Another severe weather system is set to affect several states, including Alabama, on Wednesday, March 10.

Tuesday: Severe Weather Threat Builds in the West

The Townsquare Media Weather Center is closely monitoring a developing weather system to our west that is expected to bring active weather later today and this evening across parts of Texas and the Midwest.

Concerning threats within that system are “hail larger than golf balls, peak gusts over 75 mph, and tornadoes, some of which could be EF2 or greater,” said The Weather Channel.

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Wednesday Severe Weather Overview

Possible Threats

I want to jump straight into the potential threat our area could face on Wednesday.

Damaging Winds – Gusts up to 60 mph
Tornadoes – Isolated/Brief
Large Hail – Up to a Quarter-Size

James Spann, Alabama Weather Network and Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa Chief Meteorologist, said: “The main threat will come from strong, potentially damaging winds, but an isolated tornado or two is possible in the level 2/5 risk area.”

Probability of a Tornado

National Weather Service

Risk Zones

The Storm Prediction Center has Alabama under three different risk zones on Wednesday: Slight Risk, Marginal Risk, and Thunderstorms.

West Alabama Risk Areas

Bibb - Mostly Under Marginal Risk except the Western portion of the county

Fayette - Slight Risk

Greene - Slight Risk

Hale - Slight Risk

Lamar - Slight Risk

Perry - Mostly Under Marginal Risk except the Western portion of the county

Pickens - Slight Risk

Sumter - Slight Risk

Tuscaloosa - Slight Risk

Walker - Slight Risk

Timeline

The National Weather Service in Birmingham has pinpointed the timing of the system to “Wednesday late afternoon and evening.”

“The main window for severe storms will come from about 5:00 tomorrow afternoon through 12 midnight; storms should weaken as they move into South Alabama during the pre-dawn hours Thursday,” said Spann.

Stay Weather Aware and Prepared

As the spring severe weather season is here, I highly recommend that you identify the safest places in your home, workplace, and the places you frequent often.

TIP: This should be a small interior room on the lowest floor, away from windows, such as a bathroom, closet, or hallway. If you live in a manufactured home, planning is key since those structures are not safe during tornadoes.

As always, I encourage you to check back often, as this system develops to our west, which could change the outlook for our area.

Mary K. – Weather Forecaster

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