Hurricane Ida Expected To Bring Storms To Alabama

BIRMINGHAM, AL — Alabama will see some heavy rain and storms from Tropical Storm Ida, which is expected to strengthen to a hurricane Friday. The National Weather Service says Alabama will be on the wet, unsettled east side of the system and storms will sweep over the state by Monday.

"Rain over west and southwest Alabama Monday will spread northward, and much of the state will have widespread rain Monday night and Tuesday," meteorologist James Spann said. "The rain could be heavy at times and flooding is possible. Amounts will be 3-5 inches over the western half of the state, with amounts of 1-3 inches for the eastern counties."

In addition to the flooding risk, a few isolated tornadoes will be possible, Spann said. Storms will form initially over west and southwest Alabama Monday, and statewide Monday night and Tuesday.

"But uncertainty still remains high regarding the overall evolution of Ida as it moves inland and how buoyant the environment over Alabama will be, so it is a little too early to know the magnitude of the tornado threat," Spann said. "Typically tornadoes associated with tropical systems tend to be short-lived and can touch down with little warning."

Rain is expected to taper off by Wednesday, and drier air arrives Thursday and Friday with more sunshine and lower humidity levels. Some north Alabama communities could reach the 50s Thursday and Friday morning