Weather update: tornado watch in effect for Jefferson County

Update:

So far, the weather has been rather calm in Birmingham. But don’t let your guard down. Jefferson County and surrounding areas are currently under a tornado watch until 11pm.Here are some weather terms to remember:

Tornado Watch – issued when weather conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms called a supercell that are capable of producing tornadoes.

Tornado Warning – an alert issued by national weather forecasting agencies to warn the public that severe thunderstorms with tornadoes are imminent or occurring.

Flood Watch – issued by the National Weather Service when conditions are favorable for flash flooding in flood-prone areas, usually when grounds are already saturated from recent rains, or when upcoming rains will have the potential to cause a flash flood.

Watch out Birmingham! Dangerous weather is headed your way on Monday.

Forecasters at the National Weather Service is urging Alabamians to be cautious Monday, March 19, 2018 – a day that is predicted to be the most severe weather day Alabama has had since last spring.

Time: The most serious risk of severe storms will occur between the hours of 3p.m. and 10p.m.

Threat: So what’s the main threat of Monday’s weather forecast?

• Large hail (up to 2” in diameter in some cases)
• Damaging straight line winds
• Tornadoes
• Rain of up to 1/2”

Many school systems are already preparing by dismissing students early. To see if your school will be closing early, click here.

Remember, though most of Monday may be nice, warm and sunny, don’t let your guard down. These are all conditions that create the well-known “calm before the storm” phenomenon, so be prepared!

If you hear those warning sirens blaring, be sure to take cover in a safe place. Safe places in our home are small rooms on the lowest floor, away from windows and near the center of your house.

According to James Spann, Chief Meteorologist of ABC 33/40,

“Severe weather threats like this are very common in Alabama in March, April and May. There is absolutely no need to be fearful, just be prepared. Knowledge is powerful.”

How is the weather in your area?