Strong Storms Possible in West Alabama Saturday

The Townsquare Media Weather Center is monitoring the potential for severe weather in our area on Saturday.

As watch conditions unfold, west of Alabama from Texas to portions of the Midwest, that area is facing a “severe weather outbreak, including the potential for strong tornadoes,” said The Weather Channel.

Risk Areas

Closer to home, the Storm Prediction Center has a good percentage of the state under a “Marginal Risk” for strong to severe storms.

West Alabama Counties Under the “Marginal Risk”

Bibb

Fayette

Greene

Hale

Lamar

Perry

Pickens

Sumter

Tuscaloosa

Walker

Timeline

The current timing of this level 1 out of 5 risk level is for “severe storms late Saturday afternoon and evening ahead of a cold front,” said the National Weather Service in Birmingham.

Possible Threats

• Damaging straight-line winds up to 60 mph
• Large hail up to quarter size.
• Heavy rainfall may lead to flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas

“The air will be somewhat unstable, but wind fields aren't especially strong, and the overall severe threat is relatively low,” said James Spann, Alabama Weather Network and Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa Chief Meteorologist. “Still, a few thunderstorms could produce strong, gusty winds during the afternoon and evening hours over the northern half of the state. Storms will weaken as they drift southward tomorrow night.”

Severe Wind and Severe Hail Outlook

The probability of severe winds and severe hail on Saturday is between 5% and 14%.

Sunday Outlook

Spann said, “The front will stall out Sunday around the northwest corner of Alabama, so we will maintain the risk of scattered showers and thunderstorms.”

Mary K. - Weather Forecaster