Tuscaloosa County Faces Risk Of Damaging Winds, Possible Tornado Threat Monday

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Strong to severe thunderstorms are possible Monday afternoon and evening for Tuscaloosa County as forecasters warn of damaging winds and a brief tornado threat.

Click here to subscribe to our free daily newsletter and breaking news alerts.

The National Weather Service forecast office in Birmingham has placed much the Tuscaloosa Patch coverage area in West Alabama under a Level 2 out of 5 severe weather risk for Monday.

The primary threats are wind gusts up to 60 mph and the potential for isolated, short-lived tornadoes.

The NWS says the greatest risk for severe storms in the Tuscaloosa area is expected between approximately 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. as a line of thunderstorms moves across the state.

Forecasters said showers and thunderstorms are likely to develop during the afternoon, with the chance of storms increasing after 4 p.m. Monday.

The National Weather Service forecast calls for a high near 89 degrees Monday with southwest winds around 10 mph and gusts up to 20 mph.

Rain chances are 60% during the day, with additional showers and thunderstorms continuing into the overnight hours. Rainfall totals of up to a half-inch are possible, with locally higher amounts in stronger storms.

Residents are encouraged to have multiple ways to receive weather alerts, especially during the evening hours when storms are expected to impact the area.

Residents are urged to have multiple ways to receive weather alerts, identify a sturdy shelter location and stay updated on changing conditions.

As Patch previously reported, the Tuscaloosa County EMA recently rolled out a new emergency notification system to send updates on severe weather directly to your phone, email or mobile device.

Click here for a map of other storm shelters across the Tuscaloosa metro.

The Tuscaloosa County EMA website also provides regular updates on when shelters open during severe weather events.

Have a news tip or suggestion on how I can improve Tuscaloosa Patch? Maybe you're interested in having your business become one of the latest sponsors for Tuscaloosa Patch? Email all inquiries to me at ryan.phillips@patch.com