Severe WX Severe Threat 17-18 March 2021

[Richardjacks]

Here are a few notes:
Models underforecasted the shear in west and south Alabama this early
Any capping to our west has yet to move in or put a pause on development, this is causing storms to cluster for now.
North Alabama still in play, and things may rapidly change this afternoon.

 

[Keldeo]

 

[David in SW Blount]

So what's keeping these storms in NW Alabama from ramping up?

 

[OHWX97]

Selma storm appears to be trying to cycle up again near Billingsley, AL.

 

[kcyalater]

Here are a few notes:
Models underforecasted the shear in west and south Alabama this early
Any capping to our west has yet to move in or put a pause on development, this is causing storms to cluster for now.
North Alabama still in play, and things may rapidly change this afternoon.

Do you think the lack of capping will allow things to stay messy vs. getting isolated? does that even matter for later?

 

[brianc33710]

ALC001-021-051-171915-
/O.CON.KBMX.TO.W.0009.000000T0000Z-210317T1915Z/
Autauga AL-Elmore AL-Chilton AL-
122 PM CDT Wed Mar 17 2021

...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 215 PM CDT FOR
NORTHEASTERN AUTAUGA...NORTHWESTERN ELMORE AND SOUTHEASTERN CHILTON
COUNTIES...

At 122 PM CDT, a confirmed tornado was located over Billingsley, or
13 miles south of Clanton, moving northeast at 30 mph.

HAZARD...Damaging tornado and quarter size hail.

SOURCE...Weather spotters confirmed tornado.

IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without
shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage
to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is
likely.

Locations impacted include...
Clanton, Billingsley, Marbury, Higgins Ferry Park, Verbena, Mitchell
Lake, Jordan Lake, Mitchell Dam, Cooper and New Prospect.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

To repeat, a tornado is on the ground. TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a
basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy
building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in
a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect
yourself from flying debris.

 

[MadisonDawg]

Reports of Sirens going off in Tuscaloosa for no reason. They shouldn't test Sirens on high risk days.

Doubtful they're testing at 1:20 in the afternoon. Probably an accidental activation.

 

[speedbump305]

OMG. WE ARE ONLY AN HOUR IN AND I CAN ALREADY SEE MAJOR DAMAGE-

 

[South AL Wx]

Spotter confirmed tornado over Billingsley, AL per BMX.

 

[Bamamuscle]

Spoke to my pops. They had to shelter at the paper plant in Dallas Co. No damage out there.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Fred Gossage]

0-1km shear was predicted to be around 150 at this time of day in most of central alabama which is sufficient but not outrageous. I think we're looking at 200-250+ instead.

That VWP from BMX says we're looking at 0-1 km SRH of 400-500 and 0-3 km SRH of almost 600...

 

[speedbump305]

based on that damage kelsey, what do you think the tornado was really capable of

 

[CheeselandSkies]

Never a good sign when it's barely after 18Z and it's already getting hard to keep track of the tornado warnings.

We keep repeating it's not gonna be like that day, but in this regard, it kind of is.

 

[Equus]

This is kind of a sensory overload, things are changing and escalating so fast. Watching those storms in the Jackson, MS area where the atmosphere is super volatile right now.

 

[MattPetrulli]

That VWP from BMX says we're looking at 0-1 km SRH of 400-500 and 0-3 km SRH of almost 600...

On second thought, likely due to proximity to WF as KGWX and KDGX VWPs are much less impressive.

 

[KoD]

That VWP from BMX says we're looking at 0-1 km SRH of 400-500 and 0-3 km SRH of almost 600...

Good grief

 

[speedbump305]

I hope I'm not cluttering the thread up with all these big posts with images

That structure is beautiful btw. a classic dixie wedge with a multi vortex like structure

 

[SilentShadow87]

Would be the opposite.

Sorry I replied to the wrong post. I was talking about the potential clustering of the storms.

 

[CheeselandSkies]

Spann showing video of tornado crossing US 82 near Billingsley.

 

[OHWX97]

The cell SSE of Laurel, MS needs a tornado warning.