Severe Thunderstorms, Isolated Tornado Risk in Alabama

In a Facebook post, Josh Johnson of WSFA in Montgomery, Alabama, commented:

Last Week: Coat – This Week: Boat

I think that is how all Alabamians feel right now. The National Weather Service in Birmingham said, “waves of heavy rain and thunderstorms will continue to move across the area through Saturday.

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Thursday Severe Weather Threat

The Storm Prediction Center has a “Marginal Risk” for severe thunderstorms for nearly all of Alabama except a small far northwest section.

Threats

James Spann, ABC 33/40, and Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa Chief Meteorologist, said, “Heavier storms today will be capable of producing strong, gusty winds. The chance of an isolated tornado is low but not zero. The main window for stronger thunderstorms will come during the afternoon and evening hours.”

Timing

The overall threat timing is from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. The Townsquare Media Coverage Area is between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., with some counties between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Our coverage area includes Bibb, Fayette, Greene, Hale, Lamar, Perry, Pickens, Sumter, Tuscaloosa, and Walker counties.

Friday Outlook

“Occasional rain is likely again tomorrow, mainly over the southern 2/3 of the state. Temperatures will stay mild today and tomorrow with highs in the 67-73 degree range,” said Spann.

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Thoughts on Saturday

Saturday includes the possibility of severe weather. The National Weather Service in Birmingham said, "Some of those storms could also become strong to severe, especially for areas near and east of I-65.”

"SPC has defined a "slight risk" (level 2/5) of severe thunderstorms for parts of East and South Alabama, in a broad zone from Anniston to Evergreen. A "marginal risk" (level 1/5) runs in the general area from Fort Payne to Mobile," said Spann. 

In addition, there could be an extra 2 to 3 inches of rainfall, with some areas experiencing even higher amounts, until Saturday. As a result, there is an ongoing risk of flooding due to the rain falling on already saturated soils.

The Townsquare Media Weather Center will continue to monitor these developing weather scenarios.