Chief Meteorologist Robert Frye urges residents in the Marion County area (including Northeast Alabama and surrounding areas) to stay “weather-aware” throughout the day today.
According to Robert, the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma has placed the region in a Moderate Risk for severe weather this afternoon/evening. Storms will produce heavy rain, frequent lightning, and very strong (potentially damaging) wind gusts. Also, there is a chance for isolated tornadoes, prompting a Tornado Watch for the area through 3pm CST.
As of 10am CST, National Weather Service Doppler Radar showed a a strong line of thunderstorms moving Northeast through the Huntsville, AL area.
The National Weather Service also issued a Tornado Warning for Franklin and Grundy Counties in TN and Jackson Co., AL. The warning comes as a result of two tornadoes currently on the ground near Huntsville. Another potential tornado was detected about 10-15 miles northwest of Monteagle.
We have also learned that several area schools will be dismissing early due to threat of severe weather…at this time we have the following early dismissals:
Marion County Schools - Dismissing at 12:00pm CST Richard Hardy Memorial School - Dismissing at 12:30pm CST (evening events cancelled) Grundy County Schools - Dismissing at 12:30pm CST Bright School (Chattanooga) - Dismissing at 3pm (no after school activities)
Meteorologist Robert Frye says to make sure you stay alert today…keep a battery operated radio on hand, and stay with your local media outlets for the latest information. A weather radio is a good thing to own today.
You can also count on MarionCountyMessenger.com for the latest weather information, watches and warnings…LIKE us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
