The Chinese spy balloon that has captured international attention may soon be soaring over the Yellowhammer State.
A huge, high-altitude Chinese balloon sailed across the United States on Friday, drawing Pentagon accusations of spying and a media frenzy.
The pentagon later said it would not be shooting down the balloon for fear of causing damage or injury to those below.
The balloon was spotted near Kansas City, Mo. around noon Friday, and some experts say its current trajectory could place it over Alabama.
Given the sightings of the spy balloon near Kansas City around noon CT, the most likely path it will take this weekend is across the Mississippi Delta and Deep South, reaching the Southeast coast by Sunday evening.
— WeatherTiger - weathertiger.substack.com (@wx_tiger) February 3, 2023
Probably will be drifting across Florida or offshore by Monday. pic.twitter.com/uNtLg7qkMD
Citing data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, one custom forecast and modeling firm placed the trajectory very likely to pass over Alabama.
Although the balloon's trajectory is highly subject to change, all current models show the balloon making its way to the northeast.
Screenshots of photos have permeated social media claiming the Chinese balloon is already over Alabama. However, that is not the case. The shared pictures show the path of an unrelated weather balloon.
Thousands of people are tracking #HBAL617 over Alabama thinking it's the #ChineseSpyBalloon. It's not. It's actually a balloon owned by @RavenAerostar. Check it out here: https://t.co/ILS8MGHSiD
— Danny Bavaro (@dannybavaro) February 3, 2023
Doubt the Chinese are putting a transponder on their spy balloon.@flightradar24 pic.twitter.com/u5fXWKiBVr
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