By Jim Stefkovich, Meteorologist, Alabama Emergency Management Agency
CLANTON – April 11, 2018
Almost a month has passed since the tornadoes and large hail that affected the northern 1/3 of the state on March 19th. For many in AL, this has been a relatively quiet spring severe weather season. However, now is NOT the time to let your guard down.
If you look at the chart, you will see that April is the peak month for tornadoes across the state, which can at times go into May. It’s easy to get caught up in activities and enjoy the mostly pleasant weather this month has to offer. I’ve certainly been enjoying the great things Alabama has to offer during the spring. However, some of our most violent severe weather for the entire year occurs in April, and you need to stay in tune with changing forecasts be prepared for quick changes.
In fact, there may be severe weather anytime between this Friday evening in the northwest sections of the state into early Sunday morning in the southeast. Stay tuned to local forecasts as we get closer to the weekend. In addition, the long-range models show potential for another round of severe storms sometime between April 21-23.
If you haven’t developed a severe weather action plan yet, or if it’s been awhile since you’ve looked it over, go to the following link, which provides great information. https://www.ready.gov/severe-weather