West Alabama Faces Enhanced Risk of Tornadoes and Damaging Winds

The Townsquare Media Weather Center is closely monitoring an incoming weather system that is tracking to impact several states.

"The greatest threat of severe weather is expected from northern Louisiana into southeast Arkansas, Mississippi, southwest Tennessee and western Alabama. That could include Jackson, Mississippi, and Memphis, Tennessee," said The Weather Channel.

Alabamians should be prepared for severe weather tonight as the weather system is predicted to move across the state quickly.

Risk Areas Overview

The Storm Prediction Center has an "Enhanced Risk" area for most of West Alabama. While the rest of the state is under a "Slight Risk."

Townsquare Media Coverage Area Risk Zones

Updated at 7:30 p.m.

Bibb – "Enhanced Risk"

Fayette – "Enhanced Risk"

Greene – "Enhanced Risk"

Hale – "Enhanced Risk"

Lamar – "Enhanced Risk"

Perry – "Enhanced Risk"

Pickens – "Enhanced Risk"

Sumter – "Enhanced Risk"

Tuscaloosa – "Enhanced Risk"

Walker – "Enhanced Risk"

Note that the "Enhanced Risk" has been pushed further east as well.

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Timeline Outlook

The timeline for severe weather is between 9 p.m. Saturday and 4 a.m. Sunday for the entire National Weather Service in Birmingham coverage area.

Townsquare Media Coverage Area Timing

Timing Overview was updated at 7:30 p.m. 

Here is a more detailed timeline for Western Alabama, coordinated with the National Weather Service in Birmingham. Remember that as this system tracks and conditions change, the timeline could be impacted.

I'll admit, nighttime severe weather threats concern me because most people are at home, relaxed, and heading to bed with their phones silenced. Stay weather-aware today and tonight, and take a moment to review your safety plans.

• 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.

Bibb – 11 p.m. – 3 a.m.

Fayette – 10 p.m. – 1 a.m.

Greene – 10 p.m. – 1 a.m.

Hale – 11 p.m. – 3 a.m.

Lamar – 10 p.m. – 1 a.m.

Perry – 11 p.m. ��� 3 a.m.

Pickens – 10 p.m. – 1 a.m.

Sumter – 10 p.m. – 1 a.m.

Tuscaloosa – 10 p.m. – 3 a.m.

Walker – 10 p.m. – 3 a.m.

Possible Threats

Ahead of the severe weather threat, wind gusts could reach up to 40 mph starting this afternoon.

The National Weather Service in Birmingham Threat Overview 

• Tornadoes
• Damaging straight-line winds up to 60 mph
• Low chance of brief, localized flooding

James Spann, ABC 33/40, and Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa Chief Meteorologist, said, "The main threat will come from strong, potentially damaging winds with the line. However, an isolated tornado or two can't be totally ruled out."

"With wet soil conditions from the excessive rain event earlier this week, a number of trees could come down with the line of storms late tonight," said Spann.

Stay weather-aware, and check for updates throughout today and this evening. We'll keep you informed every step of the way.

Mary K. – Weather Forecaster