Jake Reed

ON THIS DATE IN 1994: An large, violent F4 tornado struck the Goshen United Methodist Church, north of Piedmont in southern Cherokee County, killing 20 people during the morning worship service on Palm Sunday; 92 were injured. A warning was issued 12 minutes before the tornado destroyed the church building, but unfortunately they never heard it. The deaths at the church brought to light deficiencies in the NOAA Weather Radio network at the time, and the lack of NOAA Weather Radio use in many public spaces. We have come a long way since then, but we have much work to do. Every home, business, church, and public place must have a way of hearing warnings. A NOAA Weather Radio is the baseline. Later that day, an F2 tornado moved through North Shelby County… the tornado extensively damaged businesses and mobile homes and caused damage to Pelham High School. It dissipated just west of Meadowbrook as it moved down Alabama 119.

LOOKING BACK: The morning event across Southeast Alabama was about as expected. Snow accumulation was light (generally 1" or less), and there was no impact (only wet roads, no power outages, etc). The snow on the grass is melting quickly this afternoon with a strong January sun and very dry air moving in. LOOKING AHEAD: A peek at the 12Z model output shows a potential high impact snow or ice event for North Alabama over the coming weekend. Many ensemble members support the idea. Way too early for a specific forecast, but just a heads up. Freezing rain or snow could be involved at some point this weekend for the northern half of the state that could be disruptive. Stay tuned.