5 Things To Know In Tuscaloosa As Tropical System Approaches

TUSCALOOSA, AL — A tropical system is expected to bring heavy rain and thunderstorms across much of Alabama in the coming days, including Tuscaloosa.

Here's everything you need to know ahead of the weekend storms ...

1. The National Weather Service says Tropical Cyclone Three could still slowly strengthen into a Tropical Storm in the Gulf of Mexico before making landfall Saturday morning. The system will bring a potential for flooding and tornadoes to a large portion of the state.

2. Tuscaloosa can expect a possibility for tropical storm weather beginning Saturday, with heavier rain expected to begin after 10 a.m. and more severe weather later in the evening.

3. Tuscaloosa County has been placed under a Flash Flood Watch through Sunday evening. The NWS says rainfall totals of 3 to 5 inches will be possible in the watch area with a few locally higher amounts.

4. Tuscaloosa County EMA offers a free emergency notifications service - TuscALERT — that sends updates on severe weather directly to your phone, email or mobile device. Click here to sign up for TuscALERT.

5. Click here for a map of storm shelters across the Tuscaloosa metro. The Tuscaloosa County EMA website also provides regular updates on when shelters open during severe weather events.

Be sure to have your severe weather plan in place and your devices charged. Also, be on the lookout for standing water over roadways. TURN AROUND, DON'T DROWN!

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