weather

Hurricane season has technically already started on Pacific Ocean side of the country, but the Atlantic side (that's our side btw) will be heating up very soon. Scientists say 97% percent of hurricanes occur from June to November, as Alabamians and their southeastern neighbors know all too well. Our guest today has been interviewed by national news entities on this topic, and if he's good enough for NPR, he's certainly good enough for us- Dr. Jason Senkbeil is a professor in the department of geography at The University of Alabama. His research has focused on atmospheric hazards and applied climatology with weather events such as hurricanes, tornadoes and climate change trends. He joins Lacey to break down the how, when, and where of every step of these dangerous storms.

Some of the first wintry weather of the season is on the way. Huntsville is forecast to see a low of twenty two degrees Monday night, Tuscaloosa and Selma are facing twenty three, and Mobile at thirty one. It’s going to be cold for much of the U.S. in the coming days, including potentially record low temperatures for parts of the South and snow in the Northern Plains.

A tropical weather system near the Florida Panhandle is showing a moderate chance of becoming a tropical depression. The National Hurricane Center said Wednesday that the system could impact southeastern Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi. Heavy rain is expected, with New Orleans bracing for up to 10 inches in some areas through Saturday.

Governor Kay Ivey is declaring a state of emergency in all sixty seven counties in Alabama. A sweeping storm system moving across the U.S. threatens to bring tornadoes, blizzards and possibly wildfires to different regions of the country. The National Weather Service says an outbreak of severe storms could spawn tornadoes over the weekend.

The City of Huntsville has partnered with local organizations to open warming centers for the community. This comes after National Weather Service forecasted that temperatures would dip into the teens overnight on Wednesday and Thursday. There are four warming centers that will be open during the freezing weather.

The City of Huntsville has collaborated with local organizations to open warming centers throughout the community to assist in keeping residents safe during the freezing weather Alabama is experiencing.

The National Weather Service in Birmingham is cautioning residents about heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong winds coming to the state this week. Alabama meteorologists report the unsettled weather will begin overnight tonight and last into early Tuesday, with some rough storms lasting into tomorrow evening.

Alabamians are remembering the devasting tornado outbreak that destroyed communities across the state on April 27, 2011. According to the National Weather Service, the super-outbreak affected 26 states across the Southeast, but Alabama saw the worst destruction.

Monday night’s rough weather in Alabama is an example of how tornadoes can even hit during the Winter. The system prompted tornado warnings in Mobile and Baldwin Counties. Forecasters say peak season typically lasts from March to May, but twisters can happen any time of the year.

Meteorologists across the state warn of the risk for severe weather this weekend. For some residents, this weather starts today. Weather experts are advising Alabamians to be aware of possible thunderstorms, damaging winds and hail.