Another Severe Weather Sunday Forecast For Alabama

BIRMINGHAM, AL — A possible repeat of Easter Sunday is possible for this Sunday, with severe thunderstorms and possible tornadoes headed for most of the state.

"While this event does not look quite as potent as last week’s, it could be a significant severe weather threat, including the possibility of tornadoes, damaging winds, and hail," said meteorologist Bill Murray from Alabama NewsCenter.

Murray said the weather system will come in two waves, so to speak.

"The encroaching warm front, a passing upper-level disturbance, a surge in moisture, and an increasing low-level jet is producing an increasing wave of storms that will push northeastward across Alabama this morning," Murray said. "For areas generally along and south of I-20, the stronger storms could contain hail up to the size of quarters and damaging winds of up to 60 mph. North of I-20, the threat will be less, although a few isolated severe threats cannot be ruled out."

The second wave could include tornadoes, Murray said. "A second stronger disturbance will be approaching the Mississippi River by noon today. By that time, the warm front will advancing northward. How far it makes it will delineate the severe weather threat area," he said. "To the south of it, a warm, moist, unstable airmass will be in place."

Murray added, "This will be sufficient for supercells and tornadoes, as well as damaging winds and large hail. Throw in an intensifying surface low tracking across the area between 7 p.m. and midnight tonight and you have the recipe for trouble."

In addition to the severe weather threat, Murray said a threat of heavy rain across much of Central and South Alabama exists as well. Rainfall amounts from 2-4 inches will be widespread across North Central, South Central, and South Alabama with lesser amounts to the north. Some places will see 4-6 inches of rain, most likely along and just south of the I-20 corridor, Murray said.

"Now is the time to review your severe weather safety plan. Check your weather warning sources. Know where you safe place is," Murray said. "Remember that mobile and manufactured homes are not safe in tornadoes or damaging winds. Review our severe weather safety tips for more ideas. Shelter from the storm first: realize that you must protect yourself from the tornado first and the virus second."