July 7th, 2012 Severe Weather Reports

       On July 6th, 2012 a weak convergence boundary stretched northwest from southern Georgia into central Alabama and to just across the northern Mississippi/Alabama state line. After some initial high cloud cover in the morning hours, strong heating resulted in temperatures climbing to over 100 degrees in northwestern portions of Alabama near this boundary.  As the convective temperatures in the mid 90s were met in the early afternoon hours, showers and storms developed in northwestern Alabama and northeastern Mississippi.  These storms continued to increase in intensity and coverage over northwestern Alabama through the mid-afternoon hours.  Severe thunderstorm warnings were issued and the most severe storm of the day developed over the Florence and Petersville communities in Lauderdale County.  Damaging winds and quarter size hail were produced by this storm.  Some of the damage was extensive.  One home, approximately 5 miles north of the Petersville community, was heavily damaged.  Also, roof damage occurred at the Wilson Elementary School, numerous trees and power lines were blown down, and a roof was blown off of a manufactured home.  Below is a plot of the severe weather reports that have been received so far.