Alabama faces a weekend of severe weather with strong tornadoes, damaging winds, and large hail possible, as winds increase Friday and peak Saturday, prompting officials to urge preparedness without panic. (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Weather Service, Storm Prediction Center)
Alabama is expected to experience a weekend of severe weather, including the possibility of strong tornadoes, damaging winds and large hail.
The National Weather Service predicts non-thunderstorm winds increasing throughout Friday, with gusts reaching 30 mph by the evening. By Saturday afternoon, gusts of 35 mph will be common, continuing into early Sunday morning.
“It’s going to be a very active day [Saturday], and we want everybody just to be aware and be doing everything they can, and not to panic, but just be ready in case a warning is issued,” said Andrew Pritchett, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Huntsville.
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Gov. Kay Ivey issued a state of emergency for all 67 counties late Friday morning. The state of emergency will take effect today at 2:00 p.m. Central and will stay in place until it is lifted.
“The state of Alabama is at risk for potentially dangerous, severe weather throughout this weekend, so it is critical that everyone stays very aware of their local forecasts. Now is the time to make any preparations and have a plan, should the weather conditions become dangerous,” Ivey said in a statement.
Severe thunderstorms, including isolated to scattered “supercells,” or weather ripe for tornadoes, are expected to develop late Friday into Saturday morning. A layer of warm air aloft, known as a “cap,” could limit storm development, but if it disperses, numerous supercells may form. Some tornadoes could reach EF2 strength or higher.
Supercells are forecasted to redevelop across the western half of Alabama after 12 p.m. Saturday, followed by intense storms moving into western Alabama after 5 p.m.
The system could produce tornadoes with winds exceeding 70 mph and large hail. Heavy rainfall could also lead to flooding, particularly in northern Alabama.
“The greater threat for tornadoes will be out in west Alabama and northwest Alabama, so people there especially need to ensure they have ways to receive alerts,” Pritchett said.
Jeff Smitherman, director of Alabama Emergency Management Agency, said in a statement that Alabamians should have an emergency contact who lives out of town, rather than someone within the household, to help coordinate communication in case of disruptions. He said those needing guidance on assembling an emergency kit can visit Ready.gov or follow updates from the Alabama Emergency Management Agency on social media.
“The best way to be prepared is to start now. Ensure you have your NOAA weather radio with extra batteries, that your emergency kit is easily accessible, and that you know your emergency plan,” he said in a statement.
Smitherman also suggested downloading reliable weather and emergency alert apps, such as the FEMA app, keeping electronic devices charged, and disabling “do not disturb” settings to ensure alerts are received when they matter most.
Pritchett said Alabamians should keep weather radios on and be sure they have a way to receive warnings throughout the night, when severe weather is more likely to catch people off-guard. He also said it was important to stay close to a safe location on Saturday and remain highly alert to weather updates, he said, and people should have multiple ways to receive warnings and make any necessary decisions in advance about the nearest storm shelter.
“There’s a lower risk of severe weather, at least this far east tonight, in Huntsville, but it’s still a nonzero chance,” Pritchard said.
Conditions should calm late Saturday night into early Sunday.
Jim Stefkovich, a meteorologist who provides weather updates for the Alabama Emergency Management Agency in conjunction with the National Weather Service, urged residents to finalize severe weather plans now.
He recommended having helmets and sturdy shoes on hand in case of structural damage and knowing the locations of nearby storm shelters. Those living in mobile homes or feeling unsafe in their residences should plan ahead to reach a sturdier location before storms arrive.
“We don’t say this to scare people,” Pritchett said. “It’s just going to be a very important day, and we want everyone to be prepared. Don’t panic—just be ready.”
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