News Summary
Residents of Central Alabama should be aware of a severe thunderstorm watch valid until 10 p.m. CDT, affecting 11 counties. Local cities like Birmingham and Gadsden are expected to experience damaging winds and hail. Another round of storms is anticipated on Friday, prompting a First Warning Alert Day. Residents are advised to stay updated and take necessary precautions.
Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued for Central Alabama
Attention, residents of Central Alabama! A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued by the National Weather Service, and it’s set to last until 10 p.m. CDT this Thursday evening. This alert includes a whopping 11 counties in the region: Blount, Cherokee, Cullman, Etowah, Fayette, Jefferson, Lamar, Marion, St. Clair, Tuscaloosa, Walker, and Winston.
If you find yourself in cities like Birmingham, Centre, Fayette, Gadsden, Haleyville, Hamilton, Hoover, Jasper, Moody, Oneonta, Pell City, Sulligent, and Vernon, you should definitely stay tuned to the weather updates today!
What to Expect
As the thunderstorm rolls in, be prepared for some wild weather. The forecast shows that these storms could deliver damaging winds reaching speeds of 58 mph or more, along with hail that may be as large as 1 inch. This could mean serious damage to your property if precautions aren’t taken.
Residents across the region are urged to keep a close eye on the weather and to be ready to take protective action if necessary. With a cold front expected to pass through, the conditions are ripe for some rough weather. The northern parts of Central Alabama are likely to experience the most severe thunderstorms today, thanks to some favorable upper-level support and boundary convergence.
A Second Round on Friday
But wait, there’s more! Another wave of thunderstorms is expected to hit on Friday as the upper trough continues its influence over the area. This Friday has even been dubbed a First Warning Alert Day, so get ready for another potential round of scattered strong to severe thunderstorms. This time, the threats include not just damaging winds and large hail, but also frequent lightning—so stay alert!
As for Thursday evening, storm coverage is anticipated to become widespread by approximately 6:00 p.m. However, the severe storm threat should begin to lessen just before midnight. Still, some localized flooding could occur due to heavy rainfall, so it’s best to play it safe and stay indoors if possible.
Know Your Risks
The weather service has indicated that there’s an enhanced risk (level 3 out of 5) for severe storms across the northern half of Central Alabama, which includes cities like Hamilton, Double Springs, Cullman, Birmingham, Gadsden, Anniston, and Tuscaloosa. Areas south of I-59/20 are under a slight risk (level 2 out of 5) for severe storms.
Fortunately, there’s no tornado outbreak expected with this weather system. However, be aware that the main dangers include damaging winds, large hail, frequent lightning, and heavy rain.
Stay Safe During Storms
Doppler radar has already tracked a robust thunderstorm moving over eastern Birmingham around 4:19 p.m., heading east at 15 mph with wind gusts hitting up to 40 mph and pea-sized hail. Locations such as Eastern Birmingham, Vestavia Hills, Mountain Brook, Irondale, Leeds, Shops of Grand River, and Barber Motorsports Park could feel the effects.
Residents should definitely seek shelter indoors during severe weather conditions and follow safety guidelines. For those planning to travel, beware of localized flooding that can result from torrential rainfall. Remember, lightning can strike up to 10 miles away from a thunderstorm, so it’s wise to exercise caution.
For all drivers out there, when the rain starts pouring, those initial moments can make roads particularly slick. It’s crucial to reduce your speed, keep a safe distance from other vehicles, and be mindful of your visibility.
Stay safe and make sure you monitor the weather closely this evening as these storms approach!
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Additional Resources
- ABC 33/40
- Wikipedia: Severe Thunderstorm
- WVTM 13
- Google Search: Alabama weather
- Alabama News Center
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Weather
- NBC News
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.
