Wait a minute, crouch down.
In the words of the National Weather Service's Birmingham office, “The next six to seven days will be typical Alabama weather and a perfect example of why we always need to be prepared for anything here in the South.”
A fast-moving storm will move across the state this morning and into the afternoon, bringing the potential for damaging winds, tornadoes and hail, the department said. Wind gusts of 45 to 50 mph are expected outside of the thunderstorm, and a wind advisory is in effect until tonight.
In southern Alabama, the NWS Mobile Office is also forecasting strong to severe storms this morning and early afternoon. The storm could produce “a tornado or two, damaging wind gusts and large hail.”
: Estimated hours are 7 a.m. to noon west of I-65 and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. east of I-65.
Outside of thunderstorms, strong winds are expected throughout the forecast area, with frequent wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. Strong winds can blow around loose objects, making it difficult for large vehicles to drive.
Offshore seas are expected to experience frequent strong winds of approximately 35 to 40 knots and wave heights of 6 to 9 feet from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The northern part of the state cannot escape the wrath of nature.
According to the National Weather Service's Huntsville office, there is a very high (100%) chance of showers and thunderstorms today, with a moderate chance of stronger storms.
“Strong to severe storms are expected to move into the area later this morning,” the department said. “Damage from straight-line winds will be the greatest risk, with hail and tornadoes unlikely.”
All of this comes ahead of a frigid arctic air mass that arrived in the Yellowhammer state Sunday night and is expected to last through at least the middle of next week.
The office said highs will fall into the mid to upper 20s by Tuesday. Lows in the single digits to mid-teens are expected Monday and Tuesday.
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