Changes from Previous Forecast

"A Moderate Risk area has been added across far western and northwest counties.  The Enhanced Risk and Slight Risk areas have also been moved farther to the east, as the confidence of severe weather has increased," said the National Weather Service.

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The Townsquare Media Weather Center is closely monitoring the incoming severe weather threat. We are not only monitoring conditions locally but the system that is tracking across the Southeastern United States toward Alabama.

Stay Weather Aware

We will always host nonstop weather coverage if a tornado warning is issued for any counties in our coverage area.

The Townsquare Media radio stations are Praise 93.3, 92.9 WTUG, 95.3 The Bear, METV 97.5, Catfish 100.1, Tide 100.9, ALT 101.7, and 105.1 The Block.

These radio stations collectively cover Bibb, Fayette, Greene, Hale, Lamar, Perry, Pickens, Sumter, Tuscaloosa, and Walker counties.

Be Prepared

Make sure you are aware of where your safe place is located at your business and at home.

Find out now where your closest shelter is located.

Know what county you live in and what section of the county. Also, know your neighboring counties as well.

Have multiple ways to receive weather information.

Do not silence your phones when going to sleep.

Storm Prediction Center Risk Levels

National Weather Service
National Weather Service
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TIMING

James Spann, ABC 33/40, and Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa Chief Meteorologist said that “a few severe storms are possible across far West Alabama as early as 4-8 p.m.; initially the concern is from hail with little surface based instability. The core threat will come from 10 p.m. until 4 a.m. The severe weather threat will wind down after 4:00 a.m. as the storms move into a more stable airmass.”

THREATS

The National Weather Service in Birmingham said that the main threats from this weather system include:

Tornadoes

Damaging straight-line winds of 70 to 80mph

Hail up to golf ball size

Heavy rainfall may result in localized flooding, especially along and north of the I-20 corridor.

National Weather Service
National Weather Service
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“The main tornado threat is over the western half of the state in the enhanced and slight risk areas. We believe the highest tornado probabilities will be along and south of I-20, and west of I-65 (West and Southwest Alabama)...this is where the best combination of shear and instability will be found,” said Spann.

WIND

Even outside of the thunderstorms there is a concern for damaging winds. It is expected for our area to experience pressure gradient winds. These winds could average between 15-25 mph and possibly wind gusts up to 40 mph.

RAIN

Spann commented that “rain amounts of 1-2 inches are likely... some heavier totals are possible across Southwest Alabama, where a flash flood watch has been issued.”

Now is a great time to know your location on the map. Be sure you know what county you live in and what section, like northwest, or southeast. Also, it's a great idea to know the counties surrounding you. So when you hear weather information for the counties near your location you can be on alert.

 

(Source) Click here to follow the Facebook Page for James Spann. For more from the National Weather Service Birmingham, click here.

 

Ways to Receive Severe Weather Information

 

 

KEEP READING: What to do after a tornado strikes

 

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