A few severe storms occurred in Alabama yesterday, and significant lightning accompanied the storms. Lightning acts as a beautiful and fascinating weather phenomena that also serves a purpose. An entire lecture could be given about the intricate causes of lightning formation. However, meteorologists have developed a fairly simple explanation for the creation of lighting. The exact process varies from scientist to scientist, but the overall concept remains the same.

In my understanding, there are four steps necessary for lightning formation. In the first step, there is separation of charges in a cloud, for debated causes. The positive charges remain in the upper level of the cloud, repelling negative charges to the bottom. These negatively charged particles attract positive particles on the ground below. In the second step, the negative charges in the bottom of the cloud reach downward, out of the cloud, to the ground. These moving particles are collectively called the stepped leader. The first two steps set up an environment for an electric connection to occur.

The third and fourth steps of lightning formation involve a connection between two opposite charges. The positive particles begin to move upward through the air in the third step. These “streamers” are attracted upward by the opposing, negative charges. They also connect in this step, but the connection is invisible. The fourth step appears as the flash that we call lightning. This step is actually the return stroke after the connection. This process can repeat numerous times.

In Alabama, most people have witnessed some type of lightning: cloud to cloud, cloud to ground, or ground to cloud. This occurrence is not only fascinating but also a challenge for meteorologists. When conditions are favorable, the four steps can take place in less than a second. Understanding the dynamics of lightning can be helpful in understanding the consequences of it.

The Winston County EMA Office reported roof damage with trees and power lines down on Winston County Road 25 between Lynn and Double Springs.

It happened around 4:39 pm.

This damage area is about 50 air miles NW of downtown Birmingham.

Based on doppler radar estimates...as much as 5.10 inches if rain has fallen in Walker County west of Jasper.

Around 3 inches was indicated pver parts of North Birmingham.

Radar estimates are not the final word, of course, but the information is useful.

From the 3340 WeatherNet System:

1.14 inches of rain at Legion Field on Birmingham's west side
0.72 at Tuscaloosa
0.78 at Clanton
0.34 in Gadsden
0.81 in Cullman
0.41 in Talladega

Peak gust of 61 mph at the Talladega Superspeedway

Jason Simpson reported nickle size hail just north of downtown Birmingham near I-65 and Findley Blvd.

Earlier this afternoon, scattered damage was report from Colbert and Lauderdale County in NW Alabama...eastward across the Tennessee Valley into Jackson County in the NE The damage seemed to be limited to trees down and in some cases hail. We know of no major damage.

The Severe Thunderstorm Warning for North Central Walker County no longer in effect.

But the northward moving storm has pronpted a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for South Winston County including Double Springs.

Meanwhile, back in Walker County, very heavy rain was falling over the west part of Walker and a Flash Flood Warning was posted for Western Walker County, including Jasper, until 6 pm, CDT.

In the Greater Birmingham area, the weather is much calmer at this time. Even over in East and NE Alabama, the stronger storms seemed to be crossing the border into West and NW Georgia.

It 's a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for North Central Walker County until 4:30. The Severe Thunderstorm was 10 miles NW of Jasper and moving NE at 10.

These storms are also dumping very heavy rain.

The Severe Thunderstorm Warning for East Tuscaloosa County expired at 3:45 and was not extended.

However, slow-moving thunderstorms are still strong from East Tuscaloosa County north into Walker County. Some folks are getting a lot of rain.

In West Birmingham, Village Creek was expected to crest about 1/2 foot above flood stage at the Avenue "W" Bridge around mid-afternoon...then back below flood stage around 4.

Based on radar estimates, as much as 3.50 inches fell from these storms in North Birmingham.

ABC 33/40 Chief Photographer, Bill Castle, reported several water rescues in the area.

James Spann reports a total rainfall of 0.47 at Greystone Cove in North Sjelby County.

Total so far in NE Trussville, where I am located, not more than 13 drops!

In NE Alabama, Flash Flood Warnings also continue for Calhoun, Dekalb and Madison Counties...

Thunderstorms growing stronger near Tuscaloosa again.

NWS posting a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for East Tuscaloosa County, including the city of Tuscaloosa until 3:45 pm. The strongest part of the storm was located 6 miles NE of Holt or some 8 miles NE of Tuscaloosa moving east slowly, at onlt 10 mph. Could produce 60 mph wind gusts and nickle size hail.

ABOUT THE JEFFERSON COUNTY FLASH FLOOD WARNING
Very little rain falling over Jefferson County at 3:15 but these strong storms in East Tuscaloosa County will be advancing toward Jefferson.

Also...the Flash Flood warning for Village Creek in West Birmingham continues till 4. At the Avenue "W" Bridge, Ensley, the creek should crest about 1/2 foot above flood stage around mid-afternoon and back below flood stage by 4.

No major damage from the storms today.

A little later will post some damage reports mainly from Extreme North Alabama.

The more numerous strong to severe storms now have shifted into East and NE Alabama.

The power returned to the radar site around 3:00... so we are back in business:

http://www.abc3340.com/weather/doppler.html

Most of the stronger thunderstorms in Alabama have shifted over into the NE and East part of the state. Several counties in NE Alabama under a Severe Thunderstorm Warning.

A Flash Flood Warning was issued for Jefferson County after some very heavy rain fell in the downtown area. The warning was until 3:30 pm. However, the intensity of the rain at 2:45 pm had diminished greatly, although another strong storm had entered the west edge of jefferson County from Tuscaloosa County.

The NWS has also posted a warning for Village Creek in Jefferson County. At the Avenue "W" Bridge in Ensley, a crest of 10.5 feet was expected by approxmately 3 o'clock thisd afternoon...or about one-half foot above flood stage. The creek should go back below flood stage by around 4.