Weather
Alabama Weather Alert: Thanksgiving Storm Risk Nov. 18–24
Birmingham, AL – Thanksgiving travelers across Alabama could face a wetter, more unsettled weather pattern from November 18–24, raising concerns about heavy rain, thunderstorms and possible highway fl
By Owen Prescott · 2026-11-11T05:33:03.232Z
Birmingham, AL – Thanksgiving travelers across Alabama could face a wetter, more unsettled weather pattern from November 18–24, raising concerns about heavy rain, thunderstorms and possible highway flooding just as holiday traffic begins building across the state.
According to NOAA's Climate Prediction Center, its November 10 outlook favors above normal precipitation across portions of Alabama and the surrounding Southeast from Wednesday, November 18, through Tuesday, November 24.
The outlook is part of a widespread precipitation pattern extending from the western United States through the central Plains, Midwest and Gulf Coast. While it does not confirm a specific storm or flooding event, the wetter signal raises the possibility of travel disruptions during the days leading up to Thanksgiving.
Birmingham, Hoover and Central Alabama Birmingham, Hoover, Homewood, Vestavia Hills, Bessemer and surrounding Jefferson and Shelby county communities could experience periods of rain as weather systems move through the region.
Interstate 65, Interstate 20, Interstate 59 and Interstate 459 are major travel corridors to monitor.
If heavier rainfall develops, reduced visibility, standing water and slower traffic could become concerns, particularly around Birmingham's busy interstate interchanges.
Huntsville, Decatur and North Alabama Huntsville, Madison, Athens, Decatur and Florence could face unsettled weather during the November 18–24 period.
Travelers along Interstate 65, Interstate 565 and U.S. Highway 72 should monitor forecasts for periods of rain and possible thunderstorms.
Colder conditions could occasionally bring chilly, wet travel weather, but the current outlook does not establish a significant snow or ice threat for northern Alabama.
Montgomery, Auburn and East Alabama Montgomery, Prattville, Millbrook, Auburn, Opelika and surrounding communities could experience periods of rainfall ahead of Thanksgiving.
Interstate 65 and Interstate 85 are important routes connecting central Alabama with Birmingham, Mobile and the Atlanta metropolitan area.
Heavier downpours could create slick roads and temporary visibility problems if organized storm systems develop.
Tuscaloosa, Jasper and West Alabama Tuscaloosa, Northport, Jasper and communities along the Interstate 20/59 corridor could see periods of wet weather.
Drivers should watch for changing conditions during heavier showers, particularly on highways with increased holiday traffic.
Mobile, Baldwin County and the Gulf Coast Mobile, Prichard, Saraland, Daphne, Spanish Fort, Fairhope and Foley could face rain and thunderstorms during the preholiday period.
Interstate 10, Interstate 65 and U.S. Highway 98 are important travel corridors for residents and visitors heading toward the Gulf Coast.
Locally heavy rainfall could lead to temporary street flooding in vulnerable locations if storms repeatedly cross the same areas.
Thanksgiving Travel: Could Heavy Rain Disrupt Highways? The wetter than normal outlook arrives ahead of Thanksgiving on Thursday, November 26, raising questions about possible travel disruptions across Alabama.
Heavy rain, thunderstorms and reduced visibility are the primary concerns to monitor. Localized flooding is possible if rainfall becomes intense, although no specific flooding event is established by this long range outlook.
NOAA's accompanying temperature outlook favors above normal temperatures across much of the region, making widespread winter weather a less prominent concern than rain and storms.
The November 18–24 outlook measures the probability of above normal precipitation, not the probability of severe thunderstorms, flash flooding or a specific storm system.
Alabama travelers should monitor updated forecasts for storm timing, rainfall intensity and highway conditions as Thanksgiving approaches.