A powerful storm system is anticipated to bring a renewed threat of severe weather and floods to most of the Southeast by Friday, capping a brief period of calmer weather and increasing concerns about travel and outdoor safety.
According to the National Weather Service and the Storm Prediction Center, the probability of strong to severe thunderstorms is increasing throughout a wide area from Mississippi and Alabama to Tennessee, Georgia, and parts of the Carolinas. Central and northern Alabama, including Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Huntsville, and Montgomery, are at a minor risk of severe weather, with destructive wind gusts and isolated tornadoes likely Friday into early Saturday.
At the same time, the Weather Prediction Center identifies a band of heavy rain extending from the central Gulf Coast to Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee. Rainfall rates can be significant at times, increasing the risk of flash flooding, particularly in low-lying areas, near creeks, and in metropolitan areas with poor drainage. If storms continue to track over the same locations, cities such as Jackson, Tupelo, Birmingham, and Chattanooga may experience rapid water building.
Residents are encouraged to evaluate their severe weather plans, secure outdoor goods, and avoid driving through flooded roads. Before Friday’s storms, it is extremely recommended that you charge your mobile devices and enable weather notifications.
The storm system is predicted to pass east late Friday night into Saturday, although heavy rain and high river levels may persist. Additional alerts or warnings are anticipated as the system approaches.
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