Birmingham, AL – The National Weather Service in Birmingham has issued Tornado Watch 641, in effect until 6 p.m. Tuesday, as strong to severe storms move across central Alabama this afternoon.
The watch covers 19 counties, including major metro areas such as Birmingham, Montgomery, Tuscaloosa, and Selma. Counties under the watch include Autauga, Bibb, Chilton, Clay, Coosa, Dallas, Elmore, Greene, Hale, Jefferson, Lowndes, Marengo, Montgomery, Perry, Shelby, Sumter, Talladega, Tallapoosa, and Tuscaloosa.
According to the National Weather Service, storms within the watch area could produce tornadoes, damaging winds up to 70 mph, and large hail. Forecasters warn that conditions remain favorable for rotating storms, particularly in areas where sunshine has increased instability ahead of an approaching cold front.
Residents are urged to stay weather-aware through the afternoon, have multiple ways to receive warnings, and be ready to seek shelter immediately if a Tornado Warning is issued.
Emergency officials recommend identifying a safe interior room away from windows and keeping a weather radio, flashlight, and phone nearby in case of power outages.
Cities included in the watch area are Hoover, Prattville, Wetumpka, Demopolis, Alexander City, and Talladega. The threat for severe weather is expected to gradually shift eastward by early evening, with improving conditions later tonight.
The National Weather Service reminds residents: “If you can hear thunder, you’re close enough to be impacted by severe weather.”
