High winds expected in parts of Alabama tonight: Tornadoes, heavy rain possible
Strong to possibly severe storms are in the forecast for parts of Alabama tonight, but there is also something else to prepare for: Strong wind gusts. And they could be totally separate from the storms.
The National Weather Service is warning that winds could gusts as high as 50 mph in some parts of Alabama starting later tonight — both near storms and away from them.
Forecasters are expecting rain and storms to develop along a cold front that is expected to move into Alabama late tonight or early Tuesday. Some of the storms, especially in west and south Alabama, could be strong to severe with wind gusts up to 60 mph, tornadoes and heavy rain.
Here is the severe weather outlook for later tonight:
Strong to severe storms will be possible in parts of Alabama starting late this afternoon into tonight. The areas in yellow have a Level 2 out of 5 risk for severe weather today, and the areas in dark green have a Level 1 risk. The strongest storms could bring tornadoes, damaging winds, hail and heavy rain. More storms will be possible on Tuesday in south Alabama.Storm Prediction Center
However, wind gusts could reach as high as 50 mph away from storms in parts of north Alabama and up to 40 mph in central Alabama starting later tonight — and the potential for strong winds will persist into the morning hours.
Winds that strong could bring down tree limbs and cause power outages. Alabama’s ongoing drought has also helped to weaken some trees, making them more vulerable to strong wind gusts.
Strong winds could also make driving hazardous and take a toll on any outdoor decorations that may already be on display.
Wind advisories will be in effect for the northern half of Alabama starting later tonight.
All of north Alabama will be under a wind advisory from 6 p.m. Monday until 6 a.m. Tuesday. The counties in the advisory are Lauderdale, Colbert, Franklin, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Morgan, Marshall, Jackson, DeKalb and Cullman.
The weather service said southeast winds from 20 to 30 mph with gusts of 40 to 50 mph are expected.
For central Alabama, a wind advisory will be in effect from 7 p.m. Monday until 7 a.m. Tuesday for Marion, Lamar, Fayette, Winston, Walker, Blount, Etowah, Calhoun, Cherokee, Cleburne, Pickens, Tuscaloosa, Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair, Talladega, Clay, Randolph, Sumter, Greene, Hale, Perry, Bibb, Chilton, Coosa and Tallapoosa counties.
The weather service said south to southeast winds from 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 40 mph will be possible.
Forecasters expect winds to die down later Tuesday morning.