Birmingham, Alabama – Strong thunderstorms moving across Alabama Monday evening could disrupt travel and outdoor activities as a Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 10 p.m. CDT for a large portion of the state.
According to the Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Severe Thunderstorm Watch 30 covers 34 counties across central and northern Alabama, including Jefferson, Madison, Tuscaloosa, Shelby, Calhoun, and Colbert counties. Storms developing through the evening may produce damaging wind gusts over 60 mph, intense lightning, and bursts of heavy rain capable of rapidly reducing visibility on major highways.
Major population centers including Birmingham, Huntsville, Tuscaloosa, Gadsden, Decatur, and Florence sit within the watch zone. Wind-driven storms could briefly impact traffic on Interstate 65, Interstate 20, Interstate 59, and U.S. 72, especially during the late evening commute. Falling tree limbs and isolated power outages are possible where stronger storm cells track.
Emergency managers recommend bringing in loose outdoor items, avoiding unnecessary travel during storms, and moving indoors immediately if thunder is heard. Residents should also ensure mobile devices remain charged in case warnings are issued.
Storm activity may intensify through the evening hours, and additional severe thunderstorm warnings could be issued before the watch expires at 10 p.m. Monday. Residents across central and northern Alabama should continue monitoring alerts from the National Weather Service.
