Alabama’s rare severe weather event ‘is all but certain’: Level 5 out of 5 risk in forecast for state
Alabama is bracing for two rounds of severe storms over the next two days, with a rare Level 5 high risk for severe weather announced for parts of the state on Saturday. Tonight, a Level 3 risk will affect areas in north and west Alabama, with severe storms expected late tonight. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has warned that an outbreak of severe storms statewide is likely on Saturday, including tornadoes, hurricane-force winds, large hail, and heavy rainfall.
The Level 5 risk denotes a high confidence in numerous severe storms, while a Level 4 risk—covering most of the state—indicates scattered to numerous severe storms could occur. Although forecasters recognize the potential for severe thunderstorms, they caution residents against fixating on the severity level, emphasizing that impactful weather is imminent regardless of the severity rating.
Tonight, forecasters label the severe weather threat as “conditional,” meaning storms may not form, yet if they do, they could be intense. While the storms in northern and western Alabama are anticipated after 11 p.m., a “cap” of warmer air could limit their intensity. On Saturday, confidence mounts for widespread severe storms, with possible supercells and a squall line of storms moving from west to east. Preparation is crucial, and residents are urged to stay alert for severe weather warnings through reliable channels.
Read the complete article here: https://www.al.com/weather/2025/03/alabamas-rare-severe-weather-event-is-all-but-certain-prepare-now-for-powerful-widespread-storms.html
