Tornado Watch Issued For Jefferson, Shelby Counties

BIRMINGHAM, AL — The National Weather Service in Birmingham has issued a tornado watch for several counties in north and central Alabama until 10 p.m. Wednesday, including Jefferson and Shelby counties.

"This is not a high-end tornado threat, but conditions have become supportive enough that a brief tornado could occur with any stronger / organized storm," the NWS said in a statement issued Wednesday afternoon. "Storms are producing heavy rainfall and flooding is a threat, too."

A flash flood watch remains in effect for all of central Alabama until 1 a.m. Thursday.

"Soils are very saturated, so heavy downpours can quickly lead to runoff and the potential for flash flooding," the NWS said earlier Wednesday morning.

The NWS also said heavier storms could produce some small hail due to colder air associated with the upper low nearby.