News Summary
Alabama is gearing up for severe weather this weekend, with the National Weather Service issuing warnings for strong tornadoes, damaging winds, and heavy rainfall. Governor Kay Ivey has declared a state of emergency for all counties in response to the forecast. Residents are urged to prepare and stay alert as non-thunderstorm winds are expected to increase significantly, and the risk of tornadoes is prominent, especially in northern regions. Emergency management officials advise having emergency kits ready and monitoring updates throughout the weekend.
Huntsville, Alabama – Alabama is bracing for severe weather this weekend, with predictions of strong tornadoes, damaging winds, and heavy rainfall across the state. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued warnings for the area, advising residents to prepare for the impending storm without inducing panic.
Governor Kay Ivey has declared a state of emergency for all 67 counties in Alabama, effective as of 2:00 p.m. Central on Friday. This declaration comes in response to the forecast of severe thunderstorms that could develop late Friday into Saturday morning, potentially producing isolated to scattered supercells.
The NWS in Huntsville has highlighted several vital aspects of the upcoming weather conditions. Non-thunderstorm winds are expected to begin increasing throughout Friday, with gusts predicted to reach 30 mph by the evening. As Saturday progresses, these winds may intensify, gusting up to 35 mph and extending into early Sunday morning.
The potential for severe weather is significant, with tornadoes that may produce winds exceeding 70 mph anticipated, along with large hail. Northern Alabama could see heavy rainfall ranging from 3 to 5 inches, with some localized areas potentially exceeding 7 inches. The highest risks for tornado formation are positioned in west and northwest Alabama, which may require particular vigilance from residents in those regions.
As weather conditions unfold, residents are encouraged to remain alert and prepared. Emergency management officials have stressed the importance of having an emergency contact outside their household to coordinate in case of disruptions. They are also advising residents to prepare emergency kits and to ensure that NOAA weather radios are functioning with extra batteries available.
Downloading weather apps and emergency alert systems is recommended for timely notifications. Furthermore, residents should keep their electronic devices charged and turn off “do not disturb” settings to receive urgent weather updates. Staying close to safe locations is vital, especially during the peak of expected severe weather.
The warm air layer, known as a “cap,” could potentially suppress storm development; however, should it weaken, more severe thunderstorms may materialize. Residents in areas like Huntsville, which are at a lower risk of severe weather, are still urged to exercise caution and remain prepared.
As the weekend unfolds, conditions are expected to steadily calm late Saturday night into early Sunday. Nonetheless, emergency management officials recommend that citizens consider safe shelter options, particularly those living in mobile homes, to ensure their safety amid the storm.
Ultimately, the messaging from local authorities emphasizes preparedness as a means of ensuring public safety. Residents are advised to finalize their severe weather plans, staying attentive to weather updates throughout the weekend.
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Additional Resources
- WHNT News
- Rocket City Now
- Alabama Reflector
- The Weather Channel
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Huntsville, Alabama
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.
