Weather
Alabama’s celebrity weatherman pleads for the National Weather Service
With the life-saving Weather Service in the crosshairs of President Donald Trump and chainsaw-wielding billionaire Elon Musk, weather forecasters like James Spann are speaking out to defend the agency that provides the backbone for their work.
In pictures: snow blankets Birmingham
Snow fell across the Birmingham area early Friday morning, making roadways dangerous, with officials urging residents to avoid travel if possible. Many schools closed in advance of the winter weather giving children the chance to revel in the snow.
Why this winter could bring more tornadoes to Alabama
Scientists are finding the tornado map of the United States is changing. In recent years, the Tornado Alley of the Great Plains has twisted into the southeast, a region known as Dixie Alley.
What’s your favorite thing about Alabama?
That's the question we put to those at our recent News and Brews community pop-ups at Hop City and Saturn in Birmingham.
How Gulf South outdoor workers dealt with the hottest August on record
With no federal or state guidelines regarding extreme heat, outdoor workers and employers in the Gulf South are coming up with their own methods for protection.
Meet the Alabama scientists connecting soaring global temperatures to carbon dioxide
Two Alabama researchers study ice cores and fossil records from Antarctica, helping connect an alarming increase in the earth’s temperature to rising levels of carbon dioxide.
Alabama has escaped the worst of climate change. Is our luck about to run out?
This summer, headlines have screamed climate change. Globally, July was the hottest month on record. Smoke from forest fires choked many parts of the U.S., and the Gulf of Mexico hit a record high for average weekly sea surface temperatures. Here in Alabama, we’ve been spared many of the effects of climate change, but that appears to be changing. We take a look in a new series on climate change called “ Alabama's Hot Topic.”
What came together to make a deadly Alabama tornado
Experts say a natural La Nina weather pattern, unusually warm moist air juiced by climate change, and long-term shift in where tornadoes hit all are factors in Thursday's devastating tornado in Alabama.
Tornado hits Selma; 9 deaths reported across South
Seven deaths were recorded in hard-hit Autauga County, Alabama.
Residents Clean Up After Deadly Tornadoes
Recovery efforts continue across Alabama after yesterday’s storms left widespread destruction. Some of the worst damage was in Calhoun County, where five people died.
Tornado Causes Damage In Alabama; More Twisters Forecast
Numerous tornadoes hit central Alabama Thursday.
Alabama Tornado Outbreak Rips Off Roofs, Snaps Trees As State Braces For More
Storms are expected to last through the night and into Thursday morning.
Alabama Schools Announce Closures Ahead Of Possible Severe Weather
Central Alabama is expected to see strong storms beginning Wednesday at 2 p.m. through Thursday at 4 a.m., according to new modeling by the National Weather Service in Birmingham
Devastated Fultondale Residents Hope To Bounce Back
Clean up continues after a strong tornado devastated parts of Fultondale Monday night. Residents are, once again, coming together to pick up the pieces.
Delayed School Start Times Tuesday Feb. 11, 2020
A number of area schools are delaying start times due to heavy rain and a flash flood watch early Tuesday morning.
School Delays for Wednesday, Dec. 11
Some Alabama schools will delay school Wednesday because of wintery conditions.
Coroner Releases Names of 23 Tornado Victims
The victims in the Lee County tornado range in age from 6 to 89. Most seem to have died in their homes.
After the Destruction, Wetumpka Begins to Recover
Wetumpka began what will likely be a long road to recovery on Sunday, one day after a powerful tornado ripped through the town causing extensive damage to a number of buildings and homes.
Severe Weather Update: Polling Places Remain Open Despite School Delays
Some Alabama schools will delay or close school ahead of predicted severe weather beginning Monday night and lasting into early Tuesday morning.
Severe Storm Development Around Alabama
Two waves of severe weather are expected today around the state, including supercell thunderstorms, according to the Alabama Emergency Management Agency.
Some Schools Closing Early Ahead of Predicted Severe Weather
With severe weather including tornadoes and large hail in the forecast for much of Alabama today, Monday, March 19, some area schools systems have announced early closings.
Closings and Delays for Tuesday January 16
Light to moderate snowfall is expected across most of the state Tuesday, and schools and government offices are closing or dismissing early.
As Nate Weakens, Expect Heavy Rain and Wind
Nate has quickly weakened to a tropical depression. The Birmingham metro area can expect torrential rains and strong winds to continue moving in Sunday. Wind advisories are in effect for all of Central Alabama through 10 pm Sunday.
As Irma Swirls Toward Florida, Alabama Prepares
Alabama appears to be outside of the path of Hurricane Irma, the deadly storm swirling 145-mile-per-hour winds over the Caribbean. But on Wednesday officials with the state Emergency Management Agency said they are preparing for the worst.
Get ‘Em Now: Local Peach Shortage Looms
If you love local peaches, the kind you see at roadside stands and farmers markets in Alabama, stock up now. There’s almost certainly going to be a significant dip in supply.
Tips for Driving in Bad Weather
Though bad weather can contribute to traffic accidents, there are ways to lessen the risks. Here are tips from area law officers.
Slow Progress In Road Clearing
ALDOT is working to clear vehicles from roadways once the thaw begins, today.
Shelter and Cold
The cold weather gripping the south isn't just uncomfortable, it's dangerous. In Tennessee, police believe an 81-year-old man with Alzheimer's Disease froze to death after wandering outside in his bathrobe. In Birmingham, low temperatures in the teens make having a reliable source of heat essential. The city of Birmingham will open a warming center at Boutwell Auditorium this evening, but some people have already been looking for comfort in the area's homeless shelters. Ruth Crosby is head of First Light, a shelter which houses women and children. She tells WBHM's Andrew Yeager they have already been stretched thin by the economy.
