Tornadoes, Damaging Winds, & Hail Kickoff the Weekend in Alabama

Here's What We're Currently Monitoring

We are tracking a developing weather system projected to impact Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Texas. Also, the system affects some of Arkansas, Kansas, and Missouri, including a small section of Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, and New Mexico.

This system will track toward Alabama, and we are monitoring what this means for the Yellowhammer State.

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Timeline

West and Central Alabama is anticipated to experience widespread rainfall accompanied by strong to severe storms from Friday morning through Saturday afternoon.

The National Weather Service in Birmingham said the overall threat for severe weather is Friday from 2 p.m. until 11 p.m., while the possibility of flooding will be from Friday through Saturday afternoon.

James Spann, ABC 33/40, and Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa Chief Meteorologist, said, “The first batch of rain will arrive early tomorrow morning; heavier storms are possible near the Gulf Coast. Several additional waves of rain/thunderstorms will continue through the afternoon and tomorrow night.”

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Risk Areas

The Storm Prediction Center has identified a "slight risk" (level 2 out of 5) for severe thunderstorms across a large portion of Central and Southwest Alabama, including areas from Tuscaloosa and Birmingham down to Montgomery and Mobile. Meanwhile, a "marginal risk" (level 1 out of 5) has been designated for the remainder of the state.

Updated Townsquare Media Coverage Area Risk Areas

Bibb – slight risk area

Fayette – the county is split between slight and marginal risk area

Greene – slight risk area

Hale – slight risk area

Lamar – the county is divided between slight and marginal risk area

Perry – slight risk area

Pickens – slight risk area

Sumter – slight risk area

Tuscaloosa - slight risk area

Walker – the county is split between slight and marginal risk area

Potential Threats

“The main threat from heavier storms will come from hail and strong, gusty winds. An isolated tornado can't be ruled out, mainly over the southwest counties of the state,” said Spann.

The National Weather Service in Birmingham said the main areas of concern are “tornadoes, damaging winds up to 60 mph, large hail, and localized flooding.”

The heavy rainfall could trigger flash flooding, which is a concern as 2 to 4 inches of rainfall are expected, with locally higher amounts of up to 6 inches.

Mary K. - Weather Forecaster