West Alabama Counties Face Slight Risk of Severe Storms

The Townsquare Media Weather Center has been carefully monitoring the potential for severe weather on Friday, January 9.

Initially, the severe weather threat was confined to the northwest corner of Alabama, but new guidance now extends the risk zone to include West Alabama.

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Risk Zone Outlook

The Storm Prediction Center has west-central Alabama under a Slight Risk (Level 2 out of 5) for severe storms. A Marginal Risk (Level 1 out of 5) risk extends eastward.

Early Look at Timing

The current outlook for the severe weather threat is Friday afternoon into late Friday evening.

West Alabama Risk Guide

Bibb - Marginal Risk

Fayette – Slight Risk

Greene – Slight Risk

Hale – the county is split between Marginal and Slight Risk

Lamar – Slight Risk

Perry - Marginal Risk

Pickens – Slight Risk

Sumter – Slight Risk

Tuscaloosa – Slight Risk

Walker – Slight Risk

Main Weather Hazards

Concerning threats associated with this system are “damaging winds, brief tornadoes, and large hail,” said the National Weather Service in Birmingham.

Beyond the severe weather risk, a slow-moving boundary is expected to usher in periods of heavy rainfall, especially across northwestern Central Alabama, where 2 to 3 inches are likely.

“The severe thunderstorm risk is somewhat conditional; instability values are rather low, which will be a limiting factor,” said James Spann, Alabama Weather Network and Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa Chief Meteorologist. “But we note models show a strong low-level jet (winds about 5,000 feet off the ground) setting up over Alabama Friday night, which will aid in thunderstorm development. The main risk will come from strong, gusty winds; a brief isolated tornado can't be totally ruled out in the 2/5 risk area.”

We’ll continue to closely monitor this developing storm system and share updates as needed. As Friday approaches, the timing and impacts will become clearer. Be sure to check back for the latest weather information.

Mary K. - Weather Forecaster