Western Central Alabama Alert: Possible Tornado, Damaging Winds

The Townsquare Media weather center is closely monitoring a storm system that can potentially bring a few strong to severe thunderstorms to our area.

Potential Risk Area

According to the National Weather Service in Birmingham, areas “generally near and west of Interstate 65” should stay weather-aware this weekend.

Risk Levels

Currently, there is a “marginal risk” issued for a portion of Alabama, but includes the entire Townsquare Media listening areas, which include Bibb, Fayette, Greene, Hale, Lamar, Perry, Pickens, Sumter, Tuscaloosa, and Walker counties.

Probable Threats

As the weather system approaches Alabama on Saturday, expect showers throughout the day across the state. Additionally, be prepared for a noticeable temperature difference, with highs expected to be around 10 degrees above average.

James Spann, ABC 33/40, and Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa Chief Meteorologist, said the “storm system will feature a positive tilt upper trough, limited surface-based instability, and generally unidirectional wind profiles. This means a low-end severe weather threat; heavier storms could produce gusty winds early Sunday morning during the pre-dawn hours. A brief, isolated tornado can't be ruled out, but isn't likely.”

Timing

The latest timing window for severe weather is “4 pm Saturday afternoon through 4 am Sunday morning,” said the National Weather Service in Birmingham.

Spann noted that “the heavier storms will come from about midnight Saturday night through 9:00 a.m. Sunday.”

Drought Issues

The positive side of the incoming storm system is that 1 to 2 inches is expected across Alabama. Our current drought conditions range from abnormally dry to extreme drought. Hopefully, this influx of rain can help improve those statistics.