Tornado Watch In Effect For Parts Of Alabama

BIRMINGHAM, AL - The weather in Alabama in December has been somewhat confusing, with several days of freezing temperatures mixed in with days that felt like spring. Heavy rain during the month has also made way for some possible snow this coming week, and Monday the National Weather Service in Birmingham issued a Tornado Watch for parts of the state.

Counties under the watch include Tuscaloosa, Cullman, Fayette, Walker, Pickens, Lamar, Marion, Winston, Greene and Sumter counties. The watch is in effect until 7 p.m. Monday night.

The NWS said there is a slight chance for severe storms through 9 pm tonight. Areas that could be impacted include areas along and west of a Selma to Clanton to Anniston line. Wind gusts of 40 to 60 mph are possible with a line of showers and embedded thunderstorms. A tornado can not be ruled out across the far western counties, the report said. Wind gusts up to 35 mph are possible ahead of the main line of storms, which could also uproot trees due to rain soaked ground conditions.

(For more updates on this story and free news alerts for your neighborhood, sign up for your local Patch morning newsletter.)

Locally, heavy rainfall is expected as well. Rises along the rivers will continue and many are near bank full or in flood.

Some snow later in the week is also possible. As cold high pressure edges into Alabama, there are hints that there could be enough moisture left for some snow on the back side of the midweek system, according to the NWS. The idea of there being some accumulating snows over north and north central Alabama Thursday afternoon and night is still within the realm of possibility.

Image via NWS-Birmingham