Severe Storms Expected In Alabama Wednesday, Thursday

BIRMINGHAM, AL — A band of heavy storms is expected to sweep through Alabama Wednesday, and the National Weather Service predicts the storms to become severe in some areas. The National Weather Service in Birmingham said the storms will likely arrive in the state Wednesday and keep moving through Alabama into Thursday morning.

A line of severe storms will enter northwest Alabama around midnight to 1 a.m., then will push southward during the early morning, the NWS said. The line should reach Tuscaloosa, Birmingham, Anniston and Gadsden around 3 to 4 a.m., and then Montgomery and Opelika around 6 a.m.

"Storms overnight will be capable of producing large hail and damaging winds," said meteorologist James Spann. "A few isolated tornadoes are possible as well."

Spann said the thunderstorms will move fairly quickly, so rain amounts should be generally one-half inch for most places, and flooding is not expected.

"We are in the core of the spring tornado season in Alabama, and we have multiple severe weather threats in the days ahead," Spann said. "Today will be warm with a mix of sun and clouds; temperatures should reach the low 80s this afternoon. The air becomes unstable, and scattered showers and thunderstorms will form by early afternoon. These could be strong, possibly severe, with potential for hail and strong, gusty winds. High-resolution model data suggests the best potential for the stronger storms this afternoon will be across the central counties of the state."