Severe Storms Possible Across Central Alabama Tonight; Damaging Winds, Isolated Tornadoes Strong to severe thunderstorms are expected to move across Central Alabama Wednesday night into early Thursday morning, bringing the potential for damaging winds, hail, and a few isolated tornadoes. The Storm Prediction Center has placed much of Central Alabama under a Level 1 to Level 2 risk for severe weather, indicating a marginal to slight chance of significant storms. Forecasters predict a cold front moving in from the west will bring a line of storms into northwest Alabama late this afternoon, around 3 to 4 p.m., before pushing southward through the evening and overnight hours. The primary threats include damaging straight-line winds, a few isolated tornadoes, and brief, minor flooding from heavy downpours. ABC 33/40 Chief Meteorologist James Spann emphasized the need for reliable weather alerts, recommending a NOAA Weather Radio and the Alabama Weather Network app. Storms are expected to exit southeast Alabama by around 8 a.m. Thursday. In addition to the severe weather threat, heavy rainfall could lead to localized flooding, particularly in areas that received 1 to 3 inches of rain earlier this week. Most locations are forecasted to receive 1 to 2 inches of rain, though some communities could see over 2 inches. The Weather Prediction Center has placed much of the region in a Level 1 out of 4 risk for excessive rainfall. While widespread flooding is not expected, brief issues may develop in areas with poor drainage. After the storms move out, much cooler air will settle into Alabama. Highs on Thursday will be about 20 degrees cooler than Wednesday, with temperatures in the 50s across North Alabama.#storm_prediction_center #central_alabama #abc_33_40 #james_spann #weather_prediction_center
