Damaging Winds, Brief Tornadoes Possible on Saturday in Alabama

Tomorrow, Saturday, January 27, an approaching low-pressure system will increase rain and thunderstorms across the region. As the system moves across the area, it could create favorable conditions for the development of strong to severe storms.

Risk Areas

The Storm Prediction Center has defined the state of Alabama in two primary risk categories. There is a "slight risk" of severe thunderstorms and a "marginal risk" that covers the remaining areas outside the slight risk zone except for a small section in the state's far northwestern corner.

James Spann, ABC 33/40, and Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa Chief Meteorologist, said this is “basically a conditional severe weather threat; severe storms are possible if there is the air can recover from the morning batch of rain and surface-based instability becomes available.”

Timing and Threats

“The main threat will come from strong winds, although a brief, isolated tornado or two is possible. The line of storms will move into West Alabama around noon and should be out of the state by 7:00 p.m. It will be another mild day with highs in the upper 60s and low 70s,” said Spann.

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The National Weather Service in Birmingham said that the concerns are for damaging winds up to 60 mph, brief tornadoes, and the continued threat of flooding.

The current thoughts on timing for the Townsquare Media Coverage area, which includes Bibb, Fayette, Greene, Hale, Lamar, Perry, Pickens, Sumter, Tuscaloosa, and Walker, is from Noon to 3:00 p.m., with a small portion of Bibb and Perry counties, going until 5:00 p.m.

REMINDER: As weather conditions change, this could impact the risk areas, threats, and timing. We will continue to monitor this storm system and bring you any necessary updates.

Rain Outlook

Be sure to stay aware because “additional rain amounts will be in the 1-2 inch range across Alabama through tomorrow evening, and a flood watch remains in effect for many counties,” said the National Weather Service in Birmingham.