Severe Weekend Storms Possible For Central Alabama

BIRMINGHAM, AL — After possible record high temperatures Friday, central Alabama could see some severe storms as a cold front begins in the area.

The National Weather Service in Birmingham shows a marginal to slight chance of severe storms Saturday, with the main threat coming between 7 a.m. and noon.

"We will watch thunderstorm development northwest of Alabama," meteorologist James Spann said. "There is an enhanced risk (level 3 out of 5) of severe thunderstorms around the Mid-South, including cities like Memphis. A strong tornado can’t be ruled out there during the afternoon and evening. This activity will evolve into a long line of strong to severe thunderstorms that will push into Alabama during the early morning Saturday."

Spann said temperatures Friday in Birmingham will reach the 70s, coming close to the record high for the day. The record high for Birmingham on Dec. 10 is 79, set in 2007.

"The line of strong to severe storms will likely enter the northwest corner of Alabama around 3-4 a.m. Saturday," Spann said. "The line should reach the Birmingham, Anniston, Gadsden and Tuscaloosa areas around 11 a.m.-noon. After noon the line will be south of I-20, pushing into the southern counties by mid to late afternoon."

Spann said the main threat will come from strong, potentially damaging straight-line winds, although a few isolated tornadoes can’t be ruled out.

"Rain will be briefly heavy, but flooding is not expected," he said.