CLANTON, Ala. — Showers and thunderstorms in western Alabama early this morning will spread eastward during the day. A few storms in the Marginal Risk area (dark green) could produce wind gusts from 40-60 mph, hail and perhaps a tornado or two from late this morning through early evening, especially in the southwestern portions of the state. However, widespread severe weather is not expected.
A more powerful upper-level disturbance will move across the area from Saturday morning through Sunday morning with supercell and organized line segment development. It now appears enough instability combined with dynamic upper-level features will be present for a potentially prolonged event. As is common during the winter, the severe threat will continue throughout the overnight hours into Sunday morning making this a dangerous situation.
A timing graphic is provided below. All modes of severe weather are possible, including the potential for strong, EF2 or greater tornadoes, especially in the Enhanced Risk region. I’ve seen some comments by people saying, “I’m fine since I’m only in the dark green region”. First, this could easily change in later updates. Second, although there is typically much less severe weather coverage in Marginal Risk areas, isolated severe weather, including tornadoes, are still possible so stay alert if you live in the eastern sections of the state.
Total statewide rainfall amounts from today through Sunday will be 1-3 inches with isolated amounts of 4+ inches in stronger storms.
It’s been a while since we’ve had a threat for severe weather like this, so now is the time to make sure you and your family are ready. Does your weather radio have a good signal, and do you remember the last time you changed its batteries?
Are weather alerts from the Emergency Alert System (EAS) enabled on your phone? Remember, unless you have an app from a reputable source for your phone, Severe Thunderstorm Warnings on the EAS will not trigger except for extreme conditions. Many people are surprised to have damage while the EAS never alerted them.
Is your safe place clean and accessible and do you have helmets in them? Do you have family visiting that may not be familiar with Alabama severe weather?
If you don’t have a plan or haven’t looked at it in some time, go to Tornadoes | Ready.gov to learn more.
