FIRST ALERT: Tornado Watch cancelled in Alabama

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - The big story this evening is the significant threat for severe weather across the Southeast. The Storm Prediction Center has updated the severe weather outlook and included more counties west of I-65 under the enhanced risk for storms. Walker, Lamar, Pickens, Walker, Winston, Cullman, Tuscaloosa, Greene, Hale, and Sumter counties please be weather alert and have a plan in place as you are in the risk zone for stronger storms.

I want to give you the First Alert for gusty winds of 40 to 60 mph and large hail as our major concern with these storms. These winds will likely pick up close to when the storms move through and continue through Saturday morning. The tornado threat will likely be higher for parts of west Alabama where wind shear and unstable air are the greatest. Just make sure you stay weather aware tonight into tomorrow morning. Have multiple ways to receive critical weather information. Make sure you have a NOAA Weather Radio turned on and with fresh batteries. Keep electronics charged and monitor the WBRC First Alert Weather app. If any warnings are issued, we will likely be on television. If a warning is issued for your area, make sure you have a plan on where to go in your home to take shelter.

There is a Wind Advisory in place right now until Saturday morning at 7 AM. Power outages can’t be ruled out, so make sure you keep your electronic devices charged. The line of storms will be capable of producing isolated tornadoes too. The greatest tornado threat will likely remain in west Alabama. The storms will race through the area, and I think most of the active weather will be out of Alabama by 5 - 6 AM.

After the Storms Saturday morning: There is a chance for storms to develop later Saturday morning after the main line of storms. I would keep all weather devices nearby until Saturday afternoon. Once the storms clear, Saturday will end up mostly sunny, warm, and breezy. Highs are forecast to climb into the upper 70s and lower 80s with southwest winds at 10-20 mph. An isolated strong storm could develop in the afternoon hours. If a storm somehow develops Saturday afternoon, it would be capable of producing strong winds and large hail.

Storms Return Sunday Evening: Dry and cool air will slowly filter into the northern half of Alabama Sunday morning. Temperatures will likely start out in the low to mid 50s. The first half of Sunday is looking dry with a partly cloudy sky. High temperatures are forecast to warm into the upper 70s. The cold front that moves through our area tomorrow will likely stall along the Gulf Coast and lift northwards as a warm front. Rain and storms will likely move into our southern counties Sunday evening. By Sunday night, most of Central Alabama will see rain and thunderstorms. Severe ingredients could increase Sunday night across I-20 and points to the south. The main threats will be large hail and damaging winds. The tornado threat looks extremely low in this setup but can’t be completely ruled out. If the threat for severe weather increases, we will let you know.

Rain and Storms Possible Monday: We will likely wake up with storms Monday morning, but the stormy weather will eventually drift south of I-20 by Monday evening. A few strong storms can’t be ruled out on Monday morning and into the early afternoon hours. The main threats will be gusty winds and hail. High temperatures are forecast to warm into the mid 70s Monday. Rain chances will be possible south of I-20 Monday night into Tuesday. We will likely dry out by Tuesday evening. Heavy rain could set up across the southern half of the state where rainfall totals could add up around 1-3 inches. Central Alabama will likely end up with 1-2 inches of rainfall between now and next Tuesday.

Cooler Air Possible Next Wednesday: We could see a surge of cooler air move into Central Alabama by the middle of next week. We could see lows in the 40s Wednesday morning with highs in the upper 60s. Next Wednesday is looking sunny and dry. Long-range models hint that we could see another stretch of warm and unsettled weather by the end of next week. Next Friday into Saturday could end up stormy across the Southeast. Active pattern is expected as we finish out March and move into April. Make sure you download the WBRC First Alert Weather App for the latest weather information. Have a wonderful weekend and stay weather aware tonight and again Sunday night-

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