Several strong to severe thunderstorms could sweep through Alabama on Monday and Tuesday, and there’s the potential for tornadoes Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.
Thunderstorms will move into Northwest Alabama after 11 a.m. Monday and could remain through the evening, with the main threat from damaging winds of up to 60 mph and hail, according to the NWS.
VIA ALABAMA EMA
Severe thunderstorms are possible again early Tuesday morning through Tuesday afternoon for the southeastern two-thirds of Central Alabama, according to the NWS, with damaging winds, hail and the possibility of tornadoes.
Tuesday’s storms could produce enough rain to cause localized flash flooding, according to a report by Jim Stefkovich, a meteorologist with the Alabama Emergency Management Agency, predicting that confidence continues to increase for severe weather event on Wednesday into Thursday morning, including the potential for EF-2 or greater long-tracked tornadoes.
“Weather model guidance continues to hint at scattered thunderstorm development Wednesday afternoon, any of which could become severe,” Stefkovich wrote. “In addition, a broken line of severe thunderstorms ahead of a cold front will reach the northwest sections of the state after 6 pm, be located near the I-65 corridor around midnight, and exit southeast Alabama by 12 pm Thursday. All modes of severe weather are possible, and the tornado threat will exist the entire time until the line exits the state.”
The Alabama Emergency Management Agency recommends that in the event of severe weather:
- If you can safely get to a sturdy building, then do so immediately.
- Go to a safe room, basement, or storm cellar.
- If you are in a building with no basement, then get to a small interior room on the lowest level.
- Stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls.
- Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You’re safer in a low, flat location.
- Watch out for flying debris that can cause injury or death. Use your arms to protect your head and neck. You need helmets for everyone, including adults, as many injuries and deaths in severe weather occur as a result of blunt force trauma to the head.
- In you live in a mobile/manufactured home, it is recommended that you do not stay in it when a warning is issued for your area, instead opting for a more secure shelter.
To find out if community shelters exist for your area, contact your county Emergency Management Agency to determine where they are located and when they are open.
