Potential Severe Weather Threat Easter Sunday, 4-12-20

Good Friday everyone,

Below and attached is the NWS Birmingham’s most recent forecast for the severe weather on Sunday. Everyone is in the “Enhanced” or even higher risk area of “Moderate.” I expect this model to continue to change and adjust over the next two days, so please continue to monitor the forecast. We will share every update that we get from NWS Birmingham for today, Saturday, and Sunday morning.

I don’t want to scare people, but I want all of you to understand the seriousness and potential danger of this storm system. They are forecasting large, long-track tornadoes, and that is a very dangerous and deadly forecast for anywhere it hits. STAY WEATHER AWARE ON SUNDAY AND SUNDAY NIGHT!

For any churches or faith based organizations holding services, especially for Easter, I HIGHLY encourage you to consider doing the service early on Sunday so people can get home in plenty of time. And of course, follow all the Governor and State Health Officer’s guidelines for social distancing.

We have shared the information about Elmore County’s Safer Places Program and what the plans are for activating them on Sunday. Please, Please, Please, share that information with as many people as you can, and if anyone doesn’t feel safe when the weather is bearing down on Sunday, have them go to a Safer Place.

HAVE MULTIPLE WAYS TO GET NOTIFICATIONS: NOAA WEATHER RADIO, APPS ON SMARTPHONES, RADIO, TELEVISION, ETC! Do NOT depend on Outdoor Sirens alone!

Overview: Severe storms are likely on Sunday.

Changes from previous forecast: Upgraded risk category for the western half of the area.

Highlights:

Where:
• All of Central Alabama
When:
• Sunday from 1 PM to 1 AM
Threats:
• Tornadoes, strong long-track tornadoes possible
• Damaging winds up to 70 mph possible
• Large hail up to golf ball size possible

weather.gov/bmx | @NWSBirmingham