HEADS UP! SEVERE STORMS MOVING IN FROM THE NORTHWEST… Intense, loud thunderstorms are moving into south Alabama and northwest Florida from the northwest this afternoon. A Severe Thunderstorm Warning is in effect as of 2:25PM for much of northern Clarke, northern Monroe, northern Conecuh, and Wilcox counties in south Alabama. This line of storms is capable of producing damaging wind gusts in excess of 70 mph. In addition, torrential downpours of rain are happening with this line of storms as it moves southeast.
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH CONTINUES… All parts of Washington, Clarke, Monroe, Conecuh, Butler counties and points north and east are involved in a Severe Thunderstorm Watch valid until 5PM. I would not be surprised to see a new watch issued for the remainder of south Alabama and our northwest Florida counties over the next few hours. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is different than a Tornado Watch in that the main focus is on bowing segments of this line of storms that could produce damaging wind gusts capable of knocking down trees. Large hail may also happen in some of the storms. The overall tornado risk, however, remains quite low.
WHAT TO EXPECT – NEXT FEW HOURS… We will continue to monitor this strong to severe line of storms moving in from the northwest. This line will ultimately cross the I-65 corridor likely around 4PM or so and move into coastal Alabama, northwest Florida, and south central Alabama. Have a way to hear warnings and if your specific location goes under a severe thunderstorm warning, I would encourage you to stay off the roads and be inside, away from windows.
Rain and storms will clear out later this evening. This line of storms should no longer be an issue for any part of our local area after 10PM at the latest.
We are in studio monitoring the latest conditions. If a tornado warning is required for any part of our local counties, we will start our uninterrupted video coverage to bring you the very latest. I am posting near constant updates this afternoon in the RedZone Weather app. Join me there for the latest!