The latest update from the National Hurricane Center continues to keep Potential Tropical Cyclone Three out of the tropical storm classification because the system continues to have a center that is not well-defined and still rather broad at the moment. Even with that being the case, maximum sustained winds are up to 45 mph as the center is currently located around 270 miles to the southwest of Mobile. Movement is to the north at 15 mph and the pressure is around 1006 MB, or 29.71 inches. The forecast track remains relatively unchanged.
For Central Alabama, impacts remain unchanged at this point. Here is what we can expect with the current forecast track:
Rainfall: Amounts of 3 to 5 inches will be possible across the area with the heavier amounts more likely south of the I-20 corridor. Localized amounts may be greater in spots. Minor flooding issues will be possible.
Flash Flood Watch: Goes into effect at 7 am Saturday for Autauga, Barbour, Bibb, Bullock, Calhoun, Chambers, Chilton, Clay, Cleburne, Coosa, Dallas, Elmore, Greene, Hale, Jefferson, Lee, Lowndes, Macon, Marengo, Montgomery, Perry, Pike, Randolph, Russell, Shelby, St. Clair, Sumter, Talladega, Tallapoosa, and Tuscaloosa counties. It is set to expire at 7 pm Sunday.
Tornadoes: A few brief spin-up tropical-type tornadoes will be possible mainly over the southern and southeastern parts of the area on Saturday. Locations along and south of a line from Demopolis to Clanton to Roanoke have been places in a level 1 of 5 Marginal Risk for severe storms due to that threat. Portions of South Alabama and the West Florida Panhandle have been placed in a level 2 of 5 Slight Risk for the threat of a few tornadoes/waterspouts and damaging wind gusts.
Wind: For locations along and south of the US-80 and I-85 corridors, wind gusts up to and possibly exceeding 30 mph will be possible due to the pressure gradient from the center of the system passing close by. North of those corridors, wind gusts will be around 15-25 mph.
Showers and storms will continue to increase throughout the rest of your Friday for the southern half of the area, with a few scattered showers and storms on the extreme out band moving into the northern parts of the area. Saturday will be a soaker across the area as rain will be widespread with some locations receiving heavy rainfall. Some thunder will be possible in the stronger cells within the banding. The good news is that much of the activity may be out of here and into Georgia by Saturday late-night or just past midnight. Only a few stray showers will be possible.
Stay weather aware and be prepared.
Central Alabama Weather 