ABC 33/40 E-Forecast

ABC 33/40 E-FORECAST
Afternoon Edition For Wednesday December 14, 2005
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A COLD, SOAKING RAIN: A major storm system will bring lots of rain to
Alabama during the next 18 hours. Most communities will see from one to two
inches of rain, with the heaviest rain coming from about 6:00 this evening
through 8:00 a.m. tomorrow.

This is quite a storm; the maps early this afternoon show a surface low
pressure center along the upper Texas coast, which will deepen rapidly and
move across the northern Gulf of Mexico tonight. In advance, of the system
warm air has surged northward into Louisiana, where New Orleans reported 75
degrees at midday. Severe thunderstorms are possible in this warm sector,
and a tornado watch was issued for the upper Texas coast this morning.
Additional severe storms are likely in coastal areas of Louisiana and
Mississippi this evening.

While some thunder is possible over the southern two-thirds of the state
tonight, any severe weather in Alabama should be limited to Mobile and
Baldwin counties.

THE WEDGE: In stark contrast to the warm sector of this storm, cold air
damming has produced a flow of cold air down the eastern slopes of the
Appalachians. Observations from places in the "wedge" at midday include 39
at Fort Payne, 36 at Athens, GA, and 28 at Asheville, NC. Winter storm
warnings are in effect from the northeast corner of Georgia through the
western part of the Carolinas, and on into much of Pennsylvania.
We will have a break from the wet weather on Friday, but two more systems
are on the way. And, both of them have some potential for wintry weather
across north Alabama. Lets first discuss.

THE WEEKEND STORM: Another storm in the northern Gulf of Mexico will spread
a cold rain into Alabama late Saturday and Saturday night. Model data
suggests there could be a wintry mix of sleet and snow over the northern
quarter of Alabama Saturday night, mainly along and north of U.S. 278. This
is north or a line from Hamilton to Cullman to Gadsden. But, the deeper
moisture will remain over south Alabama, so the precipitation in the colder
air should be fairly light. And, at this time we expect surface temperatures
to remain a little above freezing Saturday night and early Sunday, which
hopefully will prevent any travel problems. As always, adjustments might
have to be made so stay tuned.

NEXT WEEK'S STORM: Yet another storm system will affect Alabama around the
middle of next week (Tuesday or Wednesday), and in our opinion this one has
the best chance to bring a winter storm threat to some part of the deep
south. Of course, this one is so far away we can't define where the greatest
threat of wintry precipitation will come, or the storm will be strong enough
for travel disruptions. You know the routine, stay tuned.

ROAMING: Coldest spot in the "lower 48" this morning was Saranac Lake, NY
with -24. Alaska's cold spot was Galena with -29. Yesterday's high in
Fairbanks was a toasty six degrees below zero. -James Spann (J.B.
Elliott returns tomorrow!)

James Spann
jspann@abc3340.com

ABC 33/40 7 Day Planner: http://abc3340.com/weather/7day.hrb
ABC 33/40 Weathertalk: http://beta.abc3340.com/weather/weathertalk.hrb

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TONIGHT
A cold, soaking rain. A few embedded thunderstorms are possible as well.
Morning Low 42
WIND: E 8-16

THURSDAY
Rain ending early in the day. Cloudy and chilly.
Morning Low 42 Afternoon High 47
WIND: NW 8-16

FRIDAY
Partly to mostly sunny.
Morning Low 29 Afternoon High 51
WIND: N 5-10

SATURDAY
A chance of rain by late afternoon. Rain likely Saturday night; possibly
mixed with snow or sleet north of Birmingham.
Morning Low 30 Afternoon High 46
WIND: E 7-14

SUNDAY
A chance of light rain or snow early in the day. Mostly cloudy and cool.
Morning Low 33 Afternoon High 44
WIND: NW 7-14

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WALK THROUGH NATIVITY
BIRMINGHAM'S BEST FAMILY CHRISTMAS EVENT!
Wed., Thurs., & Fri., Dec. 14, 15, 16 from 6:45 - 8:45 p.m.
Briarwood Presbyterian Church, I-459 at the Acton Road exit

Image yourself a shepherd, pause beside the wise men, or linger in front of
the manger as you walk through one of Birmingham's most poignant Christmas
depictions. Take your time as you stroll along the level, one quarter mile
walk through 10 live scenes with animals.

Afterwards drop by the fellowship hall for coffee and hot chocolate while
the kids enjoy petting the live animals of Christmas.

Early admission for handicapped or nursing home groups driving through:
6:30 until 6:45 p.m., Thursday and Friday nights.

No charge. Information: 205-776-5379 or http://www.briarwood.org
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Tonight on ABC 33/40:

6:00pm ABC 33/40 News
6:30pm Wheel of Fortune
7:00pm George Lopez
7:30pm Freddie
8:00pm Lost
9:00pm Alias
10:00pm ABC 33/40 News
10:35pm ABC News Nightline

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