Alabama Braces for Weekend Storms: More of Alabama might be in for a bout of strong to severe storms this weekend, according to the weather forecast.
Rain and storms are on the horizon for Alabama on Saturday, with the potential for stronger storms emerging in the afternoon. West Alabama is likely to experience the brunt of it initially, followed by storms tracking eastward into Saturday night and Sunday morning. The southeast part of Alabama may witness additional storms on Sunday.
The forecast warns that the strongest storms could bring damaging wind gusts, and there’s a possibility of a few tornadoes, according to the National Weather Service.
NOAAs Storm Prediction Center has expanded the severe weather risk area for Saturday, covering more of the state and slightly upgrading the risk for parts of northwest Alabama.
The latest severe weather outlook for Saturday indicates a Level 2 out of 5 (slight) risk for areas such as Florence, Muscle Shoals, and Hamilton. A Level 2 risk suggests scattered severe storms could occur.
A broader area covering most of the state now has a Level 1 (marginal) risk. A Level 1 risk indicates the potential for isolated severe storms.
Forecasters also predict 1 to 3 inches of rain, with north Alabama expected to receive more rain than the rest of the state. This could offer relief to Alabama’s ongoing drought, especially in the drier areas of the north and central parts of the state.
ALSO READ: Montgomery Weather From Sunshine to Thunderstorms Chilly Days Await
The risk for strong storms kicks off on Saturday afternoon as a cold front approaches Alabama from the west. Forecasters anticipate a line of storms developing ahead of the front and sweeping from west to east across the state. While the storms may lose some intensity as they reach east Alabama during the night, there’s a chance they could re-intensify on Sunday. This prompted the Storm Prediction Center to include a Level 1 severe weather risk for southeast Alabama.
In positive news, the National Weather Service in Birmingham confirmed that its KBMX doppler radar is up and running after completing upgrade work, ready to track storms on Saturday.
Once the front moves out, much cooler weather is expected for the first part of next week.
This is the latest update from the National Weather Service forecast offices across the state as of Friday morning. Stay weather-aware and stay safe, Alabama!
Our Reader’s Queries
What kind of severe weather does Alabama have?
Alabama experiences a wide range of severe weather, including tornadoes and flooding. It’s crucial to understand these different hazards and know how to stay safe. Take a look at the visuals below for important safety tips on how to prepare for and protect yourself and your family from each type of weather threat.
Is tornado season in spring or fall?
Tornado season hits the southern Plains (like Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas) hardest from May to early June. The Gulf coast sees it earlier in the spring, while the northern Plains and upper Midwest (North and South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota) experience tornado season in June or July.