Severe Weather Threatens Alabama: Prepare for a Wild Night!

News Summary

Alabama residents are bracing for severe weather as a serious outbreak is predicted tonight. With a Level 4 risk of storms including tornadoes and flooding, safety precautions are crucial. Areas in north, central, and south Alabama should remain alert as the storm system moves through, threatening damaging winds and heavy rains. Stay informed and prepared for a potentially dangerous night ahead.

Severe Weather Threatens Alabama: Brace for a Wild Night Ahead!

Hey there, Alabama! If you’re feeling like it’s been a calm and quiet Saturday evening, hold on to your hats because a serious weather outbreak is rolling our way. Yes, you heard right! The forecast is not looking too friendly, and it’s shaping up to be quite the nail-biter from tonight through early Sunday morning.

What’s Happening?

Let’s dive right into it. The Storm Prediction Center has raised a big red flag, issuing a Level 4 out of 5 severe weather risk for parts of west Alabama. This is no small potatoes, folks! With this level of risk, we could see some intense weather rolling in, including the potential for tornados, straight-line winds, large hail, and even flooding rains.

When Will It Hit?

Late Saturday evening is when the action is expected to ramp up. As of about 10:15 p.m., multiple warnings have already been reported in west Alabama, so it’s time to pay attention. A tornado watch is currently in effect for parts of north and central Alabama until 4 a.m. CST, so keep your eyes peeled and be prepared!

Who Should Be on Alert?

If you’re located in the north Alabama region, here’s the list of counties to keep in your thoughts: Lauderdale, Colbert, Franklin, Lawrence, Limestone, Morgan, and Cullman. Central Alabama residents should watch out as well, with counties like Autauga, Bibb, Blount, Chilton, Coosa, and many others included in this tornado watch. And for our friends in south Alabama, there’s a separate watch until 2 a.m. CST covering counties such as Baldwin, Butler, Choctaw, and Mobile.

What Can We Expect?

Forecasters are warning that we might see some strong tornadoes rated EF2 or higher within these storm systems. To add another twist to this weather story, wind gusts could reach speeds up to 70 mph. Oh, and don’t forget those large hailstones that may make an appearance!

If you thought Friday’s rain was wild, think again! Many areas in southwest Alabama experienced 3 to 6 inches of rainfall, and now an additional 2 to 3 inches are expected from the incoming storms. Flash flooding could be a major concern, so try to stay safe out there!

When Will the Storms Move?

The storms are forecasted to move from west to east overnight, which means they’ll impact everyone in Alabama. The strongest storms are anticipated to hit the Level 4 risk area in west Alabama first. But don’t let your guard down, as severe weather could still be a concern for east Alabama Sunday morning when the rain shifts eastward.

What to Do for Safety?

With the potential for damage to trees and power lines out there, it’s absolutely essential to have a reliable way to receive weather warnings throughout the night. A NOAA Weather Radio would be perfect for this! It’s also crucial to identify safe places in your home and to stay updated with emergency alerts.