9:45 pm Update

April 29, 2005, 8:51 pm
Posted by J.B. Elliott in Severe Weather
Rating: 0/5   Votes : 0
New Tornado Watch in effect for parts of North and West Alabama which will be valid until 5 am. It is generally north and west of a line from Aliceville-Jasper-Cullman and Huntsville. (Scan to the bottom of this update to get the actual counties.

Thunderstorms now very intense over West and NW Mississippi. Some may be producing baseball size hail.

Also over NE Louisiana.

First lightning strikes now near NW corner of Alabama.

Tornado reported SE of Shaw, Miss., Sunflower County. Debris reported on U. S. 82. A storm chaser from Mississippi State University is in the vicinity and checking on the storm.

Alabama counties in the new Tornado Watch:
ALABAMA COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE

COLBERT CULLMAN DEKALB
FAYETTE FRANKLIN JACKSON
LAMAR LAUDERDALE LAWRENCE
LIMESTONE MADISON MARION
MARSHALL MORGAN PICKENS
TUSCALOOSA WALKER WINSTON
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Posted by Al911dispatcher  
on April 29, 2005, 8:53 pm
Will most of these weaken by the time they reach the bham metro area?

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Posted by  
on April 29, 2005, 8:56 pm
They may weaken some by that time but I feel sure that at least a Severe Thunderstorm Watch would be extended eastward.

Long night ahead.

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Posted by Joni  
on April 29, 2005, 8:57 pm
good question dispatcher......i also would like to know about the chance of these things weakening before they get into the cullman area....

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Posted by Dave  
on April 29, 2005, 9:01 pm
They may weaken. Looking at the radar loop that the line they have been talking about is starting to form in western Mississippi. I sure would like a little rain throughout the night (no severe stuff). It makes me sleep better.

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Posted by  
on April 29, 2005, 9:02 pm
I would imagine they'll weaken and everything will be ok. However, everytime this happens, my mind shoots back to March 12, 1992....this was a severe thunderstorm that moved thru our area in South Shelby county with winds later estimated at 90+mph. It destroyed trailers just like a tornado would. This happened at 3:00 AM!! It was this storm system that reignited a childhood interest in weather... So, this may be nothing...or it may be serious.

Again, just wait and see and be ready to act if necessary.

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Posted by al911dispatcher  
on April 29, 2005, 9:03 pm
Thanks, headed in to work tonight. Wanted an idea of what to expect.
I will say that everyone in the emergency services community, 911 centers etc. in this area rely on 33/40 for their info. We know who the best is.

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Posted by Josh  
on April 29, 2005, 9:16 pm
Currently at my place in Franklin county:
Temp 68.6°F
Hum:77%
Dew Point: 61
Pressure: 1006.3

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Posted by Alex  
on April 29, 2005, 9:19 pm
Is this line expected to hold together and affect South Alabama (i.e. - Montgomery area)?

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Posted by  
on April 29, 2005, 9:26 pm
J.B, I know I post alot but I try not to bug you. If the squall line comes threw the pre dawn hours, won't it be weaker. My dp is sitting at 56,( Not impressive). Wind is starting to kick up. Just got a gust to 16. What are your thoughts??

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Posted by  
on April 29, 2005, 9:33 pm
Justin...
They may be weaker when they get here but I feel fairly certain that at least a Severe Thunderstorm Watch will be needed.

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Posted by  
on April 29, 2005, 9:48 pm
I'm pretty certain we will go under a svr thunderstorm watch as well. Just don't feal to confident about it making it to my house. We will see though. :)

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Posted by Josh  
on April 29, 2005, 10:05 pm
I think the storms will prob. start to enter the Birmingham area around 2 to 4 am.

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Posted by  
on April 29, 2005, 10:12 pm
WHAT TIME DO YOU THINK THE STORMS WILL GET TO TUSCALOOSA? AND DO YOU THINK THEY ARE GOING TO WEAKEN BEFORE THEY REACH TUSCALOOSA?

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Posted by  
on April 29, 2005, 10:13 pm
JB:

Dont you think that this "moderate" risk thing from the SPC is getting a little monotonous? Ive never seen so many blanks. I understand that they are doing what they feel is right...but its doing more harm than good. It seems that they're almost jumping the gun on EVERY long range forecast nowadays.

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Posted by Josh  
on April 29, 2005, 10:33 pm
About the same time as Birmingham 2-4 am
I think a few could be strong so I would keep a look out or have a weather radio ready.

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Posted by  
on April 29, 2005, 10:47 pm
I for one, would much rather be 'jumping the gun' with the guys at 33/40 than not....better safe than sorry....my husband needs to be informed when we have storms coming through, as LEO's need to know what to expect during times of severe weather and we ONLY rely on 33/40....besides if nothing happens then be thankful....if something does, then you can be thankful that you knew ahead of time! Keep up the great work guys!

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Posted by  
on April 29, 2005, 10:50 pm
BTW...if the weather is not being reported to your liking there are several other stations in the area that I am sure can keep you informed....just not as well!

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Posted by  
on April 29, 2005, 10:54 pm
Scott...
I understand that SPC has lowered the criteria for moderate risk...although I have not seen an official announcement from them.

So far...our current episode does not justify moderate. However, on the one before this, it may have been correct. Mainly because SPC said all along it would be a mostly hail event and there were a lot of reports.

Personally, I prefer no designation on the extent of the risk beyond Day 2. I think it would be more reasonable to say "a risk" on Day 3. To many elements involved to get too specific.

Almost in every severe weather event...there are hour-by-hour surprises.

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Posted by  
on April 29, 2005, 11:08 pm
Note to Policewife...
You have a great attitude and we appreciate it!

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