Happy First Day of Spring. Spring arrives, officially at 11:15AM CDT…the Vernal Equinox. After a very rough night across North Alabama, many of us a very thankful that our part of the state was spared from extensive damage as the storms moved east into Georgia. Brief blog this morning, due to time constraints. Much cooler air flowing into the state, and in fact another cold front arrives this afternoon, as winds gusts increase to 30 mph. We may be back down to the mid 30’s by Thursday morning, before a big late week warm-up.
Complex map this morning, with two fronts already through, and a reinforcing cold front arriving today, in the wake if the big storm delivering much cooler air on gusty west winds.
STORM DAMAGE MONDAY & MONDAY NIGHT:
Very rough Monday evening in Alabama. Particularly hard hit: Jacksonville, AL., with extensive damage at the University, especially. Also hard hit, Cullman and Russellville. Extensive damage. Link below with pictures and details.
Fox News: Severe storms leave widespread damage, From thousands without power and one reported death in Southeast
OFFICIAL STORM REPORT FROM NWS: ” Local Storm Report by NWS BMX: Jacksonville State Univ [Calhoun Co, AL] broadcast media reports TORNADO at 19 Mar, 08:35 PM CDT — updated report. considerable damage reported on/near the campus of jsu from a likely tornado near highway 204. damaged structures include pete williams coliseum, logan hall, gamecock village and reserve at jacksonville apartments, and a dollar general. reports of injuries but no additional details at this time.”
TODAY: Temperatures hover in the low to mid 60’s. Risk of a shower or two this afternoon as the front arrives. Becoming windy. West winds 10-20 gusting to 30 mph. Breezy & Cooler tonight. Cloudy at first, then clearing late. Low 40.
NEXT FEW DAYS: What a big change. Much cooler air in the middle of the week. Cool days and cold nights, welcome to Spring. Lows could reach the mid 30s by Thursday morning. Warmer late week. Back in the 70’s Friday and Saturday. Could be some showers by Saturday night into Sunday.
—
Operating on limited sleep. Forgive the brief update. Back to normal tomorrow, I promise. I’ll have a complete video update for you on Wednesday morning by about 4:45AM.
-Rich