Hurricane Delta: Risk Of Thunderstorms For Alabama

BIRMINGHAM, AL — Hurricane Delta is expected to make landfall in Louisiana Friday night as a Category 2 hurricane, and with that will come some heavy rain for Alabama. The National Weather Service expects a moderate threat of severe storms for the entire state.

Winds up to 22 mph could come across the state midday Saturday along with up to two inches of rain, according to meteorologist James Spann.

"It won’t rain all day, but the rain could be heavy at times," Spann said. "Also, the Storm Prediction Center has defined a marginal risk (level 1 out of 5) of severe storms for all 67 Alabama counties."

A few brief, isolated tornadoes are possible in the spiral bands wrapping around the east side of Delta’s circulation, according to the NWS. The highest risk of a couple of tornadoes will come during the afternoon and evening, when the air is most unstable. Be weather aware, and pay attention to warnings if they are needed.

"Showers will end by midday Sunday for most locations; rain totals from now through Sunday will be 2 to 3 inches over northwest Alabama, with 1-2 inches for the rest of the state," Spann said. "Flooding is not expected since the ground is not saturated. Highs over the weekend will be in the mid to upper 70s."

As of Friday morning, Hurricane Delta is packing sustained winds of 120 mph. Some weakening is expected before landfall this evening on the western coast of Louisiana, Spann said.

"For those headed to the coast from Gulf Shores to Panama City Beach, dangerous rip currents are likely over the weekend, but the weather will improve, with only isolated showers both days and a decent amount of sunshine," Spann said. "Next week looks rain-free along the Gulf Coast."