As mentioned in my earlier post this afternoon, NWS Birmingham decided to expand the Slight Risk (level 2 of 5) for severe storms to now include nearly all of Central Alabama with the exception of the northeastern corner of the area. Those locations remain in a Marginal Risk for severe storms (level 1 of 5).
As you can see, the timing for the window of stronger to severe storms look to start around 4:00 pm Wednesday and potentially lasting until 2:00 am Thursday for the western parts of the area (mainly west of a line from Cullman to Vance to Linden), 6:00 pm Wednesday to 4:00 am Thursday for location in the central and northeastern portions of the area, and from 7:00 pm Wednesday to 9:00 am Thursday for the east and southeastern parts of the area.
There continues to be the potential that there will be multiple rounds of storms, so that is the reason for the wide spread in times. Tornadoes and damaging winds up to 60 MPH will be possible across Central Alabama.
Projected rainfall amounts have been increased as well from now through Friday morning. Much everyone in the area will see 2-3 inches of rain, but the east and southeastern parts of the area could see amounts ranging from 3 inches to 6 inches.
A Flash Flood Watch has been issued and will go into effect for the eastern two-thirds of Central Alabama starting at 3:00 pm Wednesday and is expected to expire by 6:00 pm Thursday.
Seriously, if water is covering the road in front of you while driving, be safe and turn around. Even if you think you can see the road underneath the surface of the water, you may not be able to see any hidden dangers that could immobilize your vehicle and put your life in danger. And if you are downtown Birmingham, just go ahead and forget about driving under the viaduct on 6th Avenue North at 6th Street.
More updates to come when needed.
Central Alabama Weather 