10 O'clock Update--Still Looks Scary

March 26, 2005, 10:00 pm

Posted by J.B. Elliott in Severe Weather
Rating: 4.5/5 Votes : 8

TORNADO WATCH
.....It goes until 4 am for a large part of North and Central Alabama including all of the Greater Birmingham Area. In fact it stretches all the way fron NE Alabama down to the Mobile area. This of course includes the Tuscaloosa-Birmingham-Gadsden areas.

This is another PDS Watch (A Particularly Dangerous Situation)

The Alabama Counties...

Autauga...Bibb...Cherokee...Greene...Lamar...Macon...Perry...Rand
olph... St Clair....Tallapoosa....Blount...Calhoun...Chilton...Clay...Coosa.
..Dallas...Etowah...Hale...Lee...
Marengo...Pickens...Russell...Sumter...Tuscaloosa...Barbour...Bul
lock...Chambers...Cleburne...
Covington...Elmore...Fayette...Jefferson...Lowndes...Marion...Mon
tgomery...Pike...Shelby...
Talladega...Walker....Winston.

We are very wary of storms around Meridian at this hour where a tornado warning is in effect. The most powerful looking thunderstorm of all was SW of Meridian and moving NE.

There is a report of a possible tornado at Toomsuba, Miss., in Lauderdale County.

Tornado warning will likely be needed in Sumter County, Ala.,later.

Still looks like a long night...we may get a break in the action Sunday morning, then more severe thunderstorms Sunday afternoon.

That is our generqal thinking late tonight...

A long night ahead...stay tuned

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Posted by Josh
on March 26, 2005, 8:48 pm

Yes people need to stay tuned

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Posted by
on March 26, 2005, 8:50 pm

Thanks for that info J.B. I guess my thoughts decieved me (it seemed cooler here in T-Town and the rain had slacked off though now the lightening is returning). I will keep and eye out here in T-Town and everyone be safe. I am praying for everyone in Alabama tonight especially those in the ABC 33/40 weather center (J.B., I know your hungry). Ill post later as more weather develops and moves toward my part of Alabama.

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Posted by
on March 26, 2005, 8:52 pm

The weather here in Vance is real "erie" (if thats how you spell it). The wind is non existent, and there is no rain falling, period.

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Posted by Renee
on March 26, 2005, 8:53 pm

Yeah, I know what you mean.... We had an Easter concert tonight in B'ham and it was cooler, yet still muggy and sticky. Ugh....

Lord, please keep us all safe!

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Posted by
on March 26, 2005, 8:54 pm

This might be wishful thinking on my part, but by any chance would this rain cool things down and make the air more stable?

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Posted by
on March 26, 2005, 8:55 pm

Just to add on the weather here in Vance, if you knew nothing about a severe weather outbreak and you stepped out you would think that it was just a regular summer night. Kinda scary.

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Posted by
on March 26, 2005, 9:03 pm

Just for everyone's info: though temperatures appear to be cooling, this is ONLY due to the rain. Instability values are still EXTREMELY high and tornadoes are still a very real possiblity. Even though it may seen calm and cool, don't be decieved. Everyone stay inside and tuned to ABC 33/40 where James gives weather updates every 30 minutes. Here in T-Town, I am seeing some AWESOME cloud-to-cloud lightening displays and the rain has once again started. Keeping my eye on the sky here in T-Town and prayin for everyone in Alabama tonight (especially those in the ABC 33/40 weather center)

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Posted by Mike Wilhelm
on March 26, 2005, 9:04 pm

P.D.S. ...particularly dangerous situation, or in some parts, a.k.a. Pretty Darn Strong

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Posted by Renee
on March 26, 2005, 9:07 pm

We bought our SAME weather radio today... and I have the alerts coming to my phone too. Unfortunately my townhouse doesn't have a storm shelter or safe room.

That's the FIRST thing we're gonna invest in when we sell this place, though -- poor Matt freaks out during severe weather, and understandably.

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Posted by
on March 26, 2005, 9:10 pm

I used to be that way when I was young so much that I would throw up I would be so scared. Once, I was in the basement at my grandparents and my aunt had to give me a nerve pill to calm me down! It worked and I was okay after that. Now, unfortunately, I am so fascinated with storms that I have been put in several potentially dangerous situations. I understand everyone who is scared because I used to be the same way. We just have to put safety in the hands of God and the ABC 33/40 weather crew who do an AWESOME job! Keepin an eye out in T-Town (still getting some extreme cloud-to-cloud lightening displays) and prayin for all in Alabama tonight.

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Posted by Mike Wilhelm
on March 26, 2005, 9:11 pm

Not to get ahead of ourselves too much, but it looks like more storms may be firing in the ArkLaTex region and other parts of N. Louisiana...

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Posted by
on March 26, 2005, 9:13 pm

I have also noticed that. I have also been monitoring those two storms in Mississippi that have prompted tornadoe warnings. I have NO DOUBT that those are producing downed tornadoes... those are classics.

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Posted by Josh www
on March 26, 2005, 9:20 pm

This is a good map to keep up with the warnings:
http://www.srh.noaa.gov/jan/

Just click the refresh button to update it.

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Posted by Carol
on March 26, 2005, 9:23 pm

Hi,

Do we have look-outs here in Etowah County that ABC3340 knows about? I don't have any idea who is monitoring or spotting for our county. I need a 2-way radio so that I can hear that action. I used to have a multi-channel radio and I could hear a lot on it. Plus, I have one electrical plug and one telephone plug in my otherwise disgusting basement. I have one big fat pug that I will never be able to carry down the basement steps. We actually have 5 indoor dogs, but 3 sleep in their own crates. My dear husband just went to bed and told me *NOT* to wake him up for a tornado. I told him, tough, that I was going to anyway and he was going into the hall !!!! He cannot go down the basement steps anymore because of a mild handicap. I'm praying for everyone, that we will all stay safe. And, yes, I'll probably take a "nerve pill" if things get to popping around here. ;-)

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Posted by
on March 26, 2005, 9:29 pm

just wondering......I see Cullman is not included in any watches for the moment......but all around us is...i know anything can happen but do you think we are a bit safer than those south of us?

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Posted by Josh
on March 26, 2005, 9:32 pm

Yeah Cullman county always is like that because it is surved by the Huntsville's office and not Birmingham's.

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Posted by Josh
on March 26, 2005, 9:34 pm

As the storms get closer they will change it if needed.

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Posted by Stephen
on March 26, 2005, 9:34 pm

Anyone know the Storm Spotter Frequency for Shelby County?

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Posted by Joni
on March 26, 2005, 9:37 pm

Yeah..i hate that about Cullman too......i don't like being on the edge...it always weems like we're left out.....but i know if something serious is going on....James and the crew will cover it...

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Posted by Carol
on March 26, 2005, 9:41 pm

LOCATION FREQ DUP NOTES

Birmingham 146.88 - Birmingham ARC Skywarn, NWS
** Moulton 146.96 - N. Alabama Skywarn Net
Huntsville 146.94 - Madison Co.
** Huntsville 147.24 + (Brindle Mt.) N. Ala Skywarn Net
** Section 147.36 + (Sand Mt.) N. Alabama Skywarn Net
Tuscaloosa 146.82 - Tuscaloosa Amateur Radio Club
N. Alabama Skywarn Net covers 11 counties in northern Alabama and
southern Tennessee. A ham liason is stationed at NWS Huntsville.
Montgomery 146.84 - Central Alabama Skywarn (11 counties)
Mobile 146.82 - Mobile link to mobile ala nws
Mobile 148.375 EMWIN data stream

Statewide 3.965 HF Alabama Emergency Net

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Posted by
on March 26, 2005, 9:45 pm

The storm spotter network frequency for Jefferson county is 146.88, I believe. Once things get severe, or the potential is severe, they usually fire up the amateur (HAM) radio network. The tower is pretty strong, and you should be able to here it into Shelby County.

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Posted by
on March 26, 2005, 9:46 pm

What drives me nuts is that they will issue watches for the counties that surround Cullman, but hardly ever issue us a watch. What do they think a storm coming from Walker or Winston will skip over Cullman and hit Blount?

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Posted by
on March 26, 2005, 9:47 pm

Y'all remember back when our weather was cool and tranquil ... James & Co. were telling us they thought the last couple weeks of the month would be really stormy and unsettled. I 'spect they aced it.
Batten down the hatches.

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Posted by
on March 26, 2005, 9:50 pm

It all has to do with the weather service provider. You are probably not considered part of the Birmingham metro-area. If I were you, I would call the National Weather Service and complain because that is not fair to everyone in Cullman. Currently in T-Town: light rain with variable winds and brilliant cloud-to-cloud lightening displays. All those in T-Town please post a shout-out. Keepin an eye on the sky and prayin for all in Alabama tonight

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Posted by Stephen
on March 26, 2005, 9:51 pm

Thanks for the posting. I saw the Bham frequency, but last Spring remembered hearing some spotters on an alternate frequency covering Shelby Cty and Talladega Cty. Hope we won't need them this evening, but in light of the escalating conditions today I dusted the scanner off and started surfing the web for frequencies.

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Posted by
on March 26, 2005, 9:51 pm

BTW, the backups for those of us in Tuscaloosa County, in case 146.82 goes down, are 147.060 and then 145.350.

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Posted by
on March 26, 2005, 9:52 pm

My lights flicker here every few seconds. Hope I DON'T lost power! Keepin an eye on the sky and prayin for all in Alabama tonight.

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Posted by
on March 26, 2005, 9:55 pm

BTW, Chase, ditto on those lightning displays. Driving in from Birmingham about two hours ago I saw some of the most impressive strikes I've ever seen--both cloud-to-cloud and cloud-to-ground. Very pretty, but hopefully not a harbinger of what may come.

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Posted by Carol
on March 26, 2005, 9:58 pm

Like I said earlier, the more information I have the less afraid I am (unless a tornado is coming right smack at me). I have 2 radar sites (paid) that I am watching and I don't understand one because I just started it tonight and I have no idea what some of the terms mean or what some of the information on the radar means. For instance, it tells me that I can track the storms. I do that on the other site, but don't know how to get that to come up on this site.

Next, I'm going to get a multi-band radio or a ham radio....maybe. Depends on how much they cost.

One of my goals is to get the basement fixed up as a living space during severe weather where I can have my computer and other stuff down there, plus backup flashlights and stuff. Ahhh...the dreams we all have.

My biggest prayer is that we all make it safely through this weekend.

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Posted by
on March 26, 2005, 9:59 pm

The last time I checked with James Spann Cullman was in the B'ham coverage area. So I am not sure where we stand.

Has anyone else noticed that on the weather alert for the tornado watch isn't showing the colored counties. It's all a grey screen. I don't know if it's my tv or not. All the other warnings are coming up right, but the watch is showing all grey counties.

I also just heard the first sound of thunder here. I am on the Southwestern side of Cullman. Toward Walker County. The Southend of Smith Lake.

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Posted by Misty
on March 26, 2005, 10:02 pm

Hey everybody i just wanted everyone to know that i am praying that the Good Lord will take care of us and that he will calm the storms for us. Everyone stay safe and listen to james and the abc3340 gang.

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Posted by Josh
on March 26, 2005, 10:06 pm

No Cullman is covered by Huntsville
SEE HERE:
http://www.srh.noaa.gov/hun/about_us/

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Posted by
on March 26, 2005, 10:06 pm

For those who thougth this was just a "smoke screen", in Mississippi, there were four confirmed tornadoes on the ground. Get ready, be prepared, and pray. God Bless ya'll.

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Posted by
on March 26, 2005, 10:09 pm

Cullman the sore thumb nobody wants. That is what we look like on that map.

The only thing about this is that our bad weather comes from the south west. It would only seem right for us to be in that coverage area.

Who do I contact to say a thing or two about this?

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Posted by Craig
on March 26, 2005, 10:10 pm

Hey guys... tuning in tonight from Ft Worth Texas... a native central alabamian watching closely... looks like it's gonna be a long night

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Posted by Josh
on March 26, 2005, 10:16 pm

HEY AMY
Cullman county is covered by Huntsville
SEE HERE:
http://www.srh.noaa.gov/hun/about_us/

They can issue a watch later at the right time

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Posted by Josh
on March 26, 2005, 10:19 pm

Huntsville's weather office will keep Cullman in their view and Birmingham will keep the rest of the counties in their view.

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Posted by
on March 26, 2005, 10:27 pm

Hey in T-Town I am still getting some extreme lightening displays but realtively mild conditions. Keeping an eye to the south-west on those storms in Mississippi, looks like they're headed my way. Those are classic signatures and I would not doubt if a tornado or multiple tornados are on the ground at the moment. Keepin an eye on the sky and praying for all in Alabama tonight. Great job J.B. and all the ABC 33/40 weather crew!

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Posted by Carol
on March 26, 2005, 10:27 pm

Look how Cullman County drops down below the rest of the counties on that link that Josh put in (thanks

.

I have nothing but praise for James, J.B. and all the rest. Without ABC 33/40 Alabama would be in the dark when it comes to severe weather.

They do a FINE job. I'm praying for them and all of us to get through Easter weekend Safe and Alive.

In Rainbow City, rain, but I haven't heard any thunder.

Carol

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Posted by
on March 26, 2005, 10:49 pm

Hi I live in Tuscaloosa and I was wondering when the worst will be over for us? Do you know?

Well according to the radarvision I'm looking at, the pressure is rising. Will this weaken the storms? It looks like it is to me.

Thank you! Thank you for your forecasting!

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Posted by Carol
on March 26, 2005, 10:53 pm

It probably doesn't make any difference, but it is finally cooling off here. It's now 64 after a high of 81. Will someone please look at this link and tell me the time it was updated. I hope it's not really 4:40 like I think it is. I hope it's later, because it says that in the last 3 hours there have been no reports of tornadoes at all.

http://www.spc.noaa.gov/climo/reports/last3hours.html

I know it's preliminary.

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Posted by Josh
on March 26, 2005, 10:56 pm

Probably late tommorow afternoon a cold front will push all of this mess out.

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Posted by
on March 26, 2005, 11:03 pm

The 4:40 time is zulu time or 0 deg long. time. It is 6 hrs. ahead of central time.

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Posted by
on March 26, 2005, 11:05 pm

PDS -- particularly disappointing situation. No hail. No high winds. Not a single confirmed tornado.

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Posted by
on March 26, 2005, 11:07 pm

My theory is that this mess is calming down. Over the last few hours, the dangerous looking tornado singnatures in Mississippi have diminished greatly so that now they are only severe thunderstorms. No one really knows until the weather team gives an update but that is my theory due to lowering temperatures (high temps= fuel for storms) and increasing pressure (dropping pressure= destabalization of the atmosphere) but I could be way off. Keeping an eye on the sky for the coming two storms out of Mississippi and prayin for all in Alabama tonight. Great job ABC 33/40 weather crew!

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Posted by mm
on March 26, 2005, 11:07 pm

then take yussef off this site!!!!

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Posted by Danielle
on March 26, 2005, 11:11 pm

I looked at the storms again.....they don't look as severe as they did before. Pressure is rising in Tuscaloosa.

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Posted by
on March 26, 2005, 11:13 pm

Yes, but I just watched an update by James and he said that they had strengthened over the last 15 minutes or so. Keeping an eye on the sky in T-Town and prayin for all in Alabama tonight, espeically the ABC 33/40 weather crew. GREAT job guys.

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Posted by Josh
on March 26, 2005, 11:14 pm

I think it might get stronger tonight and tommorow morning/afternoon. Keep your Weather radios on.

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Posted by Danielle
on March 26, 2005, 11:28 pm

Spoke too soon....it's falling again....

By the way....does anyone know when this cycle's supposed to end??? Every week there would be severe weather. This week, it was 2 storms in one week.I'll be glad when this is over.

You know what's kinda funny? In last year's Easter Weekend's Saturday, Alabama had to deal with severe weather.

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Posted by
on March 26, 2005, 11:32 pm

Amy, check this website for watches, warnings and radar when in doubt. http://www.srh.noaa.gov/bmx/data/wxplot/wxplot_AL.html

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Posted by
on March 26, 2005, 11:38 pm

Hey guys:

Got in from the Easter Vigil Mass a little bit ago. Glad the bad weather held off until we got out. We're praying for everyone tonight! Have a good Easter all! : )

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Posted by Jan
on March 26, 2005, 11:54 pm

time to turn off the weather radio, I think, and finally go to bed. been a long night of me being worried about not much at all. oh well. at least we're all safe

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Posted by
on March 27, 2005, 12:02 am

Jan,

The threat is not over. My recommendation would be to go ahead and get some sleep...but leave the weather radio on.

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Posted by
on March 27, 2005, 12:04 am

Well this has been a bust so far. I really expected one of those evening/nights when supercells would be popping up one right after another. I guess the warm front was too slow advancing northward. Possibly if this had come through around 4pm it could have been as predicted. It looks like the NW Quad of the state are through for the night. Not even any rain echos to watch. Josh do you have any thoughts on this?

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Posted by
on March 27, 2005, 12:09 am

New to the post. Just wanted to tell everyone that I am praying for them, along with the 33/40 weather team.

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Posted by Josh
on March 27, 2005, 12:12 am

Check out this:
http://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/md/md0408.html

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Posted by
on March 27, 2005, 12:19 am

The threat for severe storms and tornadoes is by far from over. SPC in the latest MESO discussion said that surface low pressure in western mississippi is beginning to move northeast. As this happens, I am pretty sure that the warm front will begin to surge northward as well. Also, redevelopement is begining to take place along the warmfron back in mississippi. This new developement will likely make it in here between 1:30 and 3:00 AM. Please If you go to bed, leave your NOAA weather radio on tonight to receive any warnings or additional watches that may be issued at later times tonight and tomorrow.

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Posted by Josh www
on March 27, 2005, 12:35 am

The new day 1 Convective Outlook:
http://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/outlook/day1otlk.html

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Posted by www
on July 16, 2005, 8:37 am