Special Weather Statement, NWS Mobile, AL

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Mobile AL
1253 PM CDT Wed Aug 11 2021

.AVIATION...
18Z issuance...VFR conditions prevail at the TAF sites through the
period. Brief reductions in ceilings and visibility (along with
gusty winds and frequent lightning) are possible through early
this evening around the scattered showers and storms. Outside of
storms, expect a general light, southerly flow. Showers and storms
will develop again by Thursday morning along the coast and spread
inland throughout the afternoon. 07/mb

&&

.PREV DISCUSSION... /issued 641 AM CDT Wed Aug 11 2021/

.AVIATION...
12Z issuance...VFR conditions will prevail through much of the
period. Scattered to locally numerous showers and thunderstorms
will develop through the afternoon with brief reductions in
ceilings and visibilities expected. /13

.PREV DISCUSSION... /issued 447 AM CDT Wed Aug 11 2021/

NEAR TERM UPDATE /Now Through Thursday/...Summer just keeps on
keeping on with another toasty day with showers and thunderstorms
likely during the afternoon. This persistent upper level ridge will
continue over the area and dominate the sensible weather through
Thursday. Flow overall will be relatively weak aloft and surface
features will be almost non-existent outside of remnant outflow
boundaries and the diurnally driven sea/bay/land breezes. PWATS look
to increase above 2 inches today as a plume of Gulf moisture moves
through the area. This will likely lead to even better coverage
across the area as storms develop along the boundaries. Storms
should begin near the coast and coastal waters during the morning
and then progress inland. Storms will likely initiate along the
coastal counties around noon to 2 pm with a little later start
closer to 2 to 4 pm for inland communities. Given the high PWATS and
weak flow aloft, some storms will certainly be capable of heavy
rainfall and some localized flooding could be possible especially
within the urban areas. Storms will also have the potential from
some gusty winds and given the slightly better low level moisture,
water loading of downdrafts could help aid in some better
microbursts Wednesday. Also with better coverage, storms might be
able to cluster and work together to break through any remaining
subsidence from the broad upper ridge.

Overall the environment will be similar on Thursday, with the only
difference being the plume of moisture will have moved slightly
west. This will likely lead to higher rain chances west of I-65;
however, most areas will see high end scattered POPs. The same
threats will be possible with the storms that develop on Thursday.
Temperatures will continue to be warm with highs quickly climbing
into the low 90s each day. This coupled with high dewpoints in the
70s will lead to heat indices in the 100 to 105 range. The only
thing keeping us from getting to heat advisory criteria will be how
quickly storms develop and the more likely coverage over the area.
Rip currents remain low through the forecast; however, eyes will
turn towards Tropical Storm Fred through the extended for the
potential increase in rip currents. BB/03 /13

SHORT TERM /Thursday night Through Friday night/...An upper level
ridge over the Southeast transitions into a mean upper level trough
as a series of shortwave systems merge over the Southeast. A surface
ridge stretching west over the Southeast becomes less organized,
becoming a weak surface trough embedded in a mean ridge stretching
south across the eastern Conus by Saturday. The airmass over the
forecast area and nearby remains very moist (with precipitable h20
values hovering around 1.9"-2.1") through the period, with mean low
level flow transitioning from southeast to southerly to a generally
easterly. TS Fred is expected to approach the southeastern Gulf of
Mexico by Saturday morning.

With subsidence from the upper ridge over the Southeast shifting
north, and moisture levels remaining high, scattered to numerous
showers and thunderstorms are expected Friday. A few strong to severe
remain possible, with pulse severe downbursts the expected mode. The
chance remains small, due to marginal MlCapes (1500-2000J/kg) and
DCapes (700-900J/kg).

With moisture levels remaining high through the period, low
temperatures a bit above seasonal norms are expected. Low to mid 70s
inland, with upper 70s along the coast expected Thursday and friday
nights. Temperatures Friday are expected to top out in a near
seasonal upper 80s to low 90s across the forecast area, with heat
indices topping out in the 98-103 range.
/16

EXTENDED TERM /Saturday Through Tuesday/...The main feature of
concern is obviously Tropical Storm Fred, which per the latest track
from the National Hurricane Center will move northward across the
far eastern Gulf this weekend.  The average track errors at Day 4 (7
pm Saturday) and Day 5 (7 pm Sunday) are 133 and 171 nm
respectively, so there is both the potential for Fred to directly
affect the forecast area or conversely pass well east of the area
with no impact at all. This potential is visualized well in the
track forecast cone for Fred this weekend which stretches from near
the Alabama/Mississippi border to the east coast of the Florida
peninsula.  By 7 pm Sunday, the latest track forecast has Fred
approaching the Apalachicola, Florida area, and an extended
forecast has the system continuing northward roughly along the
Alabama/Georgia border, with the caveat that errors at this range
are sizable and consequently made with very low confidence.  Have
stayed with good chance pops for Saturday and Sunday for now given
the latest track which places the forecast area within the
relatively drier side of a tropical cyclone, though much higher rain
chances will occur should the forecast track for Fred shift
westward.  The probability of tropical storm force winds occurring
is near 10% over the coastal waters of the western Florida
panhandle, including some portions of the coast, and generally over
the 20-60 nm portion of the Alabama coastal waters.  The earliest
arrival time that tropical storm force winds could begin is late
Saturday evening, but the most likely time they could begin is
Sunday morning.  This will be closely monitored. For Monday and
Tuesday, Fred is expected to be moving slowly northward and
weakening, and given the uncertainty have opted to stay with the
good chance to likely pops in the current package, but there is
overall very low confidence during this period.  Highs on Saturday
will be in the lower to mid 90s then moderate to upper 80s/around 90
for Monday.  Heat index values on Saturday range from 103-107 though
look to remain below heat advisory criteria (108).  Highs on Tuesday
will be a bit warmer and range from around 90 to the lower 90s. Lows
will be mostly in the lower to mid 70s. /29

MARINE...Light south to southeast winds will prevail through the
period although could see brief periods of weak offshore flow
overnight and in the early morning hours. Scattered showers and
thunderstorms will be possible early each day. We are also
monitoring Tropical Storm Fred as it is forecast to enter the
southeastern Gulf of Mexico on Saturday. This system could bring
increased wave heights and winds Sunday into Monday. Refer to
advisories from the National Hurricane Center for more information
regarding Tropical Storm Fred. /03

&&

.MOB WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
AL...None.
FL...None.
MS...None.
GM...None.
&&

This product is also available on the web at:
http://weather.gov/mob

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Mobile AL
1049 AM CDT Wed Aug 11 2021

ALZ264-266-111615-
Baldwin Coastal AL-Baldwin Central AL-
1049 AM CDT Wed Aug 11 2021

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of south central
Baldwin County through 1115 AM CDT...

At 1049 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Foley, moving west at 10 mph.

HAZARD...Winds in excess of 40 mph.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects.

Locations impacted include...
Foley, Magnolia Springs, Summerdale and Silverhill.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.

&&

LAT...LON 3037 8782 3055 8775 3049 8757 3034 8763
TIME...MOT...LOC 1549Z 100DEG 7KT 3042 8765

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Mobile AL
1124 AM CDT Wed Aug 11 2021

ALZ263-265-111700-
Mobile Coastal AL-Mobile Central AL-
1124 AM CDT Wed Aug 11 2021

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of southwestern Mobile
County through NOON CDT...

At 1124 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 4
miles south of Grand Bay, moving northwest at 15 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and pea size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
         possible.

Locations impacted include...
Grand Bay.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.

&&

LAT...LON 3039 8831 3040 8834 3039 8835 3040 8836
      3039 8837 3040 8837 3039 8838 3038 8838
      3039 8840 3056 8840 3041 8825 3038 8828
      3039 8830 3037 8831
TIME...MOT...LOC 1624Z 133DEG 15KT 3042 8836

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Mobile AL
1130 AM CDT Wed Aug 11 2021

ALZ264-266-FLZ201-202-111715-
Baldwin Coastal AL-Baldwin Central AL-Escambia Inland FL-
Escambia Coastal FL-
1130 AM CDT Wed Aug 11 2021

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of east central Baldwin
and west central Escambia Counties through 1215 PM CDT...

At 1129 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 10
miles north of Lillian, or 11 miles west of Gonzalez, moving
northwest at 15 mph.

HAZARD...Winds in excess of 30 mph.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects.

Locations impacted include...
Robertsdale and Loxley.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.

&&

LAT...LON 3058 8779 3079 8763 3080 8757 3082 8760
      3083 8760 3053 8727 3045 8736 3046 8737
      3045 8740 3047 8742 3045 8742 3044 8739
      3043 8740
TIME...MOT...LOC 1629Z 132DEG 14KT 3056 8748

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...30 MPH

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Mobile AL
1220 PM CDT Wed Aug 11 2021

ALZ261>264-111800-
Baldwin Central AL-Baldwin Inland AL-Mobile Central AL-
Mobile Inland AL-
1220 PM CDT Wed Aug 11 2021

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of east central Mobile
and west central Baldwin Counties through 100 PM CDT...

At 1220 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 4
miles northeast of Spanish Fort, moving northwest at 10 mph.

HAZARD...Winds in excess of 30 mph.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects.

Locations impacted include...
Prichard, Saraland, Chickasaw, Spanish Fort, Stapleton, I65 And I165
and I65 And AL 158.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to
localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.

Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.

&&

LAT...LON 3066 8792 3075 8792 3066 8793 3068 8797
      3072 8797 3068 8799 3071 8799 3069 8801
      3074 8803 3070 8803 3070 8804 3071 8804
      3075 8817 3097 8792 3073 8776 3064 8788
TIME...MOT...LOC 1720Z 127DEG 10KT 3072 8788

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...30 MPH

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Mobile AL
1258 PM CDT Wed Aug 11 2021

FLZ203>205-111845-
Okaloosa Inland FL-Santa Rosa Coastal FL-Santa Rosa Inland FL-
1258 PM CDT Wed Aug 11 2021

...Strong thunderstorms will impact portions of southwestern
Okaloosa and southeastern Santa Rosa Counties through 145 PM CDT...

At 1258 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms 12
miles northeast of Navarre, or 13 miles northwest of Wright, moving
north at 10 mph.

HAZARD...Winds in excess of 30 mph.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects.

Locations impacted include...
Milton, Bagdad, Roeville and Point Baker.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

Torrential rainfall is also occurring with these storms and may lead
to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.

Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with these storms.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.

&&

LAT...LON 3043 8696 3046 8693 3051 8702 3053 8700
      3052 8699 3058 8699 3059 8703 3057 8700
      3053 8704 3066 8714 3080 8669 3052 8669
      3044 8689 3045 8692 3044 8690 3044 8691
      3042 8695
TIME...MOT...LOC 1758Z 164DEG 9KT 3057 8681

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...30 MPH

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Mobile AL
105 PM CDT Wed Aug 11 2021

ALZ261>263-111845-
Baldwin Inland AL-Mobile Central AL-Mobile Inland AL-
105 PM CDT Wed Aug 11 2021

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of northeastern Mobile
and west central Baldwin Counties through 145 PM CDT...

At 105 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Satsuma, moving northwest at 15 mph.

HAZARD...Winds in excess of 30 mph.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects.

Locations impacted include...
Saraland, Chickasaw, Satsuma, Creola, Axis and I65 And AL 158.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to
localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.

Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.

&&

LAT...LON 3074 8804 3077 8803 3075 8807 3083 8829
      3105 8805 3088 8789 3086 8791 3086 8788
      3083 8790 3084 8791 3085 8791 3079 8794
      3079 8799 3080 8799 3076 8802 3074 8800
      3075 8800 3075 8799 3073 8800
TIME...MOT...LOC 1805Z 129DEG 14KT 3083 8802

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...30 MPH