Strong To Severe Storms Possible In Alabama This Week

BIRMINGHAM, AL — After several days of dry weather in central Alabama, a weather system is expected to bring heavy rain, up to 60 mph winds and possible tornadoes to the area Thursday.

"We've had few days of nice weather ahead, but things turn more active on Thursday," the National Weather Servide in Birmingham said in a statement Monday. "The details pertaining to the timing & extent of threats should become more apparent as we get closer but, at this time, the overall setup suggests a risk for severe storms later this week."

A dynamic weather system will bring the threat of strong to severe thunderstorms to Alabama Thursday, meteorologist James Spann said.

"Shear and instability values look favorable, but the main upper-air support will be lifting north of the region by mid to late afternoon, meaning the higher severe-weather probabilities will be over Mississippi and the western half of Alabama," Spann said. "The Storm Prediction Center has much of the state in a severe weather risk Thursday."

Spann said that for now, all modes of severe weather will be possible, including strong straight-line winds, hail and a few tornadoes. "Pressure-gradient winds (not related to thunderstorms) will be 15-25 mph Thursday with higher gusts," Spann said. "Rain amounts will likely be at or a little over 1 inch for most of the state, but widespread flooding is not expected. The main window for the heavier storms will come during the afternoon and evening. We will be much more specific about the threat Tuesday."