ABC 33/40 E-Forecast

ABC 33/40 E-FORECAST
Morning Edition For Thursday December 24, 2009
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...High WInd and Heavy Rain...

BATTEN DOWN THE HATCHES: An vigorous pre-Christmas storm system is bring some nasty weather to much of the nation this morning, and here in Alabama the focus will be on wind and rain later today and tonight.

Strong pressure gradient winds, not related to thunderstorms, will dramatically increase across the state this afternoon. Southeast winds will average 20 to 40 mph, with higher gusts. It is likely that winds will gust to over 50 mph on the ridges, since we expect winds just a few thousand feet off the ground to be in the 80 to 90 mph range. The wind could be sufficient to bring down trees and power lines, and you need to secure Christmas decorations, or anything else that might fly away. Santa will need to hang on to his hat tonight.

HOW MUCH RAIN? We expect general rains of 1 to 2 inches statewide, with some spots possibly getting up to 3 inches. There could be some localized flooding problems, especially over the northern half of the state.

SEVERE WEATHER? The greatest chance of severe thunderstorms in Alabama later today and tonight will be south of a line from Butler to Greenville to Dothan; the instability values are not expected to be enough to bring a major severe weather threat to North Alabama, but the dynamics with this system are very impressive, and storms will have to be monitored closely this afternoon and tonight. The best chance of strong storms will come from about 3:00 p.m. until 12:00 midnight tonight.

CHRISTMAS CHILL: The rain should end across our state late tonight, and much colder air will flood the state tomorrow on Christmas Day with a brisk north wind. Looks like temperatures will hold in the 38 to 43 degree range much of the day, with clouds lingering through at least the morning. Some folks up in the Tennessee Valley might see a few flurries tomorrow morning, but moisture will be very shallow by then. The sun could break through at times during the day.

The cold air stays in place over the weekend; we expect a mix of sun and clouds Saturday and Sunday with highs only in the low to mid 40s. The next storm system to impact Alabama is due in here around Wednesday of next week; too early to determine if there will be any significant risk of wintry precipitation over North Alabama. We keep a close eye on it.

MERRY CHRISTMAS: While we will continue to produce our weather products today and tomorrow (the weather never shuts down, you know), we know that many of you will be "off the grid" with your family. I just wanted to take this opportunity to wish you and our family a peaceful, blessed, and powerful Christmas. This is truly the most wonderful time of the year; cherish the moments. We appreciate your support and friendship, and look forward to a great 2010!

James Spann
jspann@abc3340.com

ABC 33/40 7 Day Planner: http://cfc.abc3340.com/abc3340/7day.cfm
ABC 33/40 Weather Blog: http://www.alabamawx.com

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TODAY
Very windy with rain and storms this afternoon and tonight. Strong storms are possible, and winds could gust over 40 mph.
Afternoon High 59
WIND: SE 20-40

FRIDAY
Breezy and much colder.
Morning Low 39 Afternoon High 43
WIND: W 10-15

SATURDAY
Cold with a mix of sun and clouds.
Morning Low 28 Afternoon High 44
WIND: NW 7-14

SUNDAY
Partly sunny and cold.
Morning Low 26 Afternoon High 43
WIND: N 7-14

MONDAY
Partly sunny.
Morning Low 25 Afternoon High 48
WIND: NE 6-12

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Tonight on ABC 33/40

6:30pm Wheel of Fortune

7:00pm Prep And Landing

7:30pm The Middle

8:00pm Modern Family

8:30pm Cougar Town

9:00pm Grey's Anatomy

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