Severe Weather

A strong line of thunderstorms is expected to arrive in Cullman County late this afternoon, bringing damaging winds, heavy rain, lightning and possible tornadoes.

After a briefing with the National Weather Service on Wednesday afternoon, Cullman County Emergency Management Agency Director Phyllis Little said the model contains the potential for just about every type of spring weather concern.

“Everything is on the table with this one,” Little said. “The Weather Service meteorologists are moderately confident that we’re looking at damaging winds of 60 to 70 miles per hour, and there’s lower confidence of tornadoes. But it’s all possible.”

The first danger will come through the area near 5 p.m. and pose the greatest threat to the south end of the county. Two more rounds of storms will surge through the area later into the night.

Meteorologists are uncertain when the more volatile elements of the system will move out of the area, although it could be as early 8-9 p.m. or closer to midnight.

Rainfall is expected at 1 to 1 1/2 inches during the storms, which could cause temporary flooding on some roads and hamper visibility for anyone attempting to drive.

“One thing we want to emphasize is for everyone to stay off the roads during and right after the storms so that the emergency crews can work safely,” Little said. “A crew member was killed in Jefferson County while working to remove a tree from the road. They need to be able to operate safely so they can get the roads clear or restore power.”

With the threat of high winds, there will the danger of power lines and trees falling during the storms. Dangerous lightning will also bring additional hazards throughout the evening.

The high temperature today will reach the mid-70s. If the sun is visible much of the day it can add to the ferocity of the storms, Little said.

“We’re looking at hot and muggy leading into the storms,” Little said. “The less sunshine we get, the better. Everyone needs to be weather-alert. Weather radios are the best, but just make sure you have more than one way to get those alerts.”

Cullman County is an enhance risk zone for severe weather.

The Weather Service reports some 40 million people could see storms in the South.

David Palmer may be contacted at 256-734-2131, ext. 116.