News Summary

A tornado watch has been issued for several counties in north Alabama and southern-middle Tennessee as severe weather threatens the area. The watch, valid until 10:00 PM, includes Lauderdale, Colbert, Franklin, and several other counties. Forecasters warn of potential tornadoes and severe thunderstorms that could lead to damaging winds and large hail. Residents are urged to seek shelter and stay alert for updates as conditions may worsen.

Tornado Watch Issued for Multiple Counties in North Alabama Amid Severe Weather Threat

Huntsville, Alabama—A tornado watch has been issued for several counties in north Alabama and southern-middle Tennessee, as severe weather conditions are projected to persist throughout the evening. The watch covers Lauderdale, Colbert, Franklin, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Morgan, Cullman, Marshall, Jackson, and DeKalb counties in Alabama, along with Giles and Lincoln counties in Tennessee. This watch will remain in effect until 10:00 PM tonight.

Forecasters are warning that conditions are favorable for the potential development of tornadoes, coupled with severe thunderstorms capable of producing damaging winds and large hail. A tornado watch indicates that tornadoes are possible in the designated area, but it does not guarantee that one has been sighted or is imminent.

In conjunction with the watch, a tornado warning has already been issued for southwestern Limestone County and northeastern Lawrence County until 6:45 PM. As of 6:09 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm, likely capable of producing a tornado, was located near Courtland, moving east at 45 mph. The storm has shown radar indications of rotation, creating an immediate threat to anyone without a protective shelter. Areas directly impacted by the tornadic thunderstorms include Decatur, Coxey, Wheeler, Hillsboro, and Ripley.

Residents in affected areas are advised to take precautionary actions by relocating to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building while avoiding windows. Those outdoors, in mobile homes, or vehicles should seek substantial shelter and safeguard themselves from potential flying debris.

Power Outages and Storm Damage Reports

As a result of severe weather, multiple power outages have been reported across the Tennessee Valley. As of 4:30 PM Wednesday, the following updates indicate the number of affected customers:

• Lauderdale County: 66 customers without power (Florence Utilities)
• Colbert County: 134 customers without power (Sheffield Utilities)
• Lawrence County: Power restored to all customers
• Limestone County: 2,700 customers without power (Athens Utilities)
• Madison County: 2,475 customers without power (Huntsville Utilities)
• Marshall County: 110 customers without power (Arab Electric Cooperative)

Reports of damage due to the weather include downed trees and destruction in various counties:

• Madison County: Damage reported near Bob Jones High School and Highway 72.
• Lauderdale County: Multiple trees down on County Road 605 in Rogersville, and a tree on a house in Florence.
• Colbert County: Significant damage noted in the Brick Hatton community.
• Limestone County: Advisories to avoid areas of Highway 72 and Lucas Ferry due to ongoing repairs.
• Jackson County: A confirmed tree down on a home at 38 Canadian Drive in Scottsboro.

Flood Warnings and Rainfall Anticipations

A flash flood warning has also been issued for Limestone, Madison, Morgan, and Lawrence Counties amid concerns for potential flooding. Reports indicate flooded streets near Southeast Decatur. Between 1 and 2 inches of rain has already fallen in the region, with an additional 0.5 to 1 inch expected, exacerbating the flooding potential.

Locations likely to experience significant flooding include Huntsville, Decatur, Madison, Athens, Hartselle, Redstone Arsenal, Meridianville, Moores Mill, Hazel Green, Priceville, Trinity, Falkville, Ardmore, Triana, Huntsville International Airport, Marshall Space Flight Center, University of Alabama in Huntsville, Harvest, Tanner, and Alabama A&M University. The public is strongly advised to turn around if encountering flooded roads.

The severe weather has created substantial risks for residents, and authorities urge everyone to remain alert and take immediate action if further warnings are issued. Stay tuned for continuous updates from local emergency management services.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Severe Weather Outbreak Causes Damage in Central Alabama
Tornado Emergency Declared in Huntsville Area
Severe Tornadoes Cause Destruction Across Alabama and Beyond
Tornado Watch Issued for North Alabama and Southern Middle Tennessee
Severe Storms and Tornadoes Cause Widespread Damage in Huntsville
Severe Weather Causes Tornado Warnings and Damage Across North Alabama
Severe Weather Hits Georgia and Alabama with Tornadoes and Flash Floods
Huntsville, Alabama Faces Impending Tornado Threat
Huntsville, Alabama Declares Tornado Emergency as Severe Weather Strikes
Southeast Faces Major Flooding Threat as Atmospheric River Hits

Additional Resources

• Rocket City Now
• Wikipedia: Tornado Warning
• WAAY TV
• Google Search: Tornado Watch North Alabama
• WAFF
• Google Scholar: Severe Weather Alabama
• AL.com
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Weather Warning
• WAFF Flood Warning

Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER

The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.