The Aaron’s 499 race weekend draws thousands of race fans from across the country to Talladega Superspeedway each spring. In addition to fans gathering for 3 days of racing, tens of thousands of people will be camping trackside, enjoying several days of race festivities. With a large number of people, many from other parts of the country, gathering in the local area, it is essential to refresh everyone on weather safety and the potential hazards that central Alabama weather can pose.
May is part of Spring Severe Weather Season in Alabama. This potentially means dangerous weather could affect the Talladega area during the May 3-5, 2013 weekend. Remain weather aware throughout the weekend, whether you are attending race festivities during the day or camping out near the track. Below are potential weather hazards that could affect race weekend. Review these weather safety tips so you are prepared before severe weather occurs! |
Lightning occurs in EVERY thunderstorm and should to be taken seriously. One lightning related death occurred in Alabama last year. Lightning travels much faster than the sound of thunder. If thunder is heard or lightning is observed, immediately move to a protected structure or inside your non-convertible vehicle. Plan ahead so you are not entering or leaving the speedway during periods of lightning. If caught outside during a thunderstorm, do not take shelter under trees, in exposed areas around the track, concession stands and tents, and avoid metal objects such as fences and antennas. Remember, lightning can strike far away from the rain area of a thunderstorm.
Take Severe Thunderstorm Warnings seriously. Severe thunderstorms can produce damaging winds and large hail. If a Severe Thunderstorm Warning is issued for the Superspeedway, weather conditions could deteriorate quickly. Hail at least the size of quarters or winds of 58 miles per hour or greater are possible. Take action immediately to protect yourself and those around you. Take shelter in a hardened building or other structure with four enclosed walls. When thunder roars, go indoors! |
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Hail is a dangerous product of thunderstorms and can cause significant damage and bodily harm. Though the hail pictured here is only around the size of a quarter, 2 inch hail has already been recorded this spring in Central Alabama. Large hailstones can break tree limbs or windshields, and leave bruises on your body.
Picture courtesy of Billy Green, Tuscaloosa County EMA. |
| Strong Winds can knock down tree limbs and blow around loose objects, such as tents, trash cans, and chairs. If thunderstorms are expected, secure loose objects in your area and be prepared to seek shelter immediately. |
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| Here are some resources to keep up on the weather at Talladega Super Speedway during race weekend: |
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NOAA Weather Radio
Bring your NOAA Weather Radio with you to the track. You can program it to the Mt. Cheaha transmitter, which is 162.475 mHz or SAME code 001121 (Talladega County). For more info on weather radios and codes, click here.
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Climatology
The following tables show the average high and low temperatures and the record high and low temperatures, as well as the number of times it has rained, for May 3rd-5th at Talladega from 1950 through 2012:
|
| Average High |
Average Low |
Record High |
Record Low |
Days with Rain |
| 79 |
53 |
91 in 1990 |
35 in 1971 |
26
|
| Average High |
Average Low |
Record High |
Record Low |
Days with Rain |
| 79 |
51 |
90 in 1955 |
32 in 1971 |
18
|
| Average High |
Average Low |
Record High |
Record Low |
Days with Rain |
| 79 |
51 |
92 in 1959 |
33 in 1973
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11
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Spring Race Weather History
This is a chart of the high and low temperature with rainfall for each of the past spring races at Talladega:
|
| Season |
Date |
Max |
Min |
Rain |
|
Season |
Date |
Max |
Min |
Rain |
| 1970 |
12-Apr |
67 |
52 |
0.42 |
|
1992 |
3-May |
84 |
55 |
0.00 |
| 1971 |
16-May |
70 |
49 |
0.00 |
|
1993 |
2-May |
74 |
58 |
0.00 |
| 1972 |
7-May |
78 |
55 |
0.02 |
|
1994 |
1-May |
81 |
64 |
0.00 |
| 1973 |
6-May |
74 |
40 |
0.00 |
|
1995 |
30-Apr |
82 |
41 |
0.00 |
| 1974 |
5-May |
80 |
59 |
0.24 |
|
1996 |
28-Apr |
77 |
45 |
0.00 |
| 1975 |
4-May |
81 |
52 |
0.00 |
|
1997 |
10-May |
76 |
46 |
0.00 |
| 1976 |
2-May |
71 |
49 |
0.00 |
|
1998 |
26-Apr |
75 |
42 |
0.00 |
| 1977 |
1-May |
84 |
58 |
0.00 |
|
1999 |
25-Apr |
M |
M |
0.00 |
| 1978 |
14-May |
75 |
52 |
0.00 |
|
2000 |
16-Apr |
70
|
44
|
0.00 |
| 1979 |
6-May |
84 |
52 |
0.00 |
|
2001 |
22-Apr |
80 |
50 |
0.00 |
| 1980 |
4-May |
80 |
55 |
0.00 |
|
2002 |
21-Apr |
88 |
58 |
0.00 |
| 1981 |
3-May |
M |
49 |
0.00 |
|
2003 |
6-Apr |
77 |
50 |
0.00 |
| 1982 |
2-May |
82 |
53 |
0.00 |
|
2004 |
25-Apr |
85 |
55 |
0.00 |
| 1983 |
1-May |
84 |
44 |
0.00 |
|
2005 |
1-May |
66 |
43 |
0.22 |
| 1984 |
6-May |
88 |
71 |
0.00 |
|
2006 |
1-May |
66 |
50 |
0.10 |
| 1985 |
5-May |
82 |
50 |
0.00 |
|
2007 |
29-Apr |
80 |
44 |
0.00 |
| 1986 |
4-May |
85 |
36 |
0.00 |
|
2008 |
27-Apr |
82 |
63 |
1.57 |
| 1987 |
3-May |
78 |
60 |
0.63 |
|
2009 |
26-Apr |
85 |
51 |
0.00 |
| 1988 |
1-May |
77 |
37 |
0.00 |
|
2010 |
25-Apr |
73 |
60 |
0.78 |
| 1989 |
7-May |
71 |
40 |
0.00 |
|
2011 |
17-Apr |
65 |
39 |
0.00 |
| 1990 |
6-May |
69 |
46 |
0.00 |
|
2012 |
6-May |
80 |
60 |
0.04 |
| 1991 |
6-May |
71 |
60 |
T |
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M = Missing Data T=Trace
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