12:15 PM UPDATE: SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH
A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued by the Storm Prediction Center and includes parts of central and SW Alabama until 6PM tonight. Damaging wind gusts and large hail are possible.
Be ready for some potentially strong, possibly severe storms the chances. For much of central Alabama, the prime risk will be roughly from 3 to 7PM. Across east and southeast Alabama the primary threat hours will shift to 6 to 10PM. Damaging wind gusts, and possibly up to quarter size hail are the main threats. Stay weather aware today. Our weather app will instantly alert you to a watch or warning for your location. To get the app, search Rich Thomas Weather is the app store. It also has interactive radar and future radar. There is a lightning layer you can turn on, which will come in very handy for outdoor events.
SEVERE WEATHER THREAT: First, the map from the Storm Prediction Center, showing most of us in the Level 2 Severe Risk this afternoon and into tonight.
The NWS office in Birmingham likes the idea of the stronger threat area from about I-85/US 80 southward. The timing map from them shows most of central Alabama in a 3pm to 7PM threat window (roughly).
NEXT FEW DAYS: Following the storms today and tonight, there could be some leftover showers or thunderstorms through about mid-day Sunday. Much of Sunday afternoon and Monday will be dry. The next disturbance will bring in more showers and storms on Tuesday and Wednesday.
BEACH FORECAST: The threat of showers and storms and the timing will vary widely from beach to beach today. Generally, the rain chances will increase this afternoon and become likely this evening and tonight. There will be a lingering storm threat Sunday. Monday looks good.
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I will have another forecast update early on Sunday morning. . Stay weather aware today.
-Rich