Next Round of Severe Weather in Alabama Includes Tornado Threat

Wednesday's storm system brought heavy rain and severe weather to various parts of Alabama. For example, rain totals in West Alabama included Cottondale at 3.50 inches, Demopolis at 2.38 inches, Fayette at close to 4 inches, and Northport at close to 2 inches.

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Another system could bring strong to severe storms to our area on Saturday. The Townsquare Media Weather Center recommends preparing in advance. The ideal time to prepare for severe weather is beforehand, with calm conditions and clear skies.

Review your safety plan – know where to shelter in your home.
Stay informed – monitor weather alerts for your county & nearby areas.
Prepare ahead – ensure you have supplies and a charged phone.

As a reminder, the Townsquare Meda coverage area includes 10 counties: Bibb, Fayette, Greene, Hale, Lamar, Perry, Pickens, Sumter, Tuscaloosa, and Walker.

Saturday Severe Weather Outlook

Risk Areas

The Storm Prediction Center has given most of West Alabama an "enhanced risk" for severe weather, while those counties outside that zone are under a "slight risk.”

Timing

The overall impact time frame for the entire area the National Weather Service in Birmingham covers is between Saturday at 9 p.m. and Sunday at 6 a.m.

Potential Threats

The National Weather Service in Birmingham said the incoming “line of strong to severe storms capable of producing damaging straight-line winds with enough wind shear to produce embedded tornadoes within the line.”

This system will also bring more rain to the region, creating a slight risk of localized flooding in some areas due to the already saturated ground.

“The line will be moving quickly, but still, rain amounts will likely be in the 1 to 2-inch range for most of the state,” said James Spann, ABC 33/40, and Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa Chief Meteorologist.

More information will be provided as we get closer to the weather event.

Mary K. – Weather Forecaster