An outbreak of severe weather is possible for Alabama mid-week.

Forecasters have added a moderate risk for severe weather in the western portion of the state in anticipation of storms expected to start on Wednesday afternoon.  A moderate risk is Level 4 out of 5, and that means widespread severe storms will be likely.  All forms of severe weather will be possible, including strong tornadoes (EF-2+) and winds up to 75 mph.  Several parts of Alabama will have a moderate Level 4 classification in place for severe weather on Wednesday.  Hail and flash flooding are also on the table.

Forecasters are particularly concerned about damaging winds; the Storm Prediction Center said that a an “intense” line of storms is expected to take shape and move into Alabama “capable of widespread wind damage.”  Forecasters said non-thunderstorm wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph will be possible during the afternoon into evening hours Wednesday – which could lead to trees falling and/or damage to property and power outages.

Calmer weather is expected behind the line of storms on Thursday; rain could return to the forecast by Saturday.