Alert: Alabama Faces Potential Isolated Tornadoes, Damaging Winds

We anticipate a storm system that will bring much-needed rain to our area today through Sunday. The weather conditions are favorable for developing a few strong to severe thunderstorms from Saturday evening into early Sunday morning.

What’s the Major Difference from Other Weather Briefings?

The National Weather Service in Birmingham has adjusted the timing and expanded the slight risk area further southeast.

Timing

Severe storms are expected to start around 5 p.m. in the state's northwest corner, with a line of storms moving southeastward throughout the night. The storms are anticipated to clear the southeast corner of Alabama by 8 a.m. tomorrow.

Risk Areas

The Storm Prediction Center “has defined a "slight risk" (level 2/5) of severe thunderstorms for parts of North Alabama, for areas north of a line from Tuscaloosa to Oneonta to Fort Payne. A "marginal risk" (level 1/5) covers the rest of the state in this outlook, which is valid through 6:00 a.m. tomorrow,” said James Spann, ABC 33/40, and Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa Chief Meteorologist.

The National Weather Service in Birmingham said the severe weather threat has greater “potential generally northwest of the Interstate 59 corridor.”

Possible Threats

The primary concern is from strong thunderstorms as damaging winds up to 60 mph are possible. Plus, there is the threat of isolated tornadoes. The highest threat will be in Alabama's “slight risk” portion.

Get our free mobile app

“High-resolution, convection-allowing models have trended toward higher instability values over the past 24 hours, and with a decent amount of shear, it will set the stage for the potential for strong to severe thunderstorms,” said Spann.

Probability of a Tornado – 5 to 9%

Probability of Severe Winds – 5 to 14% and 15-29%

Other Weather Concerns

Please be aware that there is a possibility of Gradient winds (not related to thunderstorms). These winds could reach speeds of 15-25 mph on average and gusts up to 30 mph ahead of the approaching storm system.

Rain Amounts

The forecast for our coverage area indicates a rainfall of 1 to 2 inches, which is great news considering the ongoing drought concerns in Alabama.