Birmingham Weather: Severe Storms Possible Friday Night

BIRMINGHAM, AL - Storms in July in the state of Alabama are not a rare occurrence by any means, but the severity of storms can be, especially when one considers that severe thunderstorms have been so plentiful throughout the month of July.

The National Weather Service office in Birmingham has reported that severe storms are possible for Friday, as damaging winds become the main concern with this event. Large hail and a few tornadoes can't be ruled out, but straight-line winds of 60 to perhaps 70 mph will likely be the culprit of most of the damage. The chance for tornadoes and large hail will exist early on in this event, then transition to mostly a damaging wind threat through the night.

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"We're becoming increasingly concerned about a potential widespread damaging-wind severe storm event starting tonight," reported the NWS. "A strong storm system will trigger showers and storms to develop to our north across Kentucky and Tennessee."

Those storms will push southward and could enter northern counties in Central Alabama as early as 7 p.m. Friday evening according to the weather service. A line of severe storms is expected to push southward through the overnight hours tonight and into Saturday morning across most of Central Alabama. "There are uncertainties in this forecast, but the atmosphere will certainly be primed for severe storm development across Central Alabama," the report states.

The "uncertainties" associated with the forecast depend on where the storms develop to the north and move from there. "Forecast models (even though they are capturing the overall setup) usually have a hard time figuring out the exact location of where storms will first develop," the NWS reports. "Right now, the forecast is based on development across Kentucky and central Tennessee this afternoon. That location is a key factor, as the storms will then dive southward from there. The next uncertainty is in the movement of these storms. A large line of storms is expected to form and race southward tonight. Usually when a line like this forms, it goes where the most unstable air is present. That will be along the Mississippi/Alabama state line, and that's why our highest threat area (Enhanced) has been centered across our western/northwest counties."

The NWS urges that everyone stay up-to-date on weather conditions as the day progresses.

Image via National Weather Service/Birmingham

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