Montgomery, AL – A widespread tornado threat is developing across central and southwest Alabama today as a new Tornado Watch covers 27 counties through 6 p.m. CST Tuesday. Residents from Birmingham to Montgomery and westward toward the Mississippi line are urged to stay weather-aware as storms continue strengthening this afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, Tornado Watch 641 includes a large portion of the state, stretching across Autauga, Jefferson, Montgomery, Tuscaloosa, Dallas, Shelby, Choctaw, Marengo, Washington, and more. The watch was issued at 12:05 p.m. Tuesday, signaling increasing confidence in rotating thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes.
Forecasters warn that storms moving northeast across Alabama may intensify quickly in the unstable afternoon environment. The primary risks include tornadoes, damaging straight-line winds, and pockets of large hail. The timing window runs through the evening commute, which may impact drivers on major routes including I-65, I-20, I-59, and Highway 80 across the central region.
Meteorologists urge residents to keep phones charged, enable Wireless Emergency Alerts, and have multiple ways to receive warnings. People in mobile homes or large outdoor structures should identify nearby sturdy shelter now in case a warning is issued later today.
Counties included in the watch span from Choctaw, Clarke, and Washington in southwest Alabama to Jefferson, Shelby, Talladega, Coosa, and Tallapoosa in central Alabama, reaching as far southeast as Butler and Crenshaw.
More updates will follow as the severe weather event continues developing statewide.
