Widespread severe weather and high winds are possible in Alabama later today. alwx
The National Weather Service is particularly worried about the wind, both today and tonight. Wind gusts up to 60 mph will be possible during the day today -- long before the storms arrive.All of the state is under a wind advisory, and several counties in northwest Alabama have been put under a rarely-used high wind warning. Winds could gust up to 60 mph in those areas through early Thursday morning.
Then later this afternoon come the storms, and they could be intense and fast-moving. Tornadoes will be possible, and there is also a chance for a strong tornado as well. NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center has nearly half of the state in a Level 4 out of 5 moderate risk for severe weather. A moderate risk means widespread severe weather is “likely,” according to the SPC’s definition.The rest of the state isn’t out of the woods, either, and has a Level 3, or enhanced, risk for severe weather. An enhanced risk means that numerous severe storms will be likely.
The storms could move into west Alabama later this afternoon in the 4 to 5 p.m. timeframe, according to the weather service, and will track eastward through the night and into early Thursday morning.