West-southwesterly flow over Central Alabama with ample moisture return and DCAPE values exceeding 800 J/kg resulted in scattered showers and thunderstorms. A few of the storms were intense enough to produce isolated areas of damage, notably in Talladega County on July 17 and Elmore and Tuscaloosa counties on July 18.
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.
West-southwesterly flow over Central Alabama with ample moisture return and DCAPE values exceeding 800 J/kg resulted in scattered showers and thunderstorms. A few of the storms were intense enough to produce isolated areas of damage, notably in Talladega County on July 17 and Elmore and Tuscaloosa counties on July 18.
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 Jul 17, 1:30 PM CST, 17 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Birmingham AL 230 PM CDT Wed Jul 17 2024 ...New LONG TERM... .SHORT TERM... (This afternoon through Thursday) Issued at 1252 PM CDT WED JUL 17 2024 As expected, earlier initiation of scattered to numerous showers and storms has begun. An upper-level low positioned over eastern Texas is dampening the ridge and resulting in some weak low-level troughing over the Lower MS River Valley. West to southwesterly flow is providing ample moisture across the Deep South which is providing the means for higher than normal PoPs. A cold front will also move southeast into the area overnight and through tomorrow associated with a low pressure system over eastern Quebec. The front will provide additional lift for widespread showers and storms tomorrow. DCAPE is hovering around 800-1000 J/kg, but could be as high as 1100 J/kg in some areas, so storms will likely be gusty and could produce some isolated tree damage. Heavy downpours are also expected and rain amounts of 1 to 2 inches could fall in a short period of time. The enhanced coverage of rainfall should help to bring heat indices down despite dewpoints in the lower to mid 70s. Will continue the Heat Advisory in the west for now, but may be able to cancel it early as storms continue to expand this afternoon. Shouldn't need a Heat Advisory tomorrow with highs generally in the upper 80s to lower 90s. 86/Martin && .LONG TERM... (Thursday night through next Tuesday) Issued at 230 PM CDT WED JUL 17 2024 Guidance indicates a pattern over the coming days that will support PWAT values near 2.00" (the Wednesday 12z BMX sounding showed a PWAT of 1.92"). This, combined with ripples within a trough axis extending across the region and a nearby front, will promote spells of showers and thunderstorms. Coverage should seemingly be maximized during the influence of daytime heating. Minor flooding could occur, in isolated instances, for locations that are dealt repeated rounds of downpours or a slow-moving cell. Increased cloud cover and convective activity should hold daily high temperatures in the 80s on average across central Alabama, with low temperatures near 70. 89^GSatterwhite && .AVIATION... (18Z TAFS) Issued at 1252 PM CDT WED JUL 17 2024 Convection has already begun affecting TAF sites this afternoon. Expect a rather active afternoon with aviation impacts as storms continue to expand across the area. Activity will generally diminish after 02-03Z. Some low ceilings may develop across the west early tomorrow morning as a cold front moves into the area. For now, it looks like MVFR ceilings will reach TCL then ceilings rise through the morning with additional convective development possible from 16-18Z. Surface winds are from the south-southwest at 5 to 8 kts, but higher gusts could occasionally occur from outflow boundaries.heavy rain-producing Note: AMD LTD TO WIND AND VIS at KASN UFN due to missing ceilings. 86/Martin && .FIRE WEATHER... Each day will offer an opportunity for showers and thunderstorms across central Alabama. Fire weather elements are not expected to be approached or exceeded over the coming days. && .PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS... Gadsden 69 89 67 83 / 50 70 40 60 Anniston 72 88 69 83 / 30 70 50 70 Birmingham 72 89 70 83 / 50 70 50 70 Tuscaloosa 73 90 70 83 / 40 80 60 70 Calera 73 89 71 83 / 40 80 60 80 Auburn 73 90 71 84 / 40 80 60 80 Montgomery 73 93 72 86 / 40 80 70 90 Troy 72 93 70 87 / 40 80 70 90 && .BMX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... Heat Advisory until 7 PM CDT this evening for the following counties: Fayette-Greene-Hale-Lamar-Marengo-Pickens-Sumter- Tuscaloosa. && SHORT TERM...86 LONG TERM....89^GSatterwhite AVIATION...86
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Birmingham AL 352 AM CDT Wed Jul 17 2024 ALZ011>015-017>050-181200- 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- 352 AM CDT Wed Jul 17 2024 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for the counties served by the National Weather Service office in Birmingham. .DAY ONE...Outlook through Tonight. No hazardous weather is expected at this time. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday. No hazardous weather is expected at this time. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Activation of storm spotters and emergency management is not expected at this time.
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Birmingham AL
144 PM CDT Wed Jul 17 2024
ALZ024-025-034-035-041-171930-
Chilton AL-Autauga AL-Bibb AL-Jefferson AL-Shelby AL-
144 PM CDT Wed Jul 17 2024
...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT NORTHWESTERN AUTAUGA...CHILTON...
SHELBY...EASTERN BIBB AND SOUTHEASTERN JEFFERSON COUNTIES THROUGH 230
PM CDT...
At 144 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from Hueytown to Parnell. Movement was east at 25
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...
Birmingham, Hoover, Vestavia Hills, Alabaster, Bessemer, Homewood,
Pelham, Mountain Brook, Helena, Hueytown, Irondale, Calera,
Fairfield, Chelsea, Clanton, Montevallo, Columbiana, Jemison,
Pleasant Grove, and Midfield.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
&&
LAT...LON 3258 8690 3259 8691 3263 8691 3264 8692
3266 8692 3266 8693 3349 8707 3354 8660
3257 8654
TIME...MOT...LOC 1844Z 268DEG 22KT 3346 8698 3267 8691
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
32/DavisSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Birmingham AL
159 PM CDT Wed Jul 17 2024
ALZ037-038-171930-
Tallapoosa AL-Chambers AL-
159 PM CDT Wed Jul 17 2024
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT EAST CENTRAL TALLAPOOSA AND
SOUTHWESTERN CHAMBERS COUNTIES THROUGH 230 PM CDT...
At 159 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Camp Hill, moving east 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...
Camp Hill, Ridge Grove, and West Chambers.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
&&
LAT...LON 3275 8569 3292 8567 3291 8548 3274 8549
TIME...MOT...LOC 1859Z 271DEG 13KT 3284 8561
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
32/DavisSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Birmingham AL
208 PM CDT Wed Jul 17 2024
ALZ019-021-027-172000-
Calhoun AL-Talladega AL-Cleburne AL-
208 PM CDT Wed Jul 17 2024
...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT NORTHEASTERN TALLADEGA...CALHOUN
AND CENTRAL CLEBURNE COUNTIES THROUGH 300 PM CDT...
At 208 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from near Jacksonville State University to near
Grant Town. Movement was east at 25 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...
Anniston, Oxford, Jacksonville, Piedmont, Heflin, Cobb Town, West
End-Cobb Town, Fort McClellan, Saks, Weaver, Munford, Hobson City,
Edwardsville, Anniston Regional Airport, Blue Mountain, Alexandria,
Jacksonville State University, Grant Town, Oxford Lake, and Bynum.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
&&
LAT...LON 3349 8558 3350 8576 3348 8577 3349 8586
3350 8585 3350 8600 3393 8584 3395 8553
3394 8553 3394 8550 3396 8549 3396 8543
TIME...MOT...LOC 1908Z 263DEG 23KT 3387 8579 3357 8591
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
32/DavisSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Birmingham AL
215 PM CDT Wed Jul 17 2024
ALZ025-027-035-036-041-043-172000-
Chilton AL-Autauga AL-Shelby AL-Talladega AL-Coosa AL-Elmore AL-
215 PM CDT Wed Jul 17 2024
...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT NORTHEASTERN AUTAUGA...
SOUTHWESTERN TALLADEGA...NORTHWESTERN ELMORE...EASTERN CHILTON...
SOUTHEASTERN SHELBY AND COOSA COUNTIES THROUGH 300 PM CDT...
At 215 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from near Chelsea to Columbiana to near Billingsley.
Movement was east at 35 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...
Sylacauga, Chelsea, Clanton, Childersburg, Columbiana, Wilsonville,
Rockford, Talladega Springs, Stewartville, Weogufka, Harpersville,
Oak Grove, Bon Air, Dollar, Gap Of The Mountain, Titus, Strickland
Crossroads, Bentleyville, Ten Cedar Estates, and Verbena.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
&&
LAT...LON 3317 8669 3333 8660 3335 8615 3320 8613
3320 8617 3311 8618 3310 8613 3266 8615
3266 8654
TIME...MOT...LOC 1915Z 267DEG 31KT 3331 8664 3318 8661 3269 8662
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
32/DavisSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Birmingham AL
225 PM CDT Wed Jul 17 2024
ALZ038-047-172000-
Lee AL-Chambers AL-
225 PM CDT Wed Jul 17 2024
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTHEASTERN LEE AND
SOUTHEASTERN CHAMBERS COUNTIES THROUGH 300 PM CDT...
At 224 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Oak Bowery, or 7 miles north of Opelika, moving east at 30 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...
Opelika, Valley, Lanett, Lafayette, La Fayette, Cusseta, Chambers
County Lake, Beulah, Beans Mill, Huguley, Fairfax, River View,
Sturkie, Oak Bowery, Lanett Municipal Airport, I 85 Welcome Center At
Lanett, and Mount Jefferson.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
&&
LAT...LON 3265 8511 3264 8510 3267 8547 3290 8548
3290 8519 3286 8518 3286 8516 3285 8515
3283 8517 3281 8517 3278 8512 3276 8514
3274 8511 3272 8512 3269 8512 3266 8509
TIME...MOT...LOC 1924Z 268DEG 26KT 3276 8540
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
32/DavisSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Birmingham AL
235 PM CDT Wed Jul 17 2024
ALZ021-028-029-172000-
Clay AL-Randolph AL-Cleburne AL-
235 PM CDT Wed Jul 17 2024
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTHERN RANDOLPH...SOUTHEASTERN
CLEBURNE AND NORTHEASTERN CLAY COUNTIES THROUGH 300 PM CDT...
At 235 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Heflin, moving east at 35 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...
Heflin, Ranburne, Morrison Cross Roads, Abernathy, Delta, Corinth,
Graham, Hollis Crossroads, Newell, Trickem, Lake Cleburne, I 20
Welcome Center, Micaville, Chalafinnee, and Camp Sequoyah.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
&&
LAT...LON 3343 8579 3360 8573 3360 8572 3361 8572
3361 8569 3363 8569 3363 8566 3366 8564
3369 8535 3342 8529
TIME...MOT...LOC 1935Z 267DEG 29KT 3357 8558
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
32/DavisThe Birmingham radar (KBMX), 40 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 19:47 UTC.
5 thunderstorm wind. Local standard time, as filed.
A few trees were downed in Childersburg, with some falling on power lines and blocking roadways.
A few trees were downed in Sylacauga, with some falling on power lines and blocking roadways.
Trees were down blocking roadways along Robinson Rd and Pearson Chapel Rd in far western Tallapoosa County.
Numerous trees were uprooted in an apparent microburst in Fort Toulouse-Fort Jackson State Historical Park. Large pine trees temporarily blocked the main entrance to the park.
A few trees were blown down, and billboards along I-20/59 near Buttermilk Road were damaged.
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, July 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: 1184792, 1184794, 1184797, 1184809, 1184815.