Friday Severe Weather Update: What Alabamians Need to Know

A highly active weather system, which unleashed destructive severe weather and a potential tornado in Houston, Texas, yesterday, is now advancing toward the East.

According to The Weather Channel, “A​t least four people were killed as severe weather roared through Houston Thursday night.”

To give you a perspective of the damage, “windows were blown out of skyscrapers, trees knocked onto cars and homes.”

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Friday Outlook on Risk Areas

James Spann, ABC 33/40, and Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa Chief Meteorologist, said the Storm Prediction Center “maintains a "slight risk" (level 2/5) of severe storms for the southern half of the state, with a "marginal risk" (level 1/5) as far north as Moundville, Calera, and Wedowee.”

Updated Townsquare Media Coverage Area Risk Areas

Bibb – Mostly under a Marginal Threat.

Fayette – Mostly under a Marginal Threat.

Greene – Mostly under a Marginal Threat.

Hale - Mostly under a Marginal Threat, with a small portion of the county under Slight risk.

Lamar – No Severe Weather Threat.

Perry - Mostly under a Marginal Threat, with a small portion of the county under Slight risk.

Pickens – No Severe Weather Threat.

Sumter - Mostly under a Marginal Threat, with a small portion of the county under Slight risk.

Tuscaloosa – No Severe Weather Threat except for a tiny portion in the southern part of the county under a Marginal Threat.

Walker – No Severe Weather Threat.

Possible Threats for Friday

“Instability values will be very limited today over the northern half of the state, but storms that form this afternoon and tonight over South Alabama could produce some hail and strong, gusty winds. An isolated tornado or two is possible,” said Spann.

Friday Timeline

Currently, the overall timeframe for the active weather is between Noon and 11 p.m. The Townsquare Media Coverage Areas are under a more specific time window of Noon to 5 p.m.

Important Note

Please remember that evolving weather conditions could affect the timing, risk areas, and potential threats to our region. We are actively monitoring these developments.

Flooding Concerns for Today Through Saturday Afternoon

The National Weather Service in Birmingham said, "localized flash flooding will be possible, with 2 to 3 inches of rain expected, with isolated higher amounts.” This includes “All of Central Alabama, but the greatest chance within the Moderate Risk area.”

Saturday Outlook

Though the overall severe risk remains low, you can expect intermittent showers and a few thunderstorms.

“A few heavier storms could form across Southeast Alabama with gusty winds and small hail,” said Spann.