Severe Weather Alerts Issued for Alabama Over Memorial Day Weekend

News Summary

Alabama is preparing for severe weather this Memorial Day weekend, with alerts for thunderstorms and strong winds. The Storm Prediction Center has raised the risk level, prompting warnings for various regions, particularly focusing on impactful storms expected in Birmingham. Residents are advised to stay informed due to saturated ground conditions, raising the risk of fallen trees and hazardous travel.

Severe Weather Alerts Issued for Alabama Over Memorial Day Weekend

Alabama is bracing for heavy storms this Memorial Day weekend, with the WVTM 13 First Warning Team declaring Sunday as an Alert Day due to an increase in severe weather risks. Thunderstorms are expected in multiple waves on Sunday, continuing into Monday and Tuesday, classified as Impact Days for residents across the state.

The Storm Prediction Center has raised the severe weather risk for northwest Alabama to a Level 3 out of 5, effective from Sunday evening into the overnight hours. While tornado threats remain low, the primary concerns include wind gusts that could reach up to 75 mph, along with intense lightning and large hail. A fast-moving line of storms is anticipated to travel at approximately 50 mph through Alabama from Sunday night into early Monday morning.

Timing and Areas Affected

The forecast indicates that the most intense weather is likely to impact the Birmingham area between 10 p.m. and midnight on Sunday. Noisy storms will begin early Monday morning in the southern half of Alabama, with the following timing for severe storms expected on Memorial Day:

West Alabama: 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. (counts include Tuscaloosa, Fayette, and Walker)
Along I-65 Corridor: 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. (covers counties like Madison, Jefferson, and Shelby)
East Alabama: 8 p.m. – 12 a.m. (includes Lee, Chambers, and Calhoun counties)

Additionally, a slight risk for severe storms (Level 1 out of 5) has been issued, with forecasts indicating strong wind gusts and frequent lightning throughout the state. Families planning outdoor activities may face disruptions, especially during the afternoon and evening hours on Memorial Day.

Weather Watches and Alerts

Currently, two severe thunderstorm watches have been activated for Alabama. The first watch covers parts of north Alabama until 11 p.m. on Sunday, affecting counties such as Blount, Cherokee, and Cullman. The second watch is effective until 3 a.m. for central and parts of southern Alabama, with numerous counties included in these alerts.

The National Weather Service has reiterated the potential for strong storms characterized by high winds, hail, and heavy rainfall during the holiday weekend and into the following week. Despite the low tornado risks, residents are advised to stay vigilant as conditions may evolve.

Implications of Saturated Ground Conditions

With the ground in Alabama already saturated from recent moisture, the likelihood of fallen trees increases significantly, especially under the pressure of strong winds. High-resolution weather models suggest that bowing segments of storms could contribute to strong straight-line winds, which further raises caution among residents.

Awareness and Preparedness

Residents are encouraged to stay informed about weather updates, particularly through the use of weather apps that provide live notifications regarding radar and nearby lightning. The Gulf Coast region is also expected to experience hot and humid conditions, with temperatures climbing into the upper 80s and “feels like” temperatures in the mid-90s, alongside potential for scattered storms.

As adverse weather persists over the upcoming days, monitoring will be essential. Experts predict storms will primarily develop in the later parts of the afternoon and evening, creating continued risks that could affect travel and recreational activities.