Forecast stands for severe storms and possible tornado

Published 4:15 pm Thursday, September 12, 2024

Rain/flooding: We are currently transitioning from periods of light rain earlier today to bands of heavier rain. This is the activity on the attached radar loop that is reaching across central Alabama. We continue to see indications that this band could become slow-moving, in the vicinity of the Interstate 65 corridor, and produce waves of heavy rain for several hours later this afternoon and into tonight. Should this occur, several inches of rain could fall in a short period of time and cause flash flooding. If you notice steady and heavy rain in your area later this afternoon and tonight, please heighten your awareness especially if traveling or if you live in a flood-prone area. Do not drive across flooded roadways! Please, don’t reach the “find out” stage. Find an alternate route!

Tornadoes: Within the same band of activity mentioned above, there is a risk for a couple tornadoes later this afternoon and into the evening. So far, we haven’t seen ingredients line up just right which is why we have not issued a tornado watch yet. We continue to monitor how things are going and a tornado watch could still be issued, favoring late afternoon into the evening.

Wind: Gusty winds similar to what you’ve seen so far today will continue into this evening before gradually subsiding overnight. These winds will remain capable of knocking down trees, as has been the case for several locations across central Alabama so far today.

Regional Level-II Radar – Southeast Region – South East Radar Map