We will be neglecting our Twitter and Blog during Spring Break. We will post one last Tweet Forecast tonight at 9pm, and will resume normal operations on Sunday March 18th. If for some unforeseen reason severe weather threatens Tuscaloosa/West Alabama, we will post updates until the event is over. I know a lot of you are heading home or to the beach, a handful of us will be in Tuscaloosa all break to keep an eye out, but please be safe in your travels and enjoy your break!
It's looking like it could be a wet next couple of days, so please exercise caution during travel.
Have a great SB2012!
PAR
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Why You Should Be Weather Aware...
While we were heading to Florence, AL yesterday, I was updating our Twitter and checking Radar and STP readings when I noticed a Tweet from a student that went a long the lines of "They say lightning doesn't strike in the same place twice, so Tornadoes don't either right?". Wrong. I do NOT say this to insult her intelligence, so please do not mistake my intentions here. Nowhere in the science of meteorology does it say, "Tornadoes will not strike in the same location twice". For example, a family in Harvest, AL (North of Huntsville) lost their home... again... yesterday, not even a year after the devastating EF-5 that claimed their first home on April 27, 2011. Another interesting Tweet that definitely perturbed me the night before yesterday was one from @UA_Lately to the tune of "EF-5's are gonna hit Tuscaloosa!!! FYI 4/27 was a EF-4..". I appreciate her candor for keeping students/her followers informed BUT you have GOT to be careful as to how you word things. Most everyone knows the EMA tests tornado sirens at noon the first Wednesday of every month, and I cannot tell you how many times I get on our Twitter/Facebook and see comments from everyone about how they are physically struck with fear by the sirens, even though it's a test. SO... it's ok to pass on weather information to friends, family, and strangers, but please go about it carefully. The last thing we need is for chaos to ensue. Yes, the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center in Norman, OK boosted their confidence for the potential of tornadoes to form in and around West Alabama... BUT IT DIDN'T HAPPEN. That's weather. That's the fight that we, along with every meteorologist in the field, take on every time severe weather is a possibility. We want you to be informed, but at the same time we don't want to cause chaos OR apathy. It's synonymous with the old parable of the boy who cried wolf... You do it too many times, and people will cease to believe you. Please, do not lose faith in us as we are staring down the barrel of what COULD be one of the more active severe weather seasons in many years for the Southeast. Again, I'm not trying to cause fear, weather is a GOOD thing. Lightning cleans the air and rain renews the soil. This is weather. This is life. This we cannot change. But we can act. We can be prepared. We can minimize the impact severe weather has on our community. I cannot tell you how fortunate West Alabama, specifically Tuscaloosa, was yesterday. We dodged major bullets, while our neighbors to the north were not as fortunate. The blessing behind yesterday's system was that it came during the day when 95% of people are awake and vigilant versus night time storms when most are asleep and not monitoring the weather.
Here are some interesting facts pertaining to how people are beginning to prepare:
-Hueytown's Wal Mart sold out of bicycle helmets yesterday.
-Best Buy in Tuscaloosa sold out of NOAA weather radios yesterday.
-People across the state took to the airwaves monitoring the weather via TV, Twitter, Facebook, etc.
-Our Twitter followers have SKYROCKETED over the past week or two.
The time to prepare is NOW. What are you doing to ensure your safety if severe weather threatens our area?
Ways you can prepare:
1. Follow our Twitter.
2. Like us on Facebook. (If you don't have a Twitter account, our Facebook page is linked to our Twitter and posts our Twitter updates as they're posted on Twitter.)
3. Purchase a NOAA Weather Radio (and install batteries in case the power goes out)!!!!! Most important way to get weather information. You can find them at Wal Mart, Best Buy, Rite Aid, Publix, etc. If you buy one, email us and we will program it for you so you only receive updates for our area.
4. Purchase the Weather Radio app for your iPhone or Droid
5. Have a Severe Weather Safety plan in place. Know where to go and what to do when you receive the warning. (Lowest floor, most interior bathroom or closet away from windows and exterior doors)
6. Put together a Severe Weather Safety kit. Flashlights, batteries, MREs (Meals Ready to Eat), First-Aid supplies, medical information, prescription medications, emergency contact info, etc. If you have children, let them help you put this kit together. It'll be fun for the whole family, and will also instill the importance of preparation within them. Don't discount the knowledge and understanding of a child.
7. Make sure everyone in the household knows the plan and where the kit is located.
Fortunately, the week ahead is showing no signs of severe weather. So we're catching a breather, BUT prepare for what the rest of the season has to hold.The entire month of March 2011 had 75 tornado reports in Alabama, so far in March 2012 we have had over 100... and it's only the 3rd day of the month.
I love the great state of Alabama. You will NEVER find people more resilient, benevolent and down right kind, anywhere on the face this earth. We're going to get through this severe weather season like we have every one before this one. Prepare today for tomorrow.
God Bless.
PAR
Here are some interesting facts pertaining to how people are beginning to prepare:
-Hueytown's Wal Mart sold out of bicycle helmets yesterday.
-Best Buy in Tuscaloosa sold out of NOAA weather radios yesterday.
-People across the state took to the airwaves monitoring the weather via TV, Twitter, Facebook, etc.
-Our Twitter followers have SKYROCKETED over the past week or two.
The time to prepare is NOW. What are you doing to ensure your safety if severe weather threatens our area?
Ways you can prepare:
1. Follow our Twitter.
2. Like us on Facebook. (If you don't have a Twitter account, our Facebook page is linked to our Twitter and posts our Twitter updates as they're posted on Twitter.)
3. Purchase a NOAA Weather Radio (and install batteries in case the power goes out)!!!!! Most important way to get weather information. You can find them at Wal Mart, Best Buy, Rite Aid, Publix, etc. If you buy one, email us and we will program it for you so you only receive updates for our area.
4. Purchase the Weather Radio app for your iPhone or Droid
5. Have a Severe Weather Safety plan in place. Know where to go and what to do when you receive the warning. (Lowest floor, most interior bathroom or closet away from windows and exterior doors)
6. Put together a Severe Weather Safety kit. Flashlights, batteries, MREs (Meals Ready to Eat), First-Aid supplies, medical information, prescription medications, emergency contact info, etc. If you have children, let them help you put this kit together. It'll be fun for the whole family, and will also instill the importance of preparation within them. Don't discount the knowledge and understanding of a child.
7. Make sure everyone in the household knows the plan and where the kit is located.
Fortunately, the week ahead is showing no signs of severe weather. So we're catching a breather, BUT prepare for what the rest of the season has to hold.The entire month of March 2011 had 75 tornado reports in Alabama, so far in March 2012 we have had over 100... and it's only the 3rd day of the month.
I love the great state of Alabama. You will NEVER find people more resilient, benevolent and down right kind, anywhere on the face this earth. We're going to get through this severe weather season like we have every one before this one. Prepare today for tomorrow.
God Bless.
PAR
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Preparing for Friday (SEVERE WEATHER COMING 3/2)
Spring Severe Weather season in Dixie Alley is upon us. The first real outbreak for our area will roll in tomorrow. Here's what we think:
FRIDAY (3/2)
WHAT TO EXPECT
Mother nature appears to be throwing all cards on the table tomorrow. The STP (significant tornado parameter) looks very impressive for our area suggesting that tornadoes will more than likely be present tomorrow. Not to mention hail, damaging winds, lightning, downpours that will cause flooding... You name it. The term outbreak as well as "long track/significant tornadoes"... Any time the National Weather Service mentions those two words, especially in the same breath, you better take it seriously.
Below is a graphic of the threat levels for each aspect of the event tomorrow:
TIMING
Our severe weather threat will begin noon and will last into the early morning hours Saturday. The main tornado threat will last from noon until 10pm Friday night, with a squall line falling in behind the front cells with its timing rolling in here around 10pm and lasting until 3am Saturday. Of course, once the squall line passes through Tuscaloosa, our severe weather threat will be over, as the front passes through.
PREPARATION
You will need to be prepared for tomorrow evening, no doubt in my mind. Here are some ways to prepare:
1. Make sure you have a way to receive weather information at all hours of the night!!! Follow us on Twitter. We update our Twitter in the field as soon as watches/warnings come out, or we notice updates that need to be made. Sign up for SAF-T-Net. This program is totally free, and is very good. I speak from experience.
2. Have a flashlight ready!
3. Know where your safe place is should we go Tornado warned (Lowest floor, away from exterior walls and doors and windows, preferably a bathroom). Talk to your RA if you have any questions.
4. Make sure your cell phone is charged. That is how many of you receive your information.
OTHER NOTES
We will obviously be out in the field all day tomorrow and all night bringing you up-to-date information as it occurs. If you would like to watch our chase, please go here. Once we go online, you'll be able to see exactly what we see. We will go live as soon as weather begins to threaten the area. ***We did have some issues with streaming last night while we were testing it, but hopefully we have the kinks worked out.
Hang in there, we're gonna get through tomorrow together!
PAR
FRIDAY (3/2)
WHAT TO EXPECT
Mother nature appears to be throwing all cards on the table tomorrow. The STP (significant tornado parameter) looks very impressive for our area suggesting that tornadoes will more than likely be present tomorrow. Not to mention hail, damaging winds, lightning, downpours that will cause flooding... You name it. The term outbreak as well as "long track/significant tornadoes"... Any time the National Weather Service mentions those two words, especially in the same breath, you better take it seriously.
Below is a graphic of the threat levels for each aspect of the event tomorrow:
TIMING
Our severe weather threat will begin noon and will last into the early morning hours Saturday. The main tornado threat will last from noon until 10pm Friday night, with a squall line falling in behind the front cells with its timing rolling in here around 10pm and lasting until 3am Saturday. Of course, once the squall line passes through Tuscaloosa, our severe weather threat will be over, as the front passes through.
PREPARATION
You will need to be prepared for tomorrow evening, no doubt in my mind. Here are some ways to prepare:
1. Make sure you have a way to receive weather information at all hours of the night!!! Follow us on Twitter. We update our Twitter in the field as soon as watches/warnings come out, or we notice updates that need to be made. Sign up for SAF-T-Net. This program is totally free, and is very good. I speak from experience.
2. Have a flashlight ready!
3. Know where your safe place is should we go Tornado warned (Lowest floor, away from exterior walls and doors and windows, preferably a bathroom). Talk to your RA if you have any questions.
4. Make sure your cell phone is charged. That is how many of you receive your information.
OTHER NOTES
We will obviously be out in the field all day tomorrow and all night bringing you up-to-date information as it occurs. If you would like to watch our chase, please go here. Once we go online, you'll be able to see exactly what we see. We will go live as soon as weather begins to threaten the area. ***We did have some issues with streaming last night while we were testing it, but hopefully we have the kinks worked out.
Hang in there, we're gonna get through tomorrow together!
PAR
Friday, February 24, 2012
Weekend Outlook (2/24-26/12)
Yesterday, everyone with any sort of meteorological knowledge believed that the system that pushed through here could produce some interesting weather. However, a "cap" remained in place over the atmosphere until early this morning, preventing any storms from firing in our area. That being said, had the cap eroded in time, West Central Alabama could have been faced with severe storms that could have produced damaging winds, hail, lightning, and perhaps an isolated tornado or two... But none of those risks occurred! Now... I do NOT want you to become apathetic towards forecasts. Yes, sometimes we get it wrong... that's weather. Weather changes constantly, and you'll never have a 100% confident understanding of what's going to happen, until it does. Do know that whenever we at UAMS, or other meteorologists, post information introducing the possibility of severe weather, it is not to incite chaos or create fear. We are here to ensure that you and your family are aware of risks so that you can ensure your family's safety. DO NOT BECOME WEATHER APATHETIC, STAY WEATHER AWARE!
Here is what you can expect this weekend in the Tuscaloosa area:
CURRENT OBSERVATIONS (AS OF 1424 CST)
TEMP: 60*F
PARTLY CLOUDY SKIES
WIND: 14 MPH TO THE NW
DEW POINT: 18*
TONIGHT (2/24/12)
Overnight low tonight of 35*F. Skies will continue to clear tonight as the previous system makes its way off the eastern seaboard.
SATURDAY (2/25/12)
Mostly sunny. High of 60*F, low of 40*F. 10% Chance of rain, but I'm fairly confident that we won't see any rain until next week. Nice Saturday to be outside, even though it's a little cooler than the end of the week.
SUNDAY (2/26/12)
Partly cloudy. High of 62*F, low of 41*F. No chance of rain.
NEXT WEEK (2/27-3/2)
Monday will be another nice day as we continue a warming trend back to where we were Thursday this past week. We could see some showers Tuesday, with the next possibility of severe weather coming in on Wednesday. It's a little far out to be certain; however, the Storm Prediction Center in Norman, OK is watching this system already. We'll let you know closer to time what we think will be the probability of severe weather and timing, so you can be prepared.
WAYS TO RECEIVE WEATHER ALERTS/INFORMATION
1. Follow us on Twitter for daily weather forecasts for the next day, or for information during severe weather.
2. If you're interested in what's going on during our chases, you can follow our Storm Chaser Twitter.
3. BUY A WEATHER RADIO!!! If you buy one, we will program it for you for FREE so that it will only sound for Tuscaloosa, just email us. These save lives, and don't be surprised if it becomes law to place them in new construction houses.
4. Sign up for this free service where they will call and text you when warnings are issued for your area. TOTALLY FREE. Cell phone or land line phones can be used.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
This coming Sunday (2/26), the National Weather Service will be hosting a workshop at Calvary Baptist Church in Tuscaloosa to give you information on how you can receive warnings/prepare for severe weather, starting at 6pm and lasting until about 8pm. They will also allow you to ask questions and give feedback. This is a great event to attend with Dixie Alley's Spring Storm season beginning March 1st!!!
We now will be streaming live on USTREAM whenever we are out in the field chasing storms! You can watch our feed on our website here!
We have had a recent EXPLOSION in membership on campus! Us old timers are ecstatic to see new people getting involved who will carry the torch once we're gone.
Have a FANTASTIC weekend, everyone!
PAR
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Severe Weather By Week's End
Currently we are monitoring what could be the first big round of severe weather for our area of the 2012 storm season. As it appears right now, we could be faced with tornadoes, damaging wind, hail, and lightning Thursday night. It's looking like 6pm-4am Friday morning is the best guesstimate of timing. To give you a sense of understanding about why we refer to it as a "guesstimate"... I have now seen 3 different models.. all telling a different story. HOWEVER, the Storm Prediction Center in Norman, OK has already issued their Probabilistic Outlook (SEE BELOW)
You will note that Tuscaloosa, and much of Alabama, finds itself within the 30% hatched area AS WELL AS the Significant Parameter. DO NOT TAKE THIS LIGHTLY. As I mentioned earlier, storms will enter our area during the overnight hours. Make sure, TODAY, that you have a way of receiving weather warnings as soon as they are available. They will save your life.
Here are some ways you can receive weather warnings:
1. Purchase a NOAA Weather Radio (We will program it for you if you contact us).
2. Follow UA_Weather on Twitter Click here!
3. Sign up for our Weather Alert Emails! Send an email to bamauams@gmail.com to sign up.
It's looking like Thursday is going to be the first real-deal storm system of the 2012 Severe Weather season, so prepare NOW!
We'll bring you updates as they become available. We'll be out in the field for the entire event Thursday night.
PAR
You will note that Tuscaloosa, and much of Alabama, finds itself within the 30% hatched area AS WELL AS the Significant Parameter. DO NOT TAKE THIS LIGHTLY. As I mentioned earlier, storms will enter our area during the overnight hours. Make sure, TODAY, that you have a way of receiving weather warnings as soon as they are available. They will save your life.
Here are some ways you can receive weather warnings:
1. Purchase a NOAA Weather Radio (We will program it for you if you contact us).
2. Follow UA_Weather on Twitter Click here!
3. Sign up for our Weather Alert Emails! Send an email to bamauams@gmail.com to sign up.
It's looking like Thursday is going to be the first real-deal storm system of the 2012 Severe Weather season, so prepare NOW!
We'll bring you updates as they become available. We'll be out in the field for the entire event Thursday night.
PAR
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Rain/Storms Incoming...
We're currently monitoring a system over Mississippi at this hour. Models show hail potentially falling near Columbus, MS with lightning throughout this system. As the system makes its way into Alabama, it will be met with more stable air, meaning storms will lose their intensity. This will mainly be a rain event. NO SEVERE WEATHER IS EXPECTED WITH THIS SYSTEM. Some minor flooding may occur in areas prone to flooding, but again we're not expecting any problems. Be sure to exercise caution during travel tonight and tomorrow morning as roads will be wet. Greensboro AVE between 35th Street and Skyland BLVD is notorious for holding water, so keep that in mind.
We had beautiful weather today, and you can expect similar conditions tomorrow.
Follow our Twitter @UA_Weather for daily weather forecasts. They are issued at 9pm Sunday-Thursday and are valid for the next day. On Fridays, a weekend weather outlook will be tweeted.
We just uploaded an Intro video for the Spring 2012 Chase Season on our website! Go check it out!
Thanks!
PAR
We had beautiful weather today, and you can expect similar conditions tomorrow.
Follow our Twitter @UA_Weather for daily weather forecasts. They are issued at 9pm Sunday-Thursday and are valid for the next day. On Fridays, a weekend weather outlook will be tweeted.
We just uploaded an Intro video for the Spring 2012 Chase Season on our website! Go check it out!
Thanks!
PAR
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Update Regarding Storms this Week (1/30-2/3)
As promised, we now have a better idea of what to expect Wednesday/Thursday. After running the models, severe weather will NOT be a threat to our area Wednesday night/early Thursday morning. Currently, the severe weather scenario is setting up over the mid-west over N. Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas, but that will NOT effect us. Rainfall shouldn't be to extreme either, but you may hear a rumble of thunder or two. No worries.
Thursday we will be going as a group to ABC 33/40's Storm Alert tour that is stopping at Central High School off of 15th Street. The show will start at 6:30pm, and will feature the April 27th outbreak, highlighted with "riveting" footage of the storms.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us!
PAR
Follow us on Twitter for the most up to date weather information!
Thursday we will be going as a group to ABC 33/40's Storm Alert tour that is stopping at Central High School off of 15th Street. The show will start at 6:30pm, and will feature the April 27th outbreak, highlighted with "riveting" footage of the storms.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us!
PAR
Follow us on Twitter for the most up to date weather information!
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