Montgomery, AL – A tornado watch remains in effect until 6 p.m. CDT Sunday across portions of Alabama, Georgia, and the Florida Panhandle, placing nearly 9 million residents under heightened weather alert.
According to the National Weather Service, the watch area includes major cities such as Montgomery, Atlanta, Mobile, Pensacola, and Columbus. Scattered thunderstorms may produce isolated tornadoes, quarter-size hail, and damaging wind gusts reaching up to 70 mph. The watch spans parts of central and southern Alabama, western and central Georgia, and the western Florida Panhandle.
Residents in affected areas are urged to stay alert and monitor local weather broadcasts and mobile alerts. The tornado watch covers 1,980 schools and 154 hospitals across the tri-state region, according to NWS data.
Forecasters note the threat comes as a strong spring storm system pushes through the Southeast. While tornadoes remain possible, damaging straight-line winds and localized hail are the more widespread threats.
People in mobile homes or older structures should identify nearby storm shelters in advance. Emergency kits with flashlights, batteries, and weather radios are recommended for those in high-risk areas.
The watch is expected to expire by 6 p.m. CDT, though additional warnings may follow depending on storm development.
