Jason

[NWS Birmingham @NWSBirmingham]

There is A LOT of lightning in these storms! Lightning strikes are showing up well outside of thunderstorms on our radar. If you hear thunder, get inside a sturdy building. If you can't get into a building, get into your car. When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!

[James Spann @spann]

EL NINO IS HERE: If you've spent any time on social media lately, you've probably seen plenty of scary headlines about El Niño. Let's cut through the noise.

From NOAA's CPC (Climate Prediction Center)...

"El Niño conditions are present and expected to strengthen into the Northern Hemisphere winter 2026-27. There is a good chance of a very strong El Niño during November-January that would rank among the largest El Niño events in the historical record going back to 1950. Even very strong El Niño events do not lead to the expected impact everywhere, but stronger events can more significantly tilt the odds in favor of expected outcomes."

First, what is El Niño? El Niño is a warming of the waters off the west coast of South America, especially off the coast of Peru. Peruvian fisherman have been aware of this phenomenon for hundreds of years, since the normally anchovy rich waters off the coast need the cool upwelling waters along the coast to produce the right conditions for the anchovies.

However, when the waters warm during periods of El Niño, the anchovy population declines and fishing off the Peruvian coast is disastrous. The Peruvian fishermen usually noted that the poor conditions peaked around Christmas time, and named the event "El Niño" or "The Child" for the Christ child.

It is important to understand El Niño influences the atmosphere, but it doesn't guarantee specific weather events. It simply changes the odds in favor of certain patterns.

During an El Niño phase, these are some very broad expectations...

*Fewer hurricanes in the Atlantic basin
*Above-average rainfall for the Deep South
*The overall tornado signal for Alabama is not as clear-cut as rainfall
*El Niño does not guarantee snow in winter, but it increases opportunities for cold air and Gulf moisture to overlap with an active southern U.S. jet stream.

BOTTOM LINE: El Niño is a natural ocean-atmosphere pattern that can influence weather around the world, including here in Alabama. It shifts the odds toward certain weather patterns, but it does not guarantee disasters, endless storms, historic cold, or record-breaking weather.

Be careful about sensational posts designed to generate clicks and fear. The atmosphere is far more complex than a single climate pattern. El Niño is an important piece of the puzzle, but it's only one piece.

[NWS Birmingham @NWSBirmingham]

Heat can be a deadly weather hazard, even outside of heat waves. In fact, most heat-related deaths occur during milder weather. Stay #WeatherReady! ☀️⚠️

⚠️ NEVER leave people or pets in a vehicle
👕 Loose-fitting, lightweight clothing
💧Hydrate
🌳Frequent breaks if outdoors

[NWS Birmingham @NWSBirmingham]

🌡️ Today kicks off #HeatSafety Week!

Heat is dangerous and can result in heat-related illnesses including heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, or even death. Stay #WeatherReady by learning the symptoms of heat exposure and the appropriate responses.

[Gillian Brooks @GillianBNews]

Several people have gotten a scam text in the last day saying they have a traffic ticket, and this is their final notice. The Better Business Bureau believes scammers are taking advantage of a new law.

Tell-tale signs the text is fake ⬇️

[Aviation @xAviation]

What a cold front looks like from a plane!

[Jason @Jason96270169]

@GarofaloWX Happy birthday 🎂

[Alabama Weather Network @AlabamaWXNet]

Winter Storm Watch for portions of the area until 6:00pm Sunday. https:\\https://t.co/fGgXNLFcu5

[Jason @Jason96270169]

@GillianBNews Happy thanksgiving 🦃

[Alabama Weather Network @AlabamaWXNet]

Alabama Weather Network Live Weather Coverage https://t.co/OorKkDUdu5

[Taylor Sarallo @TaylorSaralloWX]

This is a low chance of a brief tornado over the next few hours within the red circle. Overall severe threat into the afternoon is low, but we will be watching carefully. Have a reliable way to hear warnings just in case they are needed.

[Dakota Smith @weatherdak]

Alrighty, ready to see something really cool?

The evolution of Hurricane Melissa's mesovortices at peak strength.

[Jason @Jason96270169]

@TaylorWVTM13 Happy anniversary ❤️❤️

[Jason @Jason96270169]

@MScaranoNews @abc3340 Happy birthday 🎂🎁

[Jason @Jason96270169]

@WVTM13 @StephWVTM13 Happy birthday 🎂🎈🎁

[Jason @Jason96270169]

@CaitlinCOnTV Happy birthday 🎂

[James Spann @spann]

I have had many questions about the all new Alabama Weather Network. Hopefully this will answer them...

*I will be the chief meteorologist of the Alabama Weather Network, the only 24/7 digital weather channel covering the entire state. We’ll provide weather information for all 67 Alabama counties. Every county will be treated equally... it doesn't matter if you are in a city or way out in a rural area. You will get long form coverage for every tornado warning and other high impact events. No part of Alabama will be ignored.

*I will still be chief meteorologist at ABC 33/40 in Birmingham. I will be on ABC 33/40 News weekdays at 5:00 and 6:00. I will continue to anchor severe weather coverage for the Birmingham/Tuscaloosa/Anniston/Gadsden market on ABC 33/40 as always.

*There will be no changes to my social media accounts (and the content on them), but we strongly encourage you to follow the Alabama Weather Network now on all platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok.

*The AWN app will be available on August 11, the day we go live. We will have an app for your phone, tablet, and TV. And, of course, the live coverage for severe weather events will be on all of our social media platforms as well. It will also be available on our website located at https://t.co/DRMTcZQKaJ

*The Alabama Weather Network will feature a 24/7 stream with updated weather forecasts, fun features about Alabama and the people who live here, and much more. If any Alabama county comes under a tornado warning, we will be on that stream with live “wall to wall” coverage. Continuous live coverage will also be on the stream during other high impact events such as hurricanes, floods, and winter storms.

*AWN will have deep resources and a large team of experienced meteorologists. Dozens of fixed cameras statewide, multiple live streams from chasers in the field, YOUR videos and photos, and much more. We understand the people, culture, geography, and microclimates of our state better than anyone else.

I have served the entire state on social media for a while now, but this will give me the opportunity to serve all 67 counties with long form, live coverage of high impact events. I am really looking forward to this!

[Alabama Weather Network @AlabamaWXNet]

“There are a gazillion weather apps, a gazillion YouTubers and TikTokers,” adds Spann, “but folks need a source they can trust. I’d like to think I’ve been here long enough where I understand them, they understand me, and I’m always there for them.”

https://t.co/LbsFJ3OD8O

[Alabama Weather Network @AlabamaWXNet]

The Alabama Weather Network. Built for Alabama and led by @spann , our lead meteorologist. We’ll serve all 67 Alabama counties with accurate weather coverage 24/7, whether it's a blue-sky day or there’s severe weather anywhere in our state. We go live on August 11. #AWN

[NCDOT @NCDOT]

The power of water.
This is why roads close and you don't go around barricades.

(📸: Camp Easter Rd. and N.C. 2 in Southern Pines)