A period of northwest flow persisted across Central Alabama for a few days in mid-August, with a ridge over the southwestern United States and an upper low over the Great Lakes. A storm in Cherokee County produced damage on August 16, and storms the next day produced damage across central and eastern counties.
Every event with a place to put it. Tap one for its entry below.
Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.
The episode as NWS BMX wrote it up.
A period of northwest flow persisted across Central Alabama for a few days in mid-August, with a ridge over the southwestern United States and an upper low over the Great Lakes. A storm in Cherokee County produced damage on August 16, and storms the next day produced damage across central and eastern counties. On August 18, numerous thunderstorms passed through central and southern counties in Central Alabama, producing widespread tree damage and several instances of hail. A couple areas in Coosa and Tallapoosa counties saw hail up to golf ball size.
The local office's own words before the first event, 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 the first event at Aug 16, 2:50 PM CST, 1 hour 55 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Birmingham AL 350 PM CDT Fri Aug 16 2024 ...New LONG TERM... .SHORT TERM... (This afternoon through Saturday) Issued at 1257 PM CDT FRI AUG 16 2024 Central Alabama is positioned between a large ridge over the Desert Southwest, and an upper-level low over the Great Lakes region. Both features will gradually drift east through tomorrow. This will place us within a zone of MCS activity and persistent northwest flow with a few rounds of convection developing over the Midwest then moving into the Tennessee Valley. There's already one boundary across northwest portions of the area, but activity along the boundary has diminished since this morning. CAMs are indicating higher chances for storms this afternoon as another outflow boundary is sent southeast from Missouri. Much of the more favorable forcing will remain north of Alabama, so convection this afternoon will be outflow and instability driven, and expected to be mostly scattered in coverage. As temperatures rise into the mid 90s, MLCAPE values will increase to around 2500-3000 J/kg and DCAPE to around 1000 J/kg, so storms will contain mainly a risk for isolated strong, straight-line winds as they move from north to south late this afternoon and into the evening. Some risk for strong winds may persist as far south as Clanton and Alex City, but intensity will begin to wane into the evening hours as temperatures drop. Speaking of the mid 90s, a Heat Advisory continues for mainly the western half of the forecast area this afternoon where dewpoints are in the mid 70s. With the rain diminishing by midnight, expect a break in the action through at least mid-morning until another wave of scattered to numerous thunderstorms moves into the area from the northwest. Model continuity is really all over the place in terms of the evolution of the storms, but nonetheless, the environment will once again be supportive for damaging winds in generally the same areas as today, the northern two-thirds. Moisture remains on the higher end with afternoon dewpoints remaining in the mid 70s, so heat will be a concern again tomorrow. The Heat Advisory has been extended through tomorrow afternoon, and expanded to include a few more counties on the eastern extent where heat indices will reach 105F before any upstream rain or associated outflow can reach the area and drop temperatures. 86/Martin && .LONG TERM... (Saturday night through next Thursday) Issued at 349 PM CDT FRI AUG 16 2024 The cold front that will move through the area Sunday is expected to spark thunderstorm development across middle and southern portions of Central Alabama by Sunday afternoon and evening. Confidence has increased somewhat from the previous forecast cycle, with the introduction of a Slight risk area from Demopolis to Clanton to LaFayette and points south. Bulk shear values of 30-40 kts and high DCAPE values will work in favor of a damaging wind threat as the line moves south. Depending on storm mode, lapse rates will be favorable for at least some small hail with these storms as well. Depending on timing of the storms, another Heat Advisory may be needed across the south on Sunday afternoon, as a humid airmass will still be in place ahead of the front. Otherwise, Monday through much of the week looks dry. Rain and storm chances return to the southeastern counties Thursday and Friday afternoon. Temps and dew points will be lower and conditions will be much more bearable. 12 Previous long-term discussion: (Saturday night through next Thursday) Issued at 257 AM CDT FRI AUG 16 2024 Key messages: - A somewhat conditional risk of severe storms with damaging winds continues Sunday afternoon and evening, depending on how storms evolve Saturday/Saturday night. - One more day of heat indices at or above 105 degrees appears likely on Sunday, before a less humid and not as hot air mass moves in for much of next week. A highly amplified pattern for mid to late August will persist through the long term period, with strong subtropical ridging remaining centered over the High Plains flanked by a trough/upper low off the coast of the Pacific Northwest and an amplifying trough over the eastern CONUS. Showers and storms will probably be ongoing Saturday evening, some of which may be strong to severe. Some ensemble members bring down some additional storms from the north late Saturday night into Sunday morning though the majority of members are dry. Another shortwave in northwest flow aloft down the back side of the trough moves in Sunday as the cold front moves into the area. The environment will be conditionally favorable for severe storms on Sunday as 0-6km bulk shear strengthens to an unseasonably strong 30-40 kts and mid-level lapse rates begin to steepen, with plenty of dry air aloft/DCAPE. Severe storm potential will be dependent on any outflow boundaries from Saturday night's convection and how much moisture gets scoured out/if the mid-level dry air is too dry to sustain updrafts. Convergence will be limited along the front as winds veer to the northwest ahead of the front due to lee troughing. But there is enough signal for convective initiation in the latest guidance to message a marginal risk of severe storms. Mesoscale trends will continue to be monitored as we get closer in case any increase in storm coverage/risk level becomes apparent. A heat advisory will probably also be needed for at least some of the southern counties. Behind the front, a drier and "cooler" air mass for late August will move in with highs in the upper 80s to lower 90s and lows well into the 60s a couple nights with low humidity. Late in the period the main trough lifts out but a weakness will get left behind. Depending on how quickly this weakness retrogrades some moisture may begin to return by the end of the period. As high pressure pushes eastward and weak wedging develops, easterly winds will keep the heat at bay. 32/Davis && .AVIATION... (18Z TAFS) Issued at 1257 PM CDT FRI AUG 16 2024 VFR conditions are expected for most of this TAF cycle, but some scattered convection later this afternoon and into the evening may cause periodic aviation impacts at mainly the northern terminals. Expect convection to wane in coverage as it moves from north to south across the area, so MGM may see little to no impacts. Coverage will dissipate by 06Z, and some high clouds will linger into tomorrow. Sfc winds will take on more of a westerly heading by 15Z tomorrow at 5 to 8 kts. 86/Martin && .FIRE WEATHER... A few rounds of showers and storms will move through this afternoon through Sunday afternoon. RH values will drop below 40 percent in far southeastern portions of Central Alabama this afternoon, but otherwise remain above 40 percent through the weekend. A dry air mass returns next week, with no rain expected Monday through Wednesday and RH values from 30 to 40 percent. && .PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS... Gadsden 70 93 70 91 / 50 60 50 40 Anniston 73 92 70 90 / 50 60 50 40 Birmingham 75 94 72 93 / 50 60 40 40 Tuscaloosa 75 93 73 94 / 40 60 30 40 Calera 75 93 72 92 / 40 60 40 40 Auburn 73 92 72 92 / 20 50 40 40 Montgomery 75 96 73 97 / 20 50 40 40 Troy 73 94 72 96 / 20 40 30 40 && .BMX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... Heat Advisory until 9 PM CDT Saturday for the following counties: Bibb-Blount-Dallas-Fayette-Greene-Hale-Jefferson-Lamar- Marengo-Marion-Perry-Pickens-Shelby-Sumter-Tuscaloosa-Walker- Winston. Heat Advisory from 10 AM to 9 PM CDT Saturday for the following counties: Autauga-Chilton-Coosa-Elmore-Lowndes-St. Clair- Talladega. && SHORT TERM...86 LONG TERM....12 AVIATION...86
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Birmingham AL 452 PM CDT Fri Aug 16 2024 ALZ011>015-017>050-180100- 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- 452 PM CDT Fri Aug 16 2024 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for the counties served by the National Weather Service office in Birmingham. .DAY ONE...Outlook through Tonight. There is a Marginal Risk (1 out of 5) of severe storms this afternoon and evening, mainly near and north of Interstate 20. Threats include damaging winds up to 60 mph. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday. There is a Marginal Risk (1 out of 5) of severe storms on Saturday afternoon and evening, with the threat area near and north of I-20. Threats include damaging winds up to 60 mph. On Sunday there is a Slight Risk (2 out of 5) of severe storms on Sunday afternoon and evening. The main threat area will be near the I-85 and US 80 corridor. All other locations will be under a Marginal Risk (1 out of 5). Threats include damaging winds up to 60 mph. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Activation of storm spotters and emergency management may become necessary Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Birmingham AL
425 PM CDT Fri Aug 16 2024
ALZ031-032-162200-
Greene AL-Hale AL-
425 PM CDT Fri Aug 16 2024
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT EAST CENTRAL GREENE AND
NORTHWESTERN HALE COUNTIES THROUGH 500 PM CDT...
At 425 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Akron, or near Eutaw, moving southeast at 10 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects.
Locations impacted include...
Eutaw, Akron, Sawyerville, Knoxville, Wedgeworth, Evansville, Eutaw
Municipal Airport, and Havana.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
&&
LAT...LON 3286 8791 3300 8780 3294 8756 3269 8774
TIME...MOT...LOC 2125Z 299DEG 7KT 3289 8780
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
40/SizemoreSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Birmingham AL
452 PM CDT Fri Aug 16 2024
ALZ024-162215-
Jefferson AL-
452 PM CDT Fri Aug 16 2024
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT SOUTHWESTERN JEFFERSON COUNTY
THROUGH 515 PM CDT...
At 452 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Concord, or 7 miles west of Hueytown, moving southeast at 15 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects.
Locations impacted include...
Southwestern Birmingham, Bessemer, Hueytown, Fairfield, Pleasant
Grove, Midfield, Brighton, Lipscomb, Sylvan Springs, North Johns,
Splash Adventure, Concord, McCalla, Promenade Tannehill, Dolomite,
McAdory, and Birmingport.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
&&
LAT...LON 3343 8685 3326 8706 3328 8707 3328 8709
3329 8709 3329 8711 3347 8723 3359 8710
TIME...MOT...LOC 2152Z 320DEG 11KT 3347 8711
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
40/SizemoreSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Birmingham AL
455 PM CDT Fri Aug 16 2024
ALZ023-032>034-162230-
Hale AL-Bibb AL-Perry AL-Tuscaloosa AL-
455 PM CDT Fri Aug 16 2024
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT SOUTHEASTERN TUSCALOOSA...NORTH
CENTRAL PERRY...NORTHEASTERN HALE AND SOUTHWESTERN BIBB COUNTIES
THROUGH 530 PM CDT...
At 455 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Low Gap, or 10 miles southeast of Tuscaloosa, moving southeast at 15
mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects.
Locations impacted include...
Southeastern Tuscaloosa, Holt, Brookwood, Coaling, Vance, Heiberger,
Lake Wildwood, Low Gap, Mertz, Mercedes Benz Of Alabama, Deerlick
Creek Campgrounds, Cottondale, Peterson, Hagler, Pearson, Fleetwood,
Camp Horne B.S.A., Phipps, Duncanville, and Wateroak.
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 3296 8760 3326 8745 3326 8718 3297 8730
3281 8725 3269 8733
TIME...MOT...LOC 2155Z 299DEG 13KT 3306 8746
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
40/SizemoreSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Birmingham AL
518 PM CDT Fri Aug 16 2024
ALZ024-162245-
Jefferson AL-
518 PM CDT Fri Aug 16 2024
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT SOUTHWESTERN JEFFERSON COUNTY
THROUGH 545 PM CDT...
At 518 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
North Johns, or near Bessemer, moving southeast at 20 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects.
Locations impacted include...
Bessemer, Hueytown, North Johns, Splash Adventure, Concord, McCalla,
Promenade Tannehill, Bessemer Airport, Lake Cyrus, Weller, Bent Brook
Golf Club, and McAdory.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
&&
LAT...LON 3347 8705 3333 8686 3333 8689 3331 8690
3330 8693 3328 8693 3327 8697 3325 8698
3325 8706 3328 8707 3328 8709 3329 8709
3329 8712 3331 8713 3331 8716 3339 8720
TIME...MOT...LOC 2218Z 325DEG 17KT 3337 8706
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
40/SizemoreSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Birmingham AL
527 PM CDT Fri Aug 16 2024
ALZ023-025-033-034-162300-
Bibb AL-Shelby AL-Perry AL-Tuscaloosa AL-
527 PM CDT Fri Aug 16 2024
...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT SOUTHEASTERN TUSCALOOSA...
NORTHEASTERN PERRY...SOUTHWESTERN SHELBY AND BIBB COUNTIES THROUGH
600 PM CDT...
At 527 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from near Vance to Eoline to 6 miles southeast of
Mertz. Movement was east at 15 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects.
Locations impacted include...
Brent, Centreville, Vance, Woodstock, West Blocton, Tannehill
Ironworks State Park, West Centreville, Mertz, Talladega National
Forest, Mercedes Benz Of Alabama, Eoline, North Bibb, Trio, Marvel,
Six Mile, Bibb County Airport, Green Pond, Pearson, Caffee Junction,
and Hebron.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
&&
LAT...LON 3324 8726 3326 8707 3325 8706 3325 8698
3327 8697 3327 8694 3302 8692 3284 8700
3284 8702 3280 8702 3281 8741
TIME...MOT...LOC 2227Z 260DEG 15KT 3313 8725 3298 8723 3286 8728
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
40/SizemoreSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Birmingham AL
539 PM CDT Fri Aug 16 2024
ALZ039-162315-
Marengo AL-
539 PM CDT Fri Aug 16 2024
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT SOUTHEASTERN MARENGO COUNTY
THROUGH 615 PM CDT...
At 539 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Freddie Jones Field, or near Linden, moving southeast at 10 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects.
Locations impacted include...
Linden, Thomaston, Sweet Water, Freddie Jones Field, Consul,
Magnolia, Wayne, Surginer, Miller, Dixons Mill, Octagon, Clayhill,
and Calvary.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
&&
LAT...LON 3217 8792 3235 8773 3229 8747 3228 8747
3227 8748 3227 8750 3226 8752 3221 8752
3213 8759 3213 8762 3209 8762 3202 8777
TIME...MOT...LOC 2239Z 299DEG 9KT 3226 8772
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
40/SizemoreThe Northeast Alabama radar (KHTX), 81 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 22:43 UTC.
54 thunderstorm wind, 11 hail. Local standard time, as filed.
Several trees and power lines were downed in the Broomtown area.
Several trees were blown down around McCalla.
Several trees were blown down along County Roads 52 and 43 near Tuckers Chapel, Cedar St in Cedar Bluff, and County Road 143 in Broomtown.
Multiple trees and a few power lines were downed around Chelsea.
Numerous trees and power lines were downed across Chilton County.
Several trees were blown down between Moody and Leeds.
Several trees and powerlines were downed from East Gadsden to Glencoe and Hokes Bluff, with sporadic tree reports across the rest of the county.
Trees and power lines were blown down on Highway 25 south of Harpersville.
Numerous trees were uprooted and power lines were downed in the Cedar Creek area of Lay Lake. Some trees fell on homes.
A few trees were blown down in the Childersburg area.
Trees were blown down along County Road 56 south of Marble Valley.
Trees were blown down along County Road 66 west of Goodwater.
Multiple trees were blown down along Highway 148.
Trees were blown down along County Road 32 in eastern Coosa County.
Multiple trees were blown down along Highway 9.
Several trees were downed along County Road 19 west of Newell.
Trees were blown down on SR 48 near the Georgia state line.
Nickel-size hail was estimated from a social media picture near Choccolocco.
Nickel to quarter-size hail fell across Logan Martin Lake and the Clear Creek Harbor area for several minutes, with lots of hail-induced tree debris being noted.
A tree was downed across County Road 59, with several pine trees in the area snapped as well, and another tree was downed near the intersection of County Road 16 and Highway 22.
Quarter-size hail was estimated from a video received from the Pinson area.
Multiple trees were blown down on the east side of Alexander City.
Quarter-size hail was reported near New Site.
A few trees were blown down around Hackneyville.
Multiple trees were blown down around Jacksons Gap.
Quarter-size hail fell in the Hackneyville area.
Multiple trees were blown down around Dadeville.
Quarter-size to golf ball-size hail fell across northern and eastern sections of Alexander City.
Quarter-size hail was reported in Dadeville.
Multiple trees were blown down around Camp Hill.
Several trees were blown down around Romulus.
Several trees were blown down around Fosters.
Multiple trees and some power lines were blown down near Auburn and Opelika, including along Lee Road 395, Lee Road 10, Lee Road 70, Lee Road 11, Lee Road 45, Cox Road, and Lee Road 27.
A tree and power lines were blown down into the roadway along Moon Branch Road.
Up to golf ball-size hail was reported near Kellyton.
Quarter-size hail fell between Fosters and Ralph.
Hail up to 1.5 inches in diameter fell across western parts of Alexander City.
A building in Alexander City sustained roof damage. Russell Field Airport measured a gust to 49 mph around this time.
Multiple trees were blown down near Auburn University.
A few trees were blown down around Brent.
Multiple trees were blown down, and multiple homes and a few trees were damaged along U.S. Highway 80.
Several trees were downed around Kowaliga.
Multiple trees were blown down around Hurtsboro.
Multiple trees were blown down around Hatchechubbee.
Several trees were blown down, mainly on the west side of Greensboro. At least one landed on a home.
Multiple trees were blown down around Marion.
A few structures in Reeltown sustained minor roof damage.
Several trees were downed in northeastern Bullock County.
Several trees were blown down between Greensboro and Gallion.
A few trees were blown down in far southern Russell County.
Several trees were blown down around Faunsdale.
Multiple trees were blown down around Uniontown.
Numerous trees were downed along County Road 54, making it impassable.
Several trees and power lines were downed in the Valley Grande area, and a silo was damaged as well.
Several trees were blown down around Dayton.
Several trees were blown down near Lazy Acres.
A few trees were blown down near Thomaston.
Numerous trees were blown down on the west side of Selma, resulting in power outages.
A 61 mph gust was measured at Craig Field at 6:32 PM CDT.
Several trees were blown down in the area of County Roads 12, 85, and 4 northeast of Minter.
Several trees were blown down around Vineland.
Numerous trees were blown down along State Highway 30 between Clayton and Eufaula.
Multiple trees were blown down along U.S. Highway 29 between Troy and Banks.
Quarter-size hail was reported between Troy and Brundidge.
A tree was blown down onto a vehicle along Highway 125.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Alabama in 2024Every state in 2024This day in weather historyWarnings in Alabama, August 2024
NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 1194808, 1200057, 1200054, 1200061, 1200059, 1200062, 1200056, 1200063, 1200712, 1200713, 1200714, 1200715, 1200716, 1200717, 1200718, 1200719, 1200720, 1200756, 1200752, 1200755, 1200757, 1200847, 1200846, 1200849, 1200850, 1200848, 1200851, 1200854, 1200852, 1200853, 1200759, 1200762, 1200862, 1200855, 1200856, 1200761, 1200857, 1200858, 1200860, 1200765, and more.