West Alabama Severe Weather: Threats, Timeline, & Risk Areas

For Friday, January 9, West Alabama and other communities across the Yellowhammer State will face active weather. Here is what you need to know about the potential for strong to severe weather.

Threats for Friday and Saturday

• Damaging winds
• Brief tornadoes
• Large hail
• Heavy Rain is a concern. The “Flood Watch” was issued earlier today due to concerns that excessive runoff could cause flooding in rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying, flood-prone areas. Flooding may occur in poorly drained areas and in urban areas.

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West Alabama Friday Timeline and Threat Area

Bibb – Almost the entire county is under a Slight Risk | 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Fayette – Slight Risk | 6 a.m. – 10 a.m.

Greene – Slight Risk | 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Hale – Slight Risk | 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Lamar – Slight Risk | 6 a.m. – 10 a.m.

Perry – Almost the entire county is under a Slight Risk |

Pickens – Slight Risk | 6 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Sumter – Slight Risk | 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Tuscaloosa – Slight Risk | 6 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Walker – Slight Risk | 6 a.m. – 10 a.m.

West Alabama Saturday Timeline and Threat Area

The Saturday threat is from early Saturday morning through mid-afternoon; the following counties are under a marginal risk.

Bibb – a portion of the county

Greene – a small portion of the county

Hale – a portion of the county

Pickens – the entire county

Sumter – a portion of the county

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Important Notes from the National Weather Service in Birmingham

• Friday morning - evening and Saturday morning - early afternoon
• Highest chances: Friday midday through early evening across areas south and west of Tuscaloosa and Saturday morning through midday across southeastern counties

Key Information from James Spann – Alabama Weather Network

This is very conditional severe weather threat. High-resolution models show only a very small amount of surface-based instability, which will likely limit the formation of severe thunderstorms. Should instability values be higher than forecast, a few storms could produce strong winds. A brief, isolated tornado is possible, but not likely. Heavy rain/flooding is the main concern with this event.