Alert archive / Alabama / Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in 2018

Severe Thunderstorm Warning 16, NWS Huntsville, AL

March 19, 2018Jackson County, Madison County, Alabama; Franklin County, Tennessee

NWS Huntsville, AL issued this severe thunderstorm warning at Mar 19, 2018, 3:13 PM CDT for Jackson County, Madison County, Alabama; Franklin County, Tennessee. It was in force for 47 min. No storm report in the archive falls inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The counties it named.

The facts

Issued
Mar 19, 2018, 3:13 PM CDT (20:13 UTC)
Expired
Mar 19, 2018, 4:00 PM CDT
In force
47 min
Issued by
NWS Huntsville, AL
Area
Storm-based polygon
Tornado
Possible
Hail
1.5 in
Wind
60.0 mph

Counties Jackson County, AL, Madison County, AL, Franklin County, TN

The radar

The Northeast Alabama radar (KHTX), 12 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 20:13 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

The nearest sounding before it

Nashville Metro, TN (KBNA), launched 12:00Z, 8.2 hours before the alert went out and 141 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.

Skew-T log-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Nashville Metro, TN at 12:00Z on 2018-03-19Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 0 joules per kilogram.LCL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km15 km-30°-20°-10°0°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Nashville Metro, TN at 12:00Z on 2018-03-19The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 113 square meters per square second.1939587897117Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.
Mixed-layer CAPE
0 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
No buoyant parcel
Mixed-layer LCL
1252 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
45 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
113 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
231 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before this severe thunderstorm warning went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Huntsville, AL wrote its last area forecast discussion before this severe thunderstorm warning went out at Mar 19, 1:58 PM CDT, 1 hour 15 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Mar 19, 1:58 PM CDT, 1 hour 15 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Huntsville AL
158 PM CDT Mon Mar 19 2018

.NEAR TERM...(Tonight)
Issued at 158 PM CDT Mon Mar 19 2018

At early afternoon, the surface low was located across the Ozarks
with an attendant warm front across the northern MS Delta to near
Jasper Alabama to near Macon Georgia. The low stratus has been quite
persistent this morning with ceilings between 800 and 1200 feet in
most areas. However, the latest G16 satellite trends show some
notable clearing with breaks across central Alabama and back into
Mississippi. Regional radar imagery shows several persistent clusters
across central/northern Alabama with mostly small hail reports so
far.

In the near term, expect the environment across northern Alabama and
southern Tennessee to continue to destabilize over the next several
hours. This will be aided by an increasing low to mid level jet
noted on satellite imagery entering northern Mississippi. The
sounding profiles from the high res/short term guidance would support
supercell structures with strong rotating updrafts between 22z and
03z and that is reflected well in the SPC outlooks. Without going
into too many more details, a potentially volatile setup will be in
place across the region this afternoon/evening. In fact, the latest
HRRR and CAM guidance maximize the updraft helicity across north
central and northeast Alabama at and just after sunset.

The cold front should shut down the severe weather threat from west
to east pretty quickly this evening. After a brief period of clearing
with the dry slot/jet max behind the front the deep upper trough will
swing across resulting in a stratus lower beneath an inversion.

.SHORT TERM...(Tuesday through Wednesday)
Issued at 158 PM CDT Mon Mar 19 2018

A breezy and chilly day will be in store for the Tennessee Valley on
Tuesday as the upper low rotates through. As the thermal trough
swings across late Tuesday/Tuesday night there may be enough
lingering moisture to allow a brief and spotty changeover to snow.
Not expecting much if any impacts given the light/brief nature of the
precipitation and the warm ground temperatures. Clearing but
continued cool weather anticipated on Wednesday as the upper low
lifts off the eastern seaboard.

.LONG TERM...(Wednesday night through Sunday)
Issued at 158 PM CDT Mon Mar 19 2018

In the extended period, generally northwest flow will dominate
initially before northern stream energy breaks down the upper level
ridge. A cool and dry pattern on Thursday will give way to an
approaching weak warm front by Thursday night into Friday. There
appears to be some uncertainy with the available moisture with this
system and have leaned toward the lower end of guidance. As the flow
become more westerly and eventually southwesterly higher rain chances
and eventually thunderstorm chances will return to the area by the
weekend into early next week.

&&

.AVIATION...(For the 18Z TAFS through 18Z Tuesday afternoon)
Issued at 1209 PM CDT Mon Mar 19 2018

Active weather anticipated at both terminal locations over the next
24 hours. Currently IFR ceilings were noted due to a large expanse of
stratus covering the region. This stratus will very slowly diminish
and lift through the early afternoon hours as a warm front lifts
northward. However, conditions will become more favorable for
convection/thunder ahead of an approaching cold front and have
included VCTS for this aftn/early evening at both locations. Also
included a TEMPO window for more significant convection and
associated wind gusts. Storms may be capable of producing damaging
hail but did not include in TAFs. The storms are anticipated to
swing east of the area after 03z with some clearing noted late
evening/overnight. However, stratus is once again expected to
overspread the area toward Tuesday morning.

&&

.HUN WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
AL...NONE.
TN...NONE.
&&

NEAR TERM...15
SHORT TERM...15
LONG TERM...15
AVIATION...15

For more information please visit our website
at weather.gov/huntsville.
Hazardous weather outlook, Mar 19, 11:59 AM CDT, 3 hours 14 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook...UPDATED
National Weather Service Huntsville AL
1159 AM CDT Mon Mar 19 2018

ALZ001>010-016-TNZ076-096-097-200800-
Lauderdale-Colbert-Franklin AL-Lawrence-Limestone-Madison-Morgan-
Marshall-Jackson-De Kalb-Cullman-Moore-Lincoln-Franklin TN-
1159 AM CDT Mon Mar 19 2018

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for north Alabama and portions of
southern middle Tennessee.

.DAY ONE...This Afternoon and Tonight...

Severe thunderstorms will develop this afternoon and spread eastward
ahead of an approaching storm system. Large hail up to baseball
size, damaging winds, and a few tornadoes across are expected for
all areas in North Alabama and Southern Middle Tennessee. A strong
tornado or two will be possible.

The severe weather risk will diminish quickly late this evening into
tonight as the front pushes east of the area.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday...

Isolated thunderstorms return to the forecast Saturday and Sunday.

.SPOTTER CALL TO ACTION STATEMENT...

Activation of storm spotters and emergency management personnel will
be needed this afternoon and evening.

In the hours before

Special weather statement, Mar 19, 12:23 PM CDT, 2 hours 50 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Huntsville AL
1223 PM CDT MON MAR 19 2018

ALZ001-002-191800-
Lauderdale AL-Colbert AL-
1223 PM CDT MON MAR 19 2018

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SOUTH CENTRAL LAUDERDALE AND
WESTERN COLBERT COUNTIES UNTIL 100 PM CDT...

At 1223 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Midway, or near Iuka, moving east at 45 mph.

Penny size hail and winds in excess of 30 mph will be possible with
this storm.

Locations impacted include...
Cherokee, Red Rock, Malone, Posey Loop, Mynot, Pride Landing, Mt
Hester, Margerum, Maud and Allsboro.

LAT...LON 3482 8810 3491 8783 3466 8772 3463 8813
TIME...MOT...LOC 1723Z 250DEG 38KT 3471 8819

73
Special weather statement, Mar 19, 12:58 PM CDT, 2 hours 15 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Huntsville AL
1258 PM CDT MON MAR 19 2018

ALZ001>003-191845-
Lauderdale AL-Franklin AL-Colbert AL-
1258 PM CDT MON MAR 19 2018

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SOUTH CENTRAL LAUDERDALE...
COLBERT AND NORTHWESTERN FRANKLIN COUNTIES UNTIL 145 PM CDT...

At 1257 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Tishomingo State Park, moving east at 45 mph.

Penny size hail will be possible with this storm.

Locations impacted include...
Florence, Muscle Shoals, Sheffield, Tuscumbia, Littleville, Leighton,
St. Florian, Posey Loop, Pogo and Northwest Alabama Regional Airport.

LAT...LON 3468 8812 3488 8757 3465 8745 3465 8748
      3463 8748 3462 8750 3452 8815
TIME...MOT...LOC 1757Z 249DEG 37KT 3462 8808

73
Local storm report, Mar 19, 1:53 PM CDT, 1 hour 20 minutes before
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Local storm report, Mar 19, 2:08 PM CDT, 1 hour 5 minutes before
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Special weather statement, Mar 19, 2:13 PM CDT, 1 hour before
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    <section class="card" role="status" aria-live="polite">
      <div class="status" id="status">Temporary Notice</div>
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Special weather statement, Mar 19, 2:21 PM CDT, 52 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Huntsville AL
221 PM CDT MON MAR 19 2018

ALZ005-006-192000-
Madison AL-Limestone AL-
221 PM CDT MON MAR 19 2018

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR NORTHWESTERN MADISON AND CENTRAL
LIMESTONE COUNTIES UNTIL 300 PM CDT...

At 221 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 7
miles west of Athens, moving east at 40 mph.

Pea size hail and winds in excess of 40 mph will be possible with
this storm.

Locations impacted include...
Northwestern Huntsville, Madison, Athens, Harvest, Tanner, Elkmont,
Cartwright, French Mill, Coxey and Elkwood.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike several miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a
safe shelter inside a building or vehicle.

&&

LAT...LON 3474 8661 3470 8713 3472 8713 3475 8718
      3476 8722 3476 8726 3478 8728 3481 8722
      3488 8721 3499 8674 3499 8668
TIME...MOT...LOC 1921Z 256DEG 35KT 3479 8710

AMP

The office that day

Everything else NWS Huntsville, AL issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Mar 19, 4:00 AM CDTSpecial Weather StatementHUNLawrence30 min
Mar 19, 8:59 AM CDTSpecial Weather StatementHUNJackson31 min
Mar 19, 11:55 AM CDTSpecial Weather StatementHUNLauderdale35 min
Mar 19, 12:23 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementHUNColbert37 min
Mar 19, 12:31 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningHUNColbert, Lauderdale29 min
Mar 19, 12:58 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementHUNColbert47 min
Mar 19, 1:20 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningHUNColbert, Lauderdale, Lawrence40 min
Mar 19, 1:38 PM CDTTornado WarningHUNColbert23 min
Mar 19, 2:13 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementHUNJackson32 min
Mar 19, 2:21 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementHUNLimestone39 min
Mar 19, 2:41 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningHUNLimestone, Madison34 min
Mar 19, 3:55 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningHUNJackson35 min
Mar 19, 4:01 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementHUNCullman44 min
Mar 19, 4:48 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningHUNColbert, Franklin42 min
Mar 19, 4:58 PM CDTTornado WarningHUNColbert, Franklin32 min
Mar 19, 5:13 PM CDTTornado WarningHUNColbert15 min
Mar 19, 5:20 PM CDTTornado Warning Tornado observedHUNFranklin, Lawrence40 min
Mar 19, 5:21 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementHUNDeKalb39 min
Mar 19, 5:27 PM CDTTornado WarningHUNColbert, Franklin, Lawrence33 min
Mar 19, 5:38 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementHUNLauderdale52 min
Mar 19, 5:54 PM CDTTornado WarningHUNFranklin, Lawrence40 min
Mar 19, 5:57 PM CDTTornado WarningHUNFranklin, Lawrence48 min
Mar 19, 6:02 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningHUNLauderdale, Limestone28 min
Mar 19, 6:04 PM CDTTornado WarningHUNLauderdale, Limestone26 min
Mar 19, 6:25 PM CDTTornado WarningHUNLimestone, Madison35 min
Mar 19, 6:25 PM CDTTornado WarningHUNCullman, Lawrence, Morgan35 min
Mar 19, 6:48 PM CDTTornado WarningHUNCullman, Marshall, Morgan27 min
Mar 19, 6:50 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningHUNCullman25 min
Mar 19, 6:55 PM CDTTornado WarningHUNMadison35 min
Mar 19, 6:57 PM CDTTornado WarningHUNCullman33 min

Nearby

Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in Alabama, 2018Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in Tennessee, 2018Every severe thunderstorm warning in 2018

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.