Severe Storms Possible In Alabama New Year's Eve

BIRMINGHAM, AL — What some may say is a fitting end to 2020, Dec. 31 is expected to be a stormy day, with severe weather forecast for Thursday and Friday. The National Weather Service in Birmingham said the Birmingham area is at a marginal risk for severe storms, while Tuscaloosa and the areas south and east of Birmingham are in the "slight risk" category.

Meteorologist Scott Martin said the latest run of the Global Forecast System has slowed the eastward progression of the recent cold front and holds the scattered rain and storms off from entering central Alabama until the mid to late morning on New Year’s Eve.

"The much heavier activity will move in during the evening and late night," Martin said. "During this time, a few strong to severe storms may be possible."

The Storm Prediction Center has the southern half of Alabama in a 15 percent probability for severe thunderstorms to occur within 25 miles of a certain point. The threat of stronger to severe storms is likely from 3 p.m. Thursday to around 3 a.m. Friday.

"There will be a decent amount of instability as the storm moves through during the late-night and overnight hours," Martin said. "Combine that with decent shear and helicity values forecast at the same time, and there will be a threat of damaging thunderstorm wind gusts up to 60 mph and the potential for a few tornadoes. We’ll have a better idea later in the day today as the higher-resolution models come into view for the entire event. For now, afternoon highs on Thursday will be in the lower 60s to the lower 70s."

The NWS issued a statement via social media Tuesday, saying, "Make sure your severe weather plans are prepared, and check back for updates heading into Thursday."