BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) – FIRST ALERT WEATHER DAYS: We’ve declared this afternoon into Thursday morning as First Alert Weather Days. The Storm Prediction Center has expanded the enhanced risk (level 3/5) to include all of west Alabama and as far east as Calhoun to Coosa counties. The main threats include damaging wind gusts up to 60 mph, isolated tornadoes, and large hail up to quarter-size.
A Flood Watch has now been issued from 4pm today through 7 a.m. Thursday. Some can expect 2 to 3 inches of rain which could lead to localized flooding. If you live in a flood prone area now is your time to prepare.
A strong cold front will move through the state today, increasing storms in west Alabama as early as 1 p.m. Storms will become widespread during the evening commute, overnight into early Thursday morning. Winds ahead of the main line could easily reach 30mph, and temperatures will climb into the lower 80s this afternoon before storms arrive. We’ll also keep an eye on heavy downpours, as there is a low-end flooding threat. Rain totals around 1 to 3 inches, with locally higher amounts.
MOTHER’S DAY WEEKEND: This weekend looks mainly dry during the day Saturday, but Saturday night into Sunday morning as the front lifts back north. More scattered showers and storms will be possible late Sunday into Monday of next week.
Check in for updates throughout the week on the WBRC First Alert Weather app (search WBRC in your app store), and watch live on the WBRC streaming app…