Alabama Faces Francine: Threat of Tornadoes, Winds, & Heavy Rains

Even though Francine aims to make landfall today in Louisiana, the system will impact a much larger area, including Alabama.

Current Look at Francine

Category 1 Hurricane

Moving along a northeast track at 10 mph

Roughly about 195 miles southwest of Morgan City, Louisiana

Get our free mobile app

Here is How Will Francine Could Impact Alabama

The first thing you should understand is that Alabama will be on the east side of Francine, which means the wet and unsettled side. Some weather folks call it the “dirty” side. On this side of the disturbance, you can often see heavier rain bands, flooding, and even tornadoes. Those on the coastline are prone to heightened storm surges.

GRADIENT WIND

“For inland parts of Alabama, gusts to 35/40 mph are possible tomorrow as the circulation of Francine moves northward through Mississippi,” said James Spann, ABC 33/40, and Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa Chief Meteorologist.

RAIN

Outside of the Alabama coast, the influx of rain will bring about 1 to 3 inches, possibly higher in the Western counties.

TORNADOES

Unfortunately, It's possible that a few short-lived, scattered tornadoes could occur throughout the state.

“Understand tornadoes associated with tropical systems are usually low-topped and short-lived,” said Spann. “This makes it very difficult to provide a warning with a long lead time, so be weather-aware tonight and tomorrow and pay attention to warnings.”

The Storm Prediction Center has placed several risk levels for the Yellowhammer State.

Late today – tonight: There is a "slight risk" of severe thunderstorms for the southwest counties, and above that area, there is a “marginal risk.”

Thursday: The state faces a "marginal risk" in many areas, while a "slight risk" extends across a wide region from Birmingham to Montgomery to Dothan.

National Weather Service in Birmingham Highlights

Tornado:

• What: Level 1 of 5 (Marginal) risk of brief tornadoes areawide with a level 2 of 5 (Slight) risk of brief tornadoes across much of Central and Southeast Alabama.
• Where: All of Central Alabama.
• When: Thursday morning through Thursday night.

Wind:

• What: Sustained winds 15 to 25 mph with wind gusts of 30 to 40 mph. Locally higher gusts up to 45 mph. Scattered downed trees and power outages.
• Where: Greater potential generally near and west of Interstate 65.
• When: 7 pm Wednesday night through Thursday evening.

Flooding:

• What: 2-3" of rainfall with locally higher amounts up to 4".. Isolated flooding mainly in urban and poor drainage areas.
• Where: Greater potential across portions of the west and south-central counties..
• When: Wednesday night through Thursday evening.