UPDATE--12:40 pm Saturday

NOTE: We will post brief updates like this as the severe weather event unfolds. However, please scan down to a more extensive briefing by James Spann posted at 9:20 am. That contains lots of good information that is still valid. These shorter updates will be more of a progress report.

Nothing going on in North and Central Alabama early this afternoon but a Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect for 17 South Alabama Counties until 4 PM, CST. Also for South Goergia and North Florida. A warm front is moving inland.

Down in extreme South Alabama, a big thunderstorm has produced baseball size hail shortly after noon in Covington County adjacent to the Florida border.

Earkier, golf ball size hail was covering the ground at Pensacola. These storms will migrate northward into South Alabama.

LOOKING WEST: Nothing from Alabama all the way out to Texas. But that is misleading. We don't have to wait till those move from Texas to Alabama. New storms will be fornming in the warm/humid air later this afternoon.

Lots of hail around Austin last night breaking out windows in cars and buildings. Very little tornado activity so far.

And would you believe that the Texas Panhandle is getting a nice covering of snow today...3 to 4 inches so far on the ground...

Life goes on...again scan down to the 9:20 am post by James.