Severe Weather In Birmingham: Threat Heightened For Thursday

BIRMINGHAM, AL — After placing the Birmingham area in an "enhanced risk" earlier for severe weather for Thursday, the National Weather Service in Birmingham has upgraded Birmingham's risk level to "moderate risk."

Moderate risk includes the threat of strong tornadoes,damaging winds up to 70 mph and golf ball-sized hail.

The NWS reported Wednesday that significant severe storms are likely mid-morning Thursday through early Thursday evening across the entire Birmingham area.

"Tornadoes are likely, with some strong and long-track," the NWS report said. "Damaging wind gusts up to 80 mph and large hail greater than golf ball size are likely."

Showers and storms are possible, if not likely, across parts of Alabama Thursday morning, but they will most likely remain below severe limits, meteorologist James Spann said.

"The window for severe thunderstorms over northwest Alabama will run from 1 until 9 p.m.; for places like Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Anniston and Gadsden the window is from 3 until 11 p.m., and for Montgomery and points south and east the threat will come from 5 p.m. until 1 a.m."

Spann said Alabamians should be prepared for severe weather, just as they were a week ago.

"Alabamians did a remarkable job of being prepared for the severe weather event last Wednesday, when 25 tornadoes touched down across the state, but with no injuries and no loss of life," Spann said. "We will need the same level of preparedness Thursday."

To be prepared:

• 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) and install the free ABC 33/40 Weather app.
• Know the safe place in your house, and in that safe place have helmets for everyone. Bicycle helmets and batting helmets work well. We also recommend portable air horns and hard-soled shoes for everyone.
• 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 if they can 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.