Severe Weather Threatens Alabama with Tornadoes and Heavy Rain

Stormy skies over Alabama with dark clouds indicating severe weather conditions.

Alabama, August 13, 2025

News Summary

Alabama is bracing for severe weather this weekend, with warnings of strong tornadoes, damaging winds, and significant rainfall. The National Weather Service has declared a heightened risk, urging residents to prepare for potential emergencies. Governor Kay Ivey has announced a state of emergency across all counties as wind gusts may exceed 70 mph, particularly in western Alabama. Forecasts predict heavy rainfall, heightening flooding risks, compelling residents to stay informed and ensure they have emergency supplies ready.

Montgomery

Severe weather warnings have been issued for Alabama, with residents facing the potential for strong tornadoes, damaging winds, and heavy rain this weekend. The National Weather Service (NWS) has advised that high winds and thunderstorms are anticipated, leading to a heightened risk of severe weather during the upcoming days.

The NWS expects non-thunderstorm winds to increase on Friday, with gusts reaching up to 30 mph by the evening. Conditions are predicted to worsen, with gusts commonly reaching up to 35 mph by Saturday afternoon and continuing into early Sunday morning. The situation has prompted Alabama Governor Kay Ivey to declare a state of emergency for all 67 counties, effective from 2:00 p.m. Central on Saturday until further notice.

Beginning late Friday and continuing into Saturday morning, severe thunderstorms, including isolated to scattered “supercells” conducive to tornado formation, are expected to develop. Although a warm air layer known as a “cap” might limit the early development of these storms, its dispersal could lead to the formation of multiple supercells, increasing the risk of tornadoes.

Forecasters warn that tornadoes with winds exceeding 70 mph are possible, particularly in western and northwest Alabama. Alongside the tornado threat, heavy rainfall of 3-5 inches is anticipated in northern Alabama, with localized areas potentially seeing amounts exceeding 7 inches, significantly increasing flooding risks in those areas.

Tornado Threat and Preparedness

The NWS has highlighted that the greatest tornado threat will be in west Alabama, urging residents to be prepared and to ensure they have measures in place to receive alerts. Alabama Emergency Management Agency director recommends that individuals maintain emergency contact with someone outside their home and assemble an emergency kit containing essential supplies.

Residents are advised to acquire NOAA weather radios with extra batteries, familiarize themselves with their emergency plan, and download reliable weather alert apps. As the risk of severe weather peaks on Saturday afternoon, residents are encouraged to actively monitor weather updates and be aware of available storm shelters in their area.

Emergency officials emphasize the importance of preparedness, suggesting that residents keep helmets and sturdy shoes available in case of severe weather damage. Meteorologists have urged the public to stay close to safe locations and remain vigilant for real-time weather updates.

Impact of Recent Storms

In addition to the potential impact of the approaching severe weather, recent storms have already left 1,247 customers without power in areas serviced by Huntsville Utilities. Multiple severe thunderstorm warnings have been issued by the NWS for various counties in Alabama and Tennessee throughout the day on Saturday, highlighting the need for continued caution and emergency preparedness.

Conclusion

As Alabama braces for severe weather over the weekend, residents are encouraged to stay informed and ready for potential emergencies. With the risk of tornadoes and heavy rain looming, preparedness and timely communication will be key to navigating the challenges ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of severe weather are expected in Alabama this weekend?

Severe weather in Alabama is expected to include strong tornadoes, high winds, and heavy rainfall. Tornadoes with winds over 70 mph and rainfall between 3-5 inches, potentially exceeding 7 inches in some localized areas, are anticipated.

What precautions should residents take?

Residents are advised to prepare an emergency kit, have NOAA weather radios with extra batteries, maintain emergency communication with someone outside their home, and have an emergency plan ready.

When is the severe weather expected to peak?

The risk of severe weather is predicted to peak on Saturday afternoon.

Key Features of Upcoming Severe Weather in Alabama

Feature Description
Severe Weather Type Tornadoes, High Winds, Heavy Rain
Maximum Wind Gusts Up to 35 mph
Expected Rainfall 3-5 inches (localized areas > 7 inches)
Emergency Declaration State of Emergency declared for all 67 counties
Date of Peak Risk Saturday Afternoon

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Additional Resources

STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
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.

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