By Jim Stefkovich, Meteorologist, Alabama Emergency Management Agency
CLANTON – Friday 3:15 pm, March 8, 2024
It now appears the greatest threat of severe weather will be near and south of Hwy 80/I-85 where the greatest instability will be located. A few damaging wind gusts and a couple of tornadoes are possible. One or two severe storms will be possible north of this to I-20. No severe storms are expected north of I-20.
As of 3 pm, a Tornado Watch is in effect for Washington, Clarke, Mobile and Baldwin counties until 9 pm. Additional Watches are possible later today.
Very heavy rainfall will continue near and south of I-20 through early Saturday. Radar estimates between 1 and 3 inches have already occurred between Vernon, Birmingham, Montgomery, and Meridian MS line as of 3 pm, with storms continuing to spread eastward and continuing through tonight.
Flash flooding will become an increasing threat south of I-20, especially after dark. The forecast continues to indicate at least 4-6 inches of total rainfall over some parts near and south of I-20 through tomorrow morning with some spots potentially receiving 6+ inches.
Do not drive into roadways covered with water, especially at night. It is very difficult to determine the water depth and it takes less than 2 feet for vehicles to lose contact with the pavement.
Since severe weather will be possible during the overnight hours, it’s critical you have at least two methods to receive warnings that can wake you up, one of which is NOT an outdoor warning siren. Also, remember that straight-line winds from Severe Thunderstorm Warnings can cause significant damage, but most of these will NOT come through the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and your phone. Tornado and Flood Warnings do get transmitted through EAS.
