Alabama Faces Heavy Rainfall and Potential Risk of Severe Storms

The message for today is to stay weather-aware as we continue to monitor the possibility of heavy rainfall, non-thunderstorm winds, and the potential risk of severe storms.

Flood Concerns

The National Weather Service in Birmingham said the timeline for concern is this afternoon through tonight for the possibility of flood issues.

There is a concern for the entire Central Alabama area, but the most significant risk of flooding is near the US HWY 80 and I-85 corridors.

James Spann, ABC 33/40, and Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa Chief Meteorologist, said the “good news is that the amount of rain expected over the state's northern half is now much lower, generally one inch or less.”

National Weather Service

Possible Gradient Winds

These are non-thunderstorm winds that could impact the entire state today. These winds can gust as high as 40 mph in some areas.

“There is also the chance a "wake low" forms on the back edge of the big rain mass this evening, which could lead to higher gusts due to the tight gradient,” said Spann.

Severe Weather Thoughts

Spann believes the “main risk of severe storms will be across far South Alabama and the Florida Panhandle, along and south of a line from Grove Hill to Evergreen to Headland. A few isolated severe storms are possible as far north as U.S. 80 (Demopolis to Selma to Montgomery to Opelika).”

The timing of this severe weather threat for the Townsquare Media coverage area of Bibb, Fayette, Greene, Hale, Lamar, Perry, Pickens, Sumter, Tuscaloosa, and Walker counties is between Noon and 9 p.m.

According to the National Weather Service in Birmingham, the possible threats are “damaging winds up to 60-70 mph, tornadoes, and quarter-size hail.”

Regarding the risk levels, our coverage area is split between the “Enhanced Risk” and “Slight Risk” zones.

National Weather Service

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This is a developing weather system tracking across several states toward Alabama. As weather conditions change, this could impact the overall outlook for Alabama.

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