Birmingham, AL, August 13, 2025
News Summary
A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for the Birmingham metro area, impacting 11 counties in central Alabama. Residents should prepare for extreme weather including damaging winds and heavy rainfall. In addition, recent private K-12 school rankings reveal diverse educational options for families in the area, with key metrics included. As the storm conditions persist, individuals are urged to remain vigilant and take appropriate safety precautions.
Birmingham Metro Area Weather Alert and School Rankings Released
Residents and visitors in the Birmingham metro area should prepare for severe weather as the National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm watch for central Alabama until 10 p.m. CDT Thursday evening. This watch affects 11 counties, including Blount, Cherokee, Cullman, Etowah, Fayette, Jefferson, Lamar, Marion, St. Clair, Tuscaloosa, Walker, and Winston. Cities like Birmingham, Centre, Fayette, and Gadsden are also included in this alert.
A mix of clouds and sun with scattered thunderstorms is expected, leading to a high temperature of 82°F. Rainfall is anticipated between 1 to 2 inches with a 70% chance of rain. Evening showers are likely with cloudy conditions settling in overnight, as temperatures dip to a low of 73°F. A 40% chance of rain persists overnight.
Severe thunderstorms have begun to impact the region, producing damaging winds that may reach up to 58 mph and hail of 1 inch or larger. Thunderstorms tracked over eastern Birmingham have already caused localized flooding. Reports indicated that one driver was stranded in floodwaters on Crestwood Boulevard at Oporto-Madrid Boulevard. Law enforcement was on the scene directing traffic away from flooded areas, although there are currently no reported injuries. Additionally, a downed tree in Mountain Brook led to a temporary power outage affecting approximately 3,660 customers.
National statistics reveal that lightning strikes the U.S. around 25 million times annually, typically resulting in an average of 20 fatalities per year. Residents are advised to stay indoors during thunderstorms, practice caution while driving in heavy rain, and follow safety guidelines to minimize risks associated with lightning and flooding.
In addition to weather alerts, the Birmingham metro area has also seen a recent release of rankings for private K-12 schools. Using Niche’s methodology, Stacker compiled a list encompassing critical characteristics such as college scores, enrollment rates, culture and diversity, parent and student surveys, and student-teacher ratios.
Top Private K-12 Schools in Birmingham Metro Area
| School Location | Enrollment | Student-Teacher Ratio | Niche Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gardendale, AL | 358 | 16:1 | B- |
| Columbiana, AL | 170 | 9:1 | B- |
| Birmingham, AL | 645 | 16:1 | B- |
| West Blocton, AL | 166 | 3:1 | B |
| Irondale, AL | 195 | 8:1 | B+ |
Other private schools in the area exhibit varying enrollments and Niche grades, ranging from A to B-. Parents interested in school enrollment and related news are encouraged to follow local updates for more information.
Summary and Safety Guidelines
As storm conditions persist in the Birmingham metro area, residents are urged to remain vigilant and take safety precautions. This includes monitoring local weather services and preparing for potential severe weather impacts. Concurrently, families looking for educational opportunities can explore the newly released rankings of private K-12 schools to make informed decisions regarding their children’s schooling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What areas are under the severe thunderstorm watch?
The severe thunderstorm watch includes counties such as Blount, Cherokee, Cullman, Etowah, Fayette, Jefferson, Lamar, Marion, St. Clair, Tuscaloosa, Walker, and Winston, with cities like Birmingham and others affected as well.
What should residents do during severe thunderstorms?
Residents should seek indoor shelter, minimize risks associated with lightning and flooding, and stay alert to local weather updates.
Where can I find information on school rankings in Birmingham?
The latest rankings for private K-12 schools in Birmingham can be found through reputable educational resources and news outlets that compile data such as college scores, enrollment rates, and ratings from parents and students.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Canyon Fire Devours Over 5,000 Acres Near Lake Piru
Air Quality Advisory Issued Across Upstate New York
Birmingham Faces Severe Thunderstorms and Tribute to Ozzy Osbourne
Extreme Heatwave Engulfs Eastern U.S.
Severe Heat Wave to Hit Alabama as Temperatures Approach 100 Degrees
Birmingham Launches Cooling Stations for Residents
Alabama Faces Heat Advisory as Temperatures Soar
Birmingham Braces for a Major Heat Wave
Severe Weather Impacts Millions Across the U.S. This Weekend
Birmingham to Introduce New Direct Flights for College Football
Additional Resources
- AL.com: Prepare for Strong Thunderstorms in Jefferson County
- WVTM13: Video of Car Flooding in Birmingham
- Alabama News Center: Severe Storms Likely Over North Alabama
- NBC News: Thunderstorms Threaten Alabama
- ABC3340: Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued for Central Alabama
- Wikipedia: Weather in Alabama
- Google Search: Severe Thunderstorm Watch
- Google Scholar: Thunderstorms in Alabama
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
- Google News: Alabama Weather Alerts
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
