Alert archive / Alabama / Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in 2024

Severe Thunderstorm Warning 56, NWS Birmingham, AL

May 24, 2024Tuscaloosa County, Alabama

NWS Birmingham, AL issued this severe thunderstorm warning at May 24, 2024, 3:32 PM CDT for Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. It was in force for 43 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
May 24, 2024, 3:32 PM CDT (20:32 UTC)
Expired
May 24, 2024, 4:15 PM CDT
In force
43 min
Issued by
NWS Birmingham, AL
Area
Storm-based polygon
Hail
1.0 in
Wind
60.0 mph

County Tuscaloosa County, AL

The radar

The Birmingham radar (KBMX), 71 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 20:35 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

Jackson, MS (KJAN), launched 12:00Z, 8.5 hours before the alert went out and 262 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, Jackson, MS at 12:00Z on 2024-05-24Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 1606 joules per kilogram.LCLLFCEL10008507005003002001001 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, Jackson, MS at 12:00Z on 2024-05-24The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 74 square meters per square second.19395878Sfc1 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
1606 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
-26 J/kg
Mixed-layer LCL
647 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
52 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
74 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
-42 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
-0.4
Supercell composite
-2.0

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 Birmingham, AL wrote its last area forecast discussion before this severe thunderstorm warning went out at May 24, 1:29 PM CDT, 2 hours 3 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, May 24, 1:29 PM CDT, 2 hours 3 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Birmingham AL
129 PM CDT Fri May 24 2024

...New SHORT TERM, AVIATION...

.SHORT TERM...
(This evening through Saturday)
Issued at 129 PM CDT FRI MAY 24 2024

The first storms of the afternoon are currently firing across
northern portions of Central Alabama and also across eastern
Mississippi. These storms are developing along an old outflow
boundary that is moving southeastward from previous MCS activity
that occurred in Tennessee early this morning. We've got plenty of
instability to work with this afternoon, with 3000-3500 J/kg of
SBCAPE, 40-50 knots of effective westerly bulk shear, and steep
lapse rates aloft. LI's are coming in between -5 and -8 along and
west of the I-65 corridor. Uncertainties currently exist in terms
of overall coverage of storms this afternoon, but it would not be
out of the question for another MCS or multiple clusters of storms
to develop and move southeast through this evening. The best
chance of this occurring would be where the severe storm has
currently developed in Monroe County, MS. With unidirectional
shear profiles, damaging straight-line winds and large hail will
be the main hazards with these storms. RAP analysis indicates the
highest amount of DCAPE across western and southwestern counties,
which could also help produce a better-defined cold pool boundary.
We'll see how trends evolve as we go through the afternoon.

In the meantime, likely PoPs will remain in the forecast for the
northern half of the area through this afternoon, with high PoPs
continuing to the southeast before diminishing into the overnight
hours. With westerly flow aloft continuing overnight, upper level
shortwave activity will help develop additional clusters of
showers and storms across southern Arkansas and northern
Mississippi. We'll watch those storms as they move east between
midnight and 7am, as some of those could be on the strong side
depending on how much available instability is still left from
today's activity. PoPs have been updated to high chance
probability due to the uncertainty in placement of the storms, but
may need to be increased into the likely category before all is
said and done. Strong to isolated severe storms will remain in the
forecast Saturday afternoon through Saturday night as another
shortwave impulse moves eastward. Scattered to perhaps numerous
showers and storms are possible if enough daytime heating occurs
behind the morning activity. In terms of the CAMs, some are
showing more convective development than others, but we should
have enough support in the synoptic scale for storm development.
Hail and gusty winds will be the main hazards through Saturday,
which will be conditional based on mesoscale conditions.

56/GDG

&&

.LONG TERM...
(Saturday night through next Thursday)
Issued at 300 AM CDT FRI MAY 24 2024

A weakening cold front begins to slow to our northwest Sunday as the
main low pressure system lifts through the Midwest into the Great
Lakes region. For Central AL, it will be hot and humid ahead of the
boundary, though it still unclear whether the front actual pushes
into our area. We'll have to keep an eye on a possible MCS coming
down during the daytime on Sunday given the hot/humid conditions and
the convection along the front upstream. More details on that will
become available as we get closer. For now, there could be strong to
severe storms again Sunday, but there's quite a bit of uncertainty
on the exact timing. We might have continued storm chances Monday
and Tuesday before the main trough finally pushes to our east, but
again, mesoscale details will need to be worked out in the coming
days. Slightly cooler and drier air builds in by roughly midweek
leading to rain-free conditions and seasonable temperatures
Wednesday and Thursday.

25/Owen

&&

.AVIATION...
(18Z TAFS)
Issued at 129 PM CDT FRI MAY 24 2024

VFR conditions are currently ongoing for all terminals, and
expected to last into the early afternoon hours before SHRA/TSRA
development occurs after 21z. At the current time, a TEMPO TSRA is
needed for northern sites and amendments will be likely through
the afternoon hours as confidence increases in development and
movement of storms. Expect rapid reductions in visibility and
variably gusty winds if any storm impacts a terminal location.
TSRA chances are reduced for MGM and TOI, but still possible
during the evening hours tonight. VFR conditions are expected
between 06z and 12z Saturday morning with a potential for
additional SHRA/TSRA activity. For now due to low confidence, have
not included mention in the TAFs at this time, but updates will
likely be needed.

56/GDG

&&

.FIRE WEATHER...

Several opportunities for rain and storms through the weekend, as
several impulses provide focus for convection, with enhanced
coverage during the afternoon and evening, especially across
northern counties. 20 foot winds will be from the south to
southwest at less than 10 mph through Sunday. Min RH value will be
near or above 50% through Sunday, with overnight recoveries near
100%.

&&

.PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS...
Gadsden     66  88  66  92 /  50  40  20  20
Anniston    68  88  69  91 /  60  40  20  20
Birmingham  71  89  71  92 /  60  40  20  10
Tuscaloosa  71  91  71  92 /  60  40  10   0
Calera      70  88  70  91 /  60  40  20  10
Auburn      70  86  70  89 /  50  30  10  10
Montgomery  72  90  71  92 /  40  30  10   0
Troy        71  90  70  92 /  30  30  10   0

&&

.BMX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
None.
&&

SHORT TERM...56/GDG
LONG TERM....25
AVIATION...56/GDG
Hazardous weather outlook, May 24, 3:05 AM CDT, 12 hours 27 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Birmingham AL
305 AM CDT Fri May 24 2024

ALZ011>015-017>050-251115-
Marion-Lamar-Fayette-Winston-Walker-Blount-Etowah-Calhoun-Cherokee-
Cleburne-Pickens-Tuscaloosa-Jefferson-Shelby-St. Clair-Talladega-
Clay-Randolph-Sumter-Greene-Hale-Perry-Bibb-Chilton-Coosa-Tallapoosa-
Chambers-Marengo-Dallas-Autauga-Lowndes-Elmore-Montgomery-Macon-
Bullock-Lee-Russell-Pike-Barbour-
305 AM CDT Fri May 24 2024

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for the counties served by the
National Weather Service office in Birmingham.

.DAY ONE...Outlook through Tonight.

Isolated severe thunderstorms are possible across portions of
Central Alabama on Friday, generally noon through 9 PM. Threats are
damaging wind gusts and hail.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday.

Additional severe thunderstorms are possible Saturday and Sunday
afternoons. Threats are damaging wind gusts and hail.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Activation of storm spotters and emergency management may be needed
on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

In the hours before

Special weather statement, May 24, 11:08 AM CDT, 4 hours 24 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Birmingham AL
1108 AM CDT Fri May 24 2024

ALZ014-241645-
Winston AL-
1108 AM CDT Fri May 24 2024

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTHERN WINSTON COUNTY THROUGH
1145 AM CDT...

At 1107 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Needmore, or near Haleyville, moving northeast at 55 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph and penny size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

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

Locations impacted include...
Haleyville, Brushy Lake, Needmore, Moreland, Ashridge, Weiss, Posey
Field Airport, Upshaw, Pebble, Delmar, Sipsey River Rec Area,
Grayson, and Bankhead National Forest.

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 3430 8711 3428 8711 3410 8763 3431 8763
TIME...MOT...LOC 1607Z 239DEG 49KT 3422 8754

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.75 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

56
Special weather statement, May 24, 12:18 PM CDT, 3 hours 14 minutes before
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Special weather statement, May 24, 1:13 PM CDT, 2 hours 19 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Birmingham AL
113 PM CDT Fri May 24 2024

ALZ011>013-241915-
Fayette AL-Marion AL-Lamar AL-
113 PM CDT Fri May 24 2024

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT SOUTHERN MARION...NORTHWESTERN
FAYETTE AND LAMAR COUNTIES THROUGH 215 PM CDT...

At 112 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Bedford, or 10 miles southwest of Sulligent, moving east at 40 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph and pea size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

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

Locations impacted include...
Hamilton, Winfield, Fayette, Vernon, Sulligent, Guin, Brilliant,
Detroit, Beaverton, Gu-
Win, Bluff, Blooming Grove, Lamar County Airport, Brinn, Crews,
Bedford, Crossville, Twin, Gattman, and Tucker.

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 3407 8821 3421 8776 3369 8776 3367 8826
TIME...MOT...LOC 1812Z 259DEG 35KT 3382 8828

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

05
Special weather statement, May 24, 1:42 PM CDT, 1 hour 50 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Birmingham AL
142 PM CDT Fri May 24 2024

ALZ020-241915-
Cherokee AL-
142 PM CDT Fri May 24 2024

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTHEASTERN CHEROKEE COUNTY
THROUGH 215 PM CDT...

At 142 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Little River Falls, or near Fort Payne, moving northeast at 25 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph and pea size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

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

Locations impacted include...
Little River Canyon National Preserve, Blanche, Little River Falls,
New Moon, Chesterfield, and Little River Canyon NP.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

&&

LAT...LON 3438 8548 3431 8571 3436 8566 3437 8563
      3439 8562 3440 8563 3440 8561 3444 8558
      3446 8558 3447 8557 3449 8557 3449 8556
      3450 8556 3450 8555 3453 8552
TIME...MOT...LOC 1842Z 234DEG 24KT 3447 8561

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

05
Special weather statement, May 24, 2:10 PM CDT, 1 hour 22 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Birmingham AL
210 PM CDT Fri May 24 2024

ALZ013-022-023-242015-
Fayette AL-Pickens AL-Tuscaloosa AL-
210 PM CDT Fri May 24 2024

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTHWESTERN TUSCALOOSA...
NORTHEASTERN PICKENS AND SOUTHERN FAYETTE COUNTIES THROUGH 315 PM
CDT...

At 209 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Ashcraft Corner, or 7 miles northeast of Reform, moving northeast at
25 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and half inch hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

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

Locations impacted include...
Berry, Ashcraft Corner, Bankston, Stone Wall, Fayette County Public
Lake, and New Lexington.

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.

This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.

&&

LAT...LON 3353 8799 3353 8795 3356 8795 3374 8769
      3360 8747 3341 8801 3348 8806
TIME...MOT...LOC 1909Z 232DEG 22KT 3348 8796

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.50 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH

05
Special weather statement, May 24, 3:03 PM CDT, 29 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Birmingham AL
303 PM CDT Fri May 24 2024

ALZ013-023-242100-
Fayette AL-Tuscaloosa AL-
303 PM CDT Fri May 24 2024

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTHWESTERN TUSCALOOSA AND
SOUTHERN FAYETTE COUNTIES THROUGH 400 PM CDT...

At 303 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 7
miles northwest of Samantha, or 14 miles northeast of Gordo, moving
east at 20 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and half inch hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

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

Locations impacted include...
Berry, Boley Springs, Bankhead Lock And Dam, Samantha, Binion Creek
Landing, Stone Wall, Whitson, Wiley, Moores Bridge, Windham Springs,
New Lexington, and Lake Tuscaloosa.

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.

This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.

&&

LAT...LON 3369 8747 3369 8742 3360 8742 3360 8737
      3359 8737 3359 8732 3352 8732 3349 8730
      3349 8733 3347 8734 3345 8733 3346 8732
      3344 8731 3344 8730 3339 8729 3337 8782
      3361 8786
TIME...MOT...LOC 2003Z 264DEG 15KT 3348 8772

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.50 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH

05

The office that day

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

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
May 24, 11:08 AM CDTSpecial Weather StatementBMXWinston37 min
May 24, 12:18 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementBMXEtowah57 min
May 24, 1:13 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementBMXFayette, Lamar, Marion62 min
May 24, 1:42 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementBMXDeKalb33 min
May 24, 2:10 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementBMXFayette65 min
May 24, 3:03 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementBMXTuscaloosa57 min

Nearby

Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in Alabama, 2024Every severe thunderstorm warning in 2024

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.