Western Alabama has a Heightened Chance for Tornadoes on Thursday

Like our neighboring states, Alabama is preparing for the possibility of severe weather on Thursday, February 17, 2022. This threat is part of a larger weather system that is moving across the country.

This particular weather system can bring the threat of strong to severe thunderstorms to our area. We are monitoring this storm system and providing updates as information is adjusted. Please check back often for weather updates as many variables play into timing and threat levels.

The National Weather Service in Birmingham has provided highlights to help you stay aware of the situation for Thursday.

Where:

Gusty non-thunderstorm winds: All of Central Alabama

Severe threat: All of Central Alabama

Tornado threat: Locations west of I-65 (lower tornado threat for areas east of I-65)

When:

Non-thunderstorm winds: 6 AM Thursday through early Friday morning

Severe and Tornado Threat: Thursday afternoon through late Thursday night

Threats:

Non-thunderstorm winds gusting to 30-40 MPH can bring down trees and powerlines

Damaging straight-line winds up to 60 MPH possible during thunderstorms

A tornado or two cannot be ruled out

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James Spann, ABC 33/40, and Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa Chief Meteorologist has provided some further details about the timing, and threats.

TIMING:

Spann mentioned that the “broad window for severe storms in Alabama will come from 2:00 p.m. until 2:00 a.m. Storms will end from west to east Thursday night.”

THREATS:

In addition, Spann noted that “storms will be capable of producing hail, strong winds, and a few tornadoes. The higher risk of a tornado is over the "slight risk" across the western half of Alabama.”

WIND:

Be sure to pay attention to the threats not related to thunderstorms with the potential for gradient winds. Spann said that it will “average 15-25 mph out of the south, with potential for gusts to 30/35 mph. It will be a windy day.”

RAIN:

Spann suggests that the “rain amounts of around one inch are likely. A few spots could see higher totals. Flooding is not expected to be an issue for now.”

Please take time today to review your weather safety plan for you, your family, and even at your workplace. We are closely monitoring this weather system and plans are in place to bring you vital weather and safety information.

Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa is also prepared to give you nonstop weather coverage during Tornado warnings and digital weather coverage with the Tuscaloosa Thread.

Radio Stations - Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa

Praise 93.3

92.9 WTUG

95.3 The Bear

METV 97.5

Catfish 100.1

Tide 100.9

ALT 101.7

105.1 The Block

Our extensive group of radio stations also covers many counties as well. Here is the full list of counties we cover.

Coverage Areas

Bibb

Fayette

Greene

Hale

Lamar

Perry

Pickens

Sumter

Tuscaloosa

Walker

(Source) Click here to follow the Facebook Page for James Spann. For more from the National Weather Service Birmingham, click here.