Conditions continue to look more than favorable for severe weather to occur across our area on Christmas Day. A warm front will move inland right around day break...bringing with it showers & storms. From that point...atmopsheric conditions start to support the potential for severe storms as wind shear (a key player in tornado formation) increases throughout the day...along with the instability & the moisture content. Because of this, the Storm Prediction Center has parts of our area under a Moderate Risk for Severe weather for Christmas Day...and those aren't issued often.
So, it's best to have a way to get breaking weather info throughout the holiday. Also, if a tornado warning is issued for your area...remember, the best place to be is in a sturdy building, on the lowest level, and away from windows (e.g. bathroom or closet).
By Christmas evening, a cold front accompanied by a line of storms (i.e. squall line) will move across our area. Those storms will pose a major damaging wind threat. Make sure to have all loose items on your property tucked away...so, they won't get blown away as storms move through. Winds with some passing severe storms could pack winds of 65mph or greater.
The front should clear our area around Midnight in Mobile...and before 3am for the Panhandle of Florida. In its wake, it's going to remain windy & turn colder...with highs only in the 50s for Midweek.
Another dose of rain is possible for late Friday into Saturday morning as a Gulf Low skirts the coastline. Then, it looks to be cool (yet rain-free) for New Year's Eve...so, stay tuned.
Take Care,
Meteorologist Deitra Tate
