Extreme Severe Weather Risk in Alabama: Tornadoes, Hail, & Damaging Winds

Over the next few days, a significant severe weather outbreak is expected across multiple states.

The Weather Channel said, “A dangerous outbreak of severe thunderstorms is expected to begin Friday and last through the weekend in the Midwest, South and East.”

This threat includes Alabama within three different rounds of severe weather. The Townsquare Media Weather Center is breaking down each round day by day to help guide you on the risk levels, risk areas, timing, and potential threats.

James Spann, ABC 33/40 and Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa Chief Meteorologist, said to expect a “HIGH-END SEVERE WEATHER THREAT: Alabamians will need to pay very close attention to the weather tomorrow night through Saturday night as a dynamic storm system will bring two rounds of severe thunderstorms to the state.”

Round #1 – TODAY, Thursday, March 13

Threats

There is the threat of large (golf ball-sized) hail and damaging winds.

Risk Level

Level 1 out of 5 risk is in effect

Risk Area

All but far northeast Central Alabama

Timeline

Today, the general area is between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. However, the timeline for the

Townsquare Media Coverage Areas is between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Round #2 - Friday Night through Saturday Morning

Threats

There is the threat of tornadoes, quarter-size hail, and damaging winds up to 60 mph.

Risk Level

The risk level is location-dependent. It ranges from Level 1 to 3 out of 5 risks.

Risk Area

Risk areas include most of the state except southeast Central Alabama.

Townsquare Media Coverage Risk Area Guide

Bibb – Mostly Risk Level 2
Fayette – Risk Level 3
Greene – Risk Level 3
Hale – Risk Level 3
Lamar – Risk Level 3
Perry – Mostly Risk Level 2
Pickens – Risk Level 3
Sumter – Risk Level 3
Tuscaloosa – Risk Level 3
Walker – Risk Level 3

Timeline

The general timing for the entire storm system is Friday 10 p.m. through Saturday at 8 a.m.

Townsquare Media Coverage Area Timeline

Bibb – 10 p.m. Friday – 7 a.m. Saturday
Fayette – 10 p.m. Friday – 7 a.m. Saturday
Greene – 10 p.m. Friday – 5 a.m. Saturday
Hale – 10 p.m. Friday – 5 a.m. Saturday
Lamar – 10 p.m. Friday – 7 a.m. Saturday
Perry – 10 p.m. Friday – 7 a.m. Saturday
Pickens – 10 p.m. Friday – 5 a.m. Saturday
Sumter – 10 p.m. Friday – 5 a.m. Saturday
Tuscaloosa – 10 p.m. Friday – 7 a.m. Saturday
Walker – 10 p.m. Friday – 7 a.m. Saturday

Round #3 - Saturday Afternoon through Sunday Morning

The National Weather Service in Birmingham said, “Confidence continues to increase in a significant threat of severe storms Saturday afternoon through early Sunday morning.”

Spann is calling this window of severe weather the “main show.”

Threats

There is the threat of tornadoes, some of which could be strong, with golf ball-sized hail and damaging winds of up to 70 mph.

“Storms will be capable of producing large hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes. A few violent, long-track tornadoes are possible,” said Spann.

Risk Level

Level 3 Enhanced Risk to Level 4 Moderate Risk

Risk Area

The entire Townsquare Media Coverage Area is in the level 4 risk area.

Timeline

The general timing for the entire storm system is Saturday Noon through Sunday 3 a.m.

Townsquare Media Coverage Area Timeline

Bibb – Noon Saturday through 10 p.m.
Fayette – Noon Saturday through 8 p.m.
Greene – Noon Saturday through 8 p.m.
Hale – Noon Saturday through 10 p.m.
Lamar – Noon Saturday through 8 p.m.
Perry – Noon Saturday through 10 p.m.
Pickens – Noon Saturday through 8 p.m.
Sumter – Noon Saturday through 8 p.m.
Tuscaloosa – Noon Saturday through 10 p.m.
Walker– Noon Saturday through 8 p.m.

Important Points

Check back frequently as this evolving weather system may bring changes to risk areas, levels, timing, and threats.

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What You Can Do Now to Prepare

Make sure you know the name of your county and which part you’re in—North, South, East, or West. This information is crucial when warnings are issued for specific areas. Also, familiarize yourself with the counties surrounding you. Awareness of warnings in nearby counties can give you an early heads-up during severe weather.

Take a moment to identify the safest spot in every place you frequent—your home, workplace, grandmother's house, or anywhere else you might be in the coming days. While it may feel unnecessary, having this knowledge beforehand can be life-saving in an emergency when every second counts.

Spann reminds us, "In your safe place, have helmets for everyone, including adults. Most serious injuries in tornadoes involve blunt force trauma above the shoulders.”
If you lack a safe place, locate the nearest shelter or a 24/7 business that can act as one. Plan ahead by arranging dependable transportation to ensure you can get there quickly if necessary.

Keep your shoes on or nearby during severe weather. If you need to step outside after strong winds or a tornado, you could face debris like sharp glass. I’ve seen firsthand how going barefoot in such situations can lead to serious foot injuries.

Stay weather-aware and prepared.

Mary K. - Weather Forecaster