Northern Alabama residents are being warned to prepare for potentially severe thunderstorms on Friday afternoon and evening. The main threats are damaging winds and large hail, which could cause significant damage. The National Weather Service in Birmingham has issued a Level 2 (slight) risk for severe storms in several areas.
Areas Under Severe Thunderstorm Threat
The National Weather Service has forecasted that areas north of Interstate 20, including Hamilton, Jasper, and Gadsden, are at a Level 2 risk for severe thunderstorms starting late Friday. In these regions, wind gusts could reach 60 mph, and hail may grow to the size of quarters in isolated storm cells.
Most of Central Alabama, including Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Montgomery, and Auburn, will be under a Level 1 (marginal) risk. This means while storms may still be strong in these areas, the chances of widespread severe impacts are lower. The primary hazard for these areas will be damaging wind gusts, which are expected to be strongest during the late afternoon commute and into the evening hours.
Safety Measures and Travel Alerts
Residents across the affected regions are urged to stay informed by having multiple ways to receive weather alerts, especially if traveling along highways such as I-22, U.S. 278, or I-65. It’s important to keep mobile phones charged and to have access to a sturdy shelter if warnings are issued.
The storm threat is expected to increase as additional waves of severe weather move through the area over the weekend. Therefore, residents should remain weather-aware and continue to monitor conditions closely throughout the weekend.
Northern Alabama is at risk for severe thunderstorms on Friday, with the possibility of damaging winds and large hail. While central Alabama is facing a lower risk, residents across the region should remain alert, particularly when traveling, and prepare for stormy conditions as the weekend progresses.
