Today, Tuesday, May 20, severe weather poses a significant threat to Alabama, other Southern states, and parts of the Midwest.

As part of a larger weather system, the severe threat will track east, impacting “Kentucky, Tennessee, eastern Arkansas, and southeast Missouri into northern Mississippi, northern Alabama, and parts of northwestern Georgia,” said The Weather Channel. “Severe weather could occur in multiple rounds across these areas.”

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Timing Outlook

The window for severe weather in Alabama spans from 5 p.m. on Tuesday to 3 a.m. on Wednesday.

West Alabama Timeline County-by-County Breakdown

Bibb: Tuesday 8 p.m. - Midnight

Fayette: Tuesday 5 p.m. – Midnight

Greene: Tuesday 8 p.m. - Midnight

Hale: Tuesday 8 p.m. – Wednesday 3 a.m.

Lamar: Tuesday 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Perry: Tuesday 8 p.m. – Wednesday 3 a.m.

Pickens: Tuesday 8 p.m. - Midnight

Sumter: Tuesday 8 p.m. – Wednesday 3 a.m.

Tuscaloosa: Tuesday 8 p.m. - Midnight

Walker: Tuesday 5 p.m. – Midnight

Risk Levels and Areas

The Storm Prediction Center has defined an "enhanced risk" (level 3/5), a "slight risk" (level 2/5), and a "marginal risk" (level 1/5) for portions of Alabama.

West Alabama Risk Areas

Bibb: "Slight Risk" (Level 2/5)

Fayette: "Enhanced Risk" (Level 3/5)

Greene: "Slight Risk" (Level 2/5)

Hale: "Slight Risk" (Level 2/5)

Lamar: "Enhanced Risk" (Level 3/5)

Perry: "Slight Risk" (Level 2/5) with a "Marginal Risk" (Level 1/5) for the southern portion of the county.

Pickens: "Enhanced Risk" (Level 3/5)

Sumter: "Slight Risk" (Level 2/5) with a "Marginal Risk" (Level 1/5) for the southern portion of the county.

Tuscaloosa: "Enhanced Risk" (Level 3/5) with a "Slight Risk" (Level 2/5) for the southern portion of the county.

Walker: "Enhanced Risk" (Level 3/5)

Modes of Severe Weather Expected

The National Weather Service said residents should expect “Tornadoes, damaging winds up to 70 mph, and up to golf ball-size hail.”

Threat Breakdown

Tornado Outlook

The Storm Prediction Center rates Alabama's probability of a tornado at “2 to 14%.”

James Spann, ABC 33/40, and Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa Chief Meteorologist said, “The highest risk of tornadoes is in the 'enhanced risk' in any discrete cells that form ahead of the main line. A strong tornado (EF-2 or higher) can't be ruled out.”

Severe Wind Outlook

The Severe Wind Outlook from the Storm Prediction Center ranges from “5 to 60%.”

“As the storms become linear, the main threat will shift to damaging straight-line winds. Possibly 70 mph in spots,” said Spann.

Hail Outlook

According to the Storm Prediction Center, Alabama's severe hail outlook ranges from “5 to 29%.”

Spann said, “Large hail is also possible with the heavier thunderstorms.”

Stay Ahead of the Storm

Be sure to stay weather-aware tonight into early Wednesday morning. The Townsquare Media weather team will be on duty to keep you updated with our radio stations: Praise 93.3, 92.9 WTUG, 95.3 The Bear, METV 97.5, Catfish 100.1, Tide 100.9, 101.7 The River, and 105.1 The Block.

This is an evolving weather system, and conditions may change. We strongly encourage you to check back frequently for the latest updates.

Mary K. – Weather Forecaster