From The Tribune staff reports
JEFFERSON COUNTY — The Jefferson County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) has released a severe weather update, stating that tonight and early Wednesday morning, Jefferson County is under an enhanced risk (Level 3/5) for severe weather.
Graphic provided by the National Weather Service.
According to Jefferson County EMA, “Storms are in the forecast to target our area during the evening and overnight hours. These storms could be severe and the main threat with these storms will be tornadoes, straight line winds in excess of 70 mph, ping pong ball size hail, and localized flash flooding. There is a likelihood that we may see multiple rounds of storms with this system.”
Currently, the expectation is that storms will begin to move into the Jefferson County area as early as 3 p.m this afternoon. These initial storms should only pose a hail and wind threat.
“As we progress into the evening, threat for tornadoes will increase,” the update states. “The tornado threat will be closer to the 10 p.m. hour and will continue until the storms fully exit our area to the southeast. We are anticipating a tornado watch for our area to be issued this evening into the overnight hours.”
Current timing for storms in the central portion of the state is 3 p.m. Tuesday through 3 a.m. Wednesday.
Quick Recap:
Where: All of Central Alabama
When: Current timeframe for Jefferson County is 3 p.m. Tuesday to 3 a.m. Wednesday
Threats: Tornadoes, damaging winds in excess of 70 mph, and ping pong ball size hail
“The overall severe potential for later today/tonight has increased,” Jefferson County EMA stated. “Regardless of what color we are in, we ask that everyone prepares the same. This system will have multiple rounds of thunderstorms extending into the overnight hours, and we want to remind everyone that it is important that everyone has multiple ways of receiving tornado warnings/severe weather notifications. This includes methods that will wake you up if you are sleeping. We ask that everyone takes all warnings seriously today/tonight, and prepares accordingly.”
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
