Afternoon Update

Posted on January 20th, 2010 by James-Paul Dice

Wed_Jan_20_14h56m10_2010Storms will likely remain west of I-65 through 6pm.  The strongest storms will produce winds greater than 40mph, heavy rainfall, and possibly small hail.  Localized flooding will be a problem – especially close to rivers and other waterways.  This system will likely bring rainfall totals of 2+” across  Central Alabama.  The primary limiting factor with this weather event will be the lack of instability…dewpoint temps will struggle to reach the mid to upper 50s.  Here’s the breakdown

ROUND #1: Strong thunderstorms west of I-65 through 6pm with heavy rain/storms becoming more widespread through midnight.  Primary threat gusty winds.

ROUND #2: Overnight heavy rain and strongest thunderstorms south of I-20 and west of I-65.  Wind gusts up to 50mph.  Severe thunderstorm warnings possible.

ROUND #3: Strong to severe thunderstorms north of I-20 from noon until 5pm Thursday.  Primary threat damaging winds and hail.

While there is not a significant tornado threat with this system, we can’t discount the possibility of an isolated spin-up.  The Storm Prediction Center is keeping the risk very low.  This is not a classic tornado setup, but we’ll keep a watchful eye on the storms here in the StormWarn Center.

James-Paul Dice
Fox 6 Chief Meteorologist
james.dice@wbrc.com

Filed under: Birmingham, Rain, Regions, Thunderstorms, Tornadoes

« Rain on the Way Severe Storms Developing to our West. »

One Response to “Afternoon Update”

  1. Casey Watkins, on January 20th, 2010 at 3:51 pm Said:

    Mr. Dice,

    I was wondering what the threat of severe weather would be in Clanton AL now through this evening. I have a horrible fear of bad weather and I would like to have an honest opinion from yourself as to what the chances are of tornadoes or if it’s just some thunderstorms. I always watch your weather segments
    and trust your expertise.

Leave a Reply