By Jim Stefkovich, Meteorologist, Alabama Emergency Management Agency
CLANTON – Wednesday 5:00 am, May 8, 2024
Scattered thunderstorms are possible mainly north of I-20 today from 11 am – 9 pm. A couple of storms could produce damaging wind gusts and hail to the size of quarters.
This will be followed by line of thunderstorms that will enter northern Alabama between 11 pm and 2 am Thursday and slowly move southward overnight, reaching the vicinity of I-59 by 7 am Thursday where it is expected to weaken. Damaging wind gusts, very heavy rainfall and hail will be the main threats. The tornado threat is low.
There is some concern that the line or clusters of storms will redevelop during the late morning or early afternoon near or south of I-20 and continue into early Friday morning. There is also the chance the bulk of the storms move into Georgia Thursday evening. Damaging wind gusts and large hail will be the main threats.
Then, a broken line or clusters of storms will enter the southern half of the state, generally south of Hwy 80/I – 85 between 5 am and 8 am Friday and continue through early Friday afternoon. Damaging wind gusts, hail and very heavy rainfall will be the main threats.
Finally, the severe weather threats from today into Friday are highly dependent upon a number of upper level disturbances forecast to move across the southeastern US. There remains some confidence issues with the exact timing and locations of potential severe weather, so expect some changes in later updates.
