Archive for June, 2011

Arlene is gaining some organization this afternoon and Air Force Hurricane Hunters are investigating the system at this time.  Currently, maximum sustained winds of 50 mph and a minimum central pressure of 1000mb have been observed.  Given the current organization and expected ramp up in intensification….Arlene could reach hurricane status before making landfall on the Mexican coast some time tomorrow.  

Severe Storms have become a common occurence across portions of Alabama over the last week or so with several MCS systems coming through the area every other day or so.  Today a slight risk of severe weather was posted for much of the Southeast/Ozarks…but reports were lacking a bit. Some wind damage came in from areas like Lamar/Sumter/Hale counties across the west….as well as the Tennessee Valley counties.  Most of the damage was minor being in the form of trees and power lines.  Since we are down on the Gulf Coast…..we did note the storm near DeFuniak Springs, Florida overturned some RVs and destoryed some vehicles with trees this afternoon.  Lots of wind/lightning in these intense summer time storms.

More MCS activity can be expected as long as the northwest flow maintains.  This looks to continue across the region for the next few days.  We will have a look at the latest model data and update you on the forecast and expected conditions.  Updates later…

Tropical Storm Arlene has formed and looks to be headed toward Mexico.  Maximum sustained winds are currently at 40 mph and is moving toward the WNW at 7mph.  Lowest central pressure has been found at 1003mb and is now closed.  The biggest hinderance along the Gulf Coast from this will be the wave/swell height.  Monitor the blog and our twitter @brettadair for the latest updates on the system.

This damage was seen along HWY-21 as we entered Coosa County this afternoon just outside of Sylacauga.  The driver was uninjured and the tree was cleared rather quickly.  High winds also caused damage to many other areas south and east of 20/59.

Here are a few lightning shots from my video this evening here in Childersburg…

Most of the active storms this afternoon are over East Mississippi and far west/south Alabama where a Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect until later this evening.  Several reports of wind and hail have already been received.  No major damage, but another day of the pulse severe storms in the south.  More storms are forming over portions of eastern Tuscaloosa, central Winston, and northern Cullman counties with some heavy rain and lightning involved.  Any storms will have deadly lightning potential yet again this afternoon.  Most storms will sag SSE at around 15-20 mph.  Some additional development is possible.

Showing hail here on our in house radar.  This cell is moving toward the ESE and will affect areas like Goldville and New Site soon.  Isolated large hail to quarter size and damaging wind gusts are possible.  Again, lightning and heavy rain are the main threats from these storms today.

Tornado warnings are being required across portions of PA this afternoon due to some rotating thunderstorms across the region.  Just wanted to post this to emphasize these warnings are nothing like the situations we have dealt with or even the storms the northeast dealt with just two weeks ago.  An isolated, spin up tornado is possible though.

Storms will become strong again this afternoon….especially across the east.  High winds and hail will be possible again this afternoon as they were yesterday.  Lightning will be deadly and rain will be heavy.  Monitor local media and NWS for statements regarding isolated severe warnings today.

A few warnings have been required like the one that is about to expire for Talladega County  Some hail and high winds can be expected with the heavy rain and dangerous lightning.  More if damage occurs…