BIRMINGHAM– Central Alabama severe weather could bring damaging winds, heavy rain, and isolated flash flooding Saturday afternoon and evening.

The National Weather Service in Birmingham has placed parts of the region under a Level 2 of 5 severe weather risk. Forecasters expect the primary threat to come from isolated damaging winds.

Thunderstorms could become severe between 3 and 11 p.m. Saturday. The strongest storms may produce wind gusts of up to 60 mph.

Meanwhile, pockets of heavy rain could cause isolated flash flooding Saturday afternoon and Saturday night. Some locations may receive up to 3 inches of rain.

Central Alabama Severe Weather Timing and Threats

The Central Alabama severe weather threat will develop as numerous to widespread showers and thunderstorms move across the region.

Not every community will experience severe weather. However, any stronger storm could produce damaging winds and torrential rain.

Urban and street flooding may also develop in areas with poor drainage. The risk could increase where multiple storms repeatedly move across the same location.

Because the exact placement of the heaviest storms remains uncertain, residents should continue monitoring updated forecasts throughout the day.

People attending outdoor events should identify a sturdy shelter before storms arrive. Campers and others spending extended periods outdoors should remain especially weather-aware.

Residents should also have more than one reliable way to receive weather warnings. Those options may include Wireless Emergency Alerts, weather radios, trusted weather applications, and local broadcasts.

Drivers should never attempt to cross a flooded roadway. Water may be deeper or moving faster than it appears. In addition, floodwater can hide damaged pavement or other hazards.

If a severe thunderstorm warning is issued, residents should move inside a sturdy building and remain away from windows. Loose outdoor objects should also be secured before storms develop.

The National Weather Service encourages residents to follow later forecasts because storm timing and affected areas may change.

WEATHER CENTER