Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued For Jefferson County

BIRMINGHAM, AL — The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Walker, Winston, Jefferson, and Blount counties until 7 p.m.

"The potential for very large hail (up to the size of tennis balls) will exist as we go later into the afternoon," said the NWS in its latest report. "Storms continue to develop across the region, and even the weaker storms have produced small hail over the past hour."

Meteorologist James Spann said a few storms could linger over the southeast corner of the state through noon Saturday.

"The main concern is the potential for damaging straight-line winds with the lines and clusters of storms that pass through," Spann said. "Some hail is also possible and a tornado or two can’t be ruled out, especially south of I-20."

Up to three inches of rain could fall overnight, and some flooding could develop in scattered spots, Spann said.