Event Summary for Central Alabama
Widespread rain moved through Alabama during the morning hours on March 31st, 2016. In its wake, rain-free conditions were in place through late afternoon. Southerly flow and cloud breaks allowed for surface temperatures to rise into the mid-to-upper 70Fs. With dew points in the mid-to-upper 60Fs, surface-based CAPE values just over 1,000 J/kg were realized.
Upper-level winds became stronger as an upstream maximum moved in during the afternoon, increasing bulk shear values to around 50 knots. With improving shear profiles, combined with climbing instability values, the atmosphere became conducive for severe thunderstorms. Shear vectors were also favorable for supercell storms.
Thunderstorms began forming across Mississippi by mid-afternoon, spreading east into western Alabama by early-evening. A mix of supercells, storm clusters, and bowing segments were observed through the duration of the event. A total of 7 tornadoes touched down, of which included 4 EF-1s and 3 EF-0s.
The information contained below is the individual tornado events that occurred. The data is PRELIMINARY and may be subject to change.
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