mass in place and it continues to filter into the southeast. There will be a few high clouds today, otherwise skies will be mostly sunny.  It may be cold but, at least the sunshine has returned.

Wind Chill Advisory

Wind Chill Advisory: remains in effect from midnight tonight to 8 am Monday.
The combination of gusty winds and cold temperatures will create extremely cold wind chill readings overnight. Wind chill values...will drop to near zero around sunrise on Monday morning. If you must venture outdoors...make sure you wear a hat and gloves.

Source: NOAA/NWS
Image Credit:  NOAA/NWS
Wind chill takes into account how wind and cold feel on exposed skin rather than solely the actual temperature. As the wind increases, heat is carried away from the body at an accelerated rate, driving down the body temperature. Animals are also affected by wind chill.

http://www.noaa.gov/

A strong cold front will push across the Deep South tonight, bringing a line of showers and isolated thunderstorms. Temperatures will drop rapidly behind this front. We are scheduled to be at the freezing mark by early Sunday morning. The moisture source seems to be lacking so, just a mention of flurries possible at this time for the Birmingham area. The major concern after the rain will be Black Ice. Rural, valley and low lying areas in particular; Roads which appear clear in the cold season may actually be coated with a thin layer of ice, commonly called black ice. This nearly invisible ice layer can cause you to rapidly lose control of your vehicle. Black ice is most common during the nighttime hours into very early morning. If you detect black ice, reduce your speed!


Behind the front, strong gusty winds will create very cold and blustery conditions. Sustained winds will remain around 20 mph, gusts to 30 or 40 mph. This will create wind chill temperatures in the teens on Sunday...while single digit wind chills are possible in higher elevations. As colder air continues to funnel into the region...temperatures will likely fall into the teens area wide on Monday morning. Continued breezy conditions will produce wind chill temperatures below zero in some portions of the area. A wind chill advisory may be issued for Sunday night and Monday morning.