All of North/Central Alabama has been placed in a risk for severe storms for today and tonight as a strong upper-level system approaches the area. Scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms are expected to form and may become strong to severe mainly from roughly 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
A LEVEL 2 SLIGHT RISK is up for locations north and west of a line from just south of Emelle (Sumter Co.) to just west of Moundville (Hale Co.) to just east of Blountsville (Blount Co.) to just east of New Market (Madison Co.). The rest of North/Central Alabama is in a LEVEL 1 MARGINAL RISK.
Damaging winds up to 60 MPH and hail up to 1 inch in diameter or greater will be possible, along with heavy rainfall and dangerous cloud-to-ground lightning.
Storms will be moving from the southwest to the northeast in motion, so therefore the main window for the potential of severe storms will begin around 2:00 pm in the west and southwestern parts of the area and will come to an end around 10:00 pm in the east and northeastern parts. Timing can change which could affect the impacts that occur with these storms, so you will need to stay weather aware this afternoon and evening.
While conditions look favorable for the potential for strong to severe storms, there are a few factors that could limit that potential:
• Cloud Cover: If skies remain mostly cloudy, there is still a threat for strong storms later today, but there will be lower confidence in severe storms.
• Timing: If the stronger storms do not reach our eastern areas until after sunset, then a lot of the energy for severe storms may be lost.
• Morning showers: Any showers that occurred this morning may reduce the energy available to fuel strong to severe storms later today for that area.
Have multiple ways to get warnings… an NOAA Weather Radio with fresh batteries is always one of the best items to receive warnings. You can also use WEAs and weather apps on your smartphones (be sure that “Do Not Disturb” is turned off), locate TV and radio, the Internet, information from your friends and family, and outdoor sirens.
Central Alabama Weather 