Severe Weather Threat: What To Expect Thursday

BIRMINGHAM, AL — Threats of severe weather forecast earlier this week for Thursday are holding true, as the National Weather Service warns that damaging winds are the main hazard throughout the day, with a few tornadoes possible.

"We expect an active weather day Thursday for Alabama ahead of a dynamic storm system," meteorologist James Spann said Wednesday.

The Storm Prediction Center has defined an enhanced risk (level 3 out of 5) of severe weather in portions of west and central Alabama, including most of the Birmingham metro area.

Heavier storms will open up around 3 p.m. over northwest Alabama, with the risk expanding to the south and east Thursday evening. For Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Anniston and Gadsden, the core threat comes from about 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Strong south winds will develop across the state Thursday thanks to a tight pressure gradient, Spann said. Winds will average 15-30 mph, with gusts to 40 mph possible.

This could bring some scattered tree and power-line damage.

"Heavier storms will be capable of producing strong winds and hail," Spann said. "A few tornadoes are possible, mainly over the western half of the state."

Although the system will bring some heavy rains at times — up to an inch in most areas — flooding is currently not a threat.

"This kind of day is routine for February in Alabama; this is our tornado season (November through May)," Spann said. "Just be sure you have a reliable way of hearing warnings (never a siren) and know your safe place."