Dangerous Weather Expected For Alabama: Tornadoes Likely

BIRMINGHAM, AL — Dangerous weather is expected to sweep across most of Alabama Thursday, as a tornado outbreak is expected across parts of the Southeast, including the northern half of Alabama.

SEE UPDATED WARNINGS AND WATCHES FROM THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HERE

Several long-track, strong tornadoes, destructive winds and very large hail are forecast, as the northeast and central parts of the state have been placed in the high risk category for severe weather, including Jefferson County.

A wind advisory is in effect for much of the state, as south winds will gust as high as 30 mph Thursday due to a tight pressure gradient.

"A dynamic weather system with strong wind fields at the surface and aloft will interact with a very unstable, volatile air mass to bring the severe weather threat," meteorologist James Spann said Thursday morning. "The Storm Prediction Center has a high risk (level 5 of 5) up for northwest Alabama, with a moderate risk (level 4 of 5) down to Sand Rock, Glencoe, Calera, Marion and Linden. An enhanced risk (level 3 of 5) extends as far south as Alexander City, Prattville and Grove Hill."

Spann said a few isolated severe storms are possible Thursday morning with hail and strong winds. "An isolated tornado can’t be ruled out," he said. "But the main window for severe storms will open up in the high risk area across northwest Alabama around 11 a.m. For most of north and central Alabama, the threat comes from 1 p.m. until 11 p.m. Storms could linger over parts of east and south Alabama until midnight as they weaken."

Storms will be capable of producing large hail, damaging winds and tornadoes throughout the day Thursday. A few strong to violent, long-track tornadoes are possible in the high and moderate risk areas, including the Birmingham area.

Spann reminds Alabamians to be prepared for dangerous weather, by following the proper protocols:

• Have two ways of hearing warnings. Never rely on a siren. Every Alabama home and business needs a NOAA Weather Radio (the most popular model is the Midland WR-120, which is sold in most big box retailers). The other way is your phone; be sure emergency alerts are enabled (look under settings and notifications).
• Know the safe place in your house, and in that safe place have helmets for everyone. Bicycle helmets and batting helmets work well. Portable air horns and hard-soled shoes are recommended as well.
• If you live in an apartment complex, you can’t be above the first level. Shelter with a friend on the ground level or ask management to open the clubhouse during a tornado warning.
• If you live in a mobile home, you can’t stay there during a tornado warning. Know the location of the nearest shelter or business that is open 24/7. Know how to get there quickly.

Storm shelters in Jefferson County include:

• Adamsville: 419 Spring St. (near the Senior Citizens Center)
• Bagley Fire Department: 7175 Bankhead Hwy. (for residents around the fire department only)
• Birmingham: Jimmie Hudson Park 305 Pratt Highway
• Birmingham: Pratt City Park 1331 3rd Street
• Brookside: 2711 Municipal Lane
• Concord: 6117 Willow Circle
• Edgewater: Oaks Subdivision Lannie Bonner Circle
• Fultondale: Maple Crest Drive and Walker Chapel Road
• Fultondale: 3220 Hubbert Drive
• Graysville: 4041 Cherry Avenue
• North Smithfield Manor North Smithfield Manor Lane
• Oak Grove: Landers Loop - behind volunteer fire department
• Pleasant Grove: 464 7th Avenue
• Tannehill State Park: 12632 Confederate Parkway
• Warrior Shelter: 309 Trafford Road