Tornado warning until 4 a.m. Sunday

SATURDAY EVENING UPDATE: A tornado warning has been issued for much of Alabama, primarily along and west of I-65, until 4 a.m. Sunday. A tornado warning is issued when conditions are favorable for severe weather, including tornadoes.

The line of severe thunderstorms will be near the AL/MS boundary around 9:00 PM CT. It will move eastward and reach the Birmingham metro and I-65 around midnight. Then it rolls into eastern Alabama and moves into Georgia around daybreak tomorrow.

The primary threat to Alabama will be damaging straight-line winds, but a few isolated tornadoes cannot be ruled out.

Be safe and heed all warnings this evening, including severe thunderstorm warnings. Significant damage to trees and power lines is expected.

SATURDAY AFTERNOON UPDATE: An outbreak of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes is forecast over the next 18 hours across portions of the southern United States.

Some rain and a few storms will move widely across western Alabama this afternoon, but nothing serious. Honestly, that’s a good thing as rain like this can help keep the air more stable when the main momentum kicks in tonight.

Not much has changed in our thinking.

*The greatest tornado threat (where some strong, widespread tornadoes are possible) is in the Level 4/5 threat area over LA/MS. But a few isolated tornadoes across Alabama, particularly in western counties, cannot be ruled out in the late afternoon and early evening.

*The “main event” for Alabama will be late tonight and early tomorrow morning as a line of storms moves through the state. The biggest concern is damaging straight-line winds, which can reach up to 70 miles per hour in places. But an isolated tornado or two could become established as it makes its way through the line.

*The line should be near the AL/MS border between 9am and 10am, then move quickly east and reach the Birmingham subway around 1-2am. The storms will move out of eastern Alabama by daybreak on Sunday in most communities. They should trend weaker as they move into eastern counties, but some risk of wind damage will remain.

*Leading late at night or before dawn can cause significant damage to trees and power lines. Be safe and take severe thunderstorm warnings seriously this evening.

*Ahead of the squall line tonight, upslope winds (unrelated to thunderstorms) will increase, reaching gusts of up to 40 mph in places.

*An additional 1 to 2 inches of rain is expected for much of Alabama through tomorrow morning; No major flooding problems are expected at this time.

CALL TO ACTION: Make sure you have a reliable way to receive alerts later today and tonight. A NOAA weather radio is the foundation for any home or business. Make sure emergency notifications are turned on on your phone. Know the safe place in your home (small room, lowest floor, away from windows and near the center of the house) and wear a helmet for everyone (including adults).

If you live in an RV, you know where the nearest animal shelter (or a business that can serve as an animal shelter) is and how to get there quickly. Have transportation available.

BE A HERO: If you are reading this, pay attention to the weather. Take the time to share important weather information (especially tornado warnings) with family and friends via text message or phone call. They may be the only warning they receive.

Remember: A threat of severe weather in late December in Alabama is not unusual. Our tornado season runs from November to May. No need to be alarmed or afraid; Just pay attention to warnings, have a plan, and we’ll get through this together.