Big time rain and thunderstorms have set up over the extreme northern parts of Central Alabama and into the southern half of North Alabama. These cells are continuing to train over the same locations that have already received plenty of rain this morning. A FLASH FLOOD WATCH continues for much of Central Alabama through 6:00 am Wednesday while a FLASH FLOOD WATCH continues for the southern counties in North Alabama until 8:00 pm tonight.
Also, the Storm Prediction Center continues a MARGINAL RISK for severe storms across nearly all of North/Central Alabama through the remainder of the day. The main threat will be from isolated damaging wind gusts up to 60 MPH, but there is just enough shear and helicity to warrant the small potential of a brief spin-up tornado. Some hail is possible today as well, but if any occurs, it should stay below severe limits. The main window for stronger to severe storms looks to be from now until 8:00 pm tonight if any are able to form today.
Storms will continue to be likely over the northern half of the area (north of the I-20 and I-20/59) up to the evening rush hour while scattered showers and storms will be possible at times over the southern half. The rain and thunderstorms will eventually start to move southward during the evening and late-night hours, but another line of showers and moderate rainfall will form and move into the northern parts of the area. As mentioned earlier, we may have a couple of storms that may become strong to marginally severe, but the larger threat will be from heavy rainfall. Totals through midnight could reach as high as 1.00-2.00 inches for most places across the area with localized amounts up to and exceeding 3.00 inches possible. Highs will top out in the mid-60s to the lower 70s with lows reaching the lower 40s to the lower 60s across the area.
The cold front responsible for the rain and thunderstorms will eventually move through the area on Wednesday. Rain will continue to be likely ahead of the front as it moves southeastward, while rain chances drop quickly once the front passes your location. Highs will range from the lower 50s in the northwest to the mid-60s in the southeast.
Central Alabama Weather 