Birmingham, Ala. – Strong storms are expected to develop across northern and western Alabama late Thursday afternoon, with wind gusts up to 60 mph and large hail posing risks to both residents and infrastructure. Cities from Hamilton to Tuscaloosa could see the brunt of the system between 4 and 10 p.m.
According to the National Weather Service in Birmingham, a cluster of thunderstorms will move into the area from the west beginning around 4 p.m., impacting counties including Fayette, Walker, Marion, and parts of Jefferson. The severe threat is highest between 6 and 10 p.m. for central regions, including Birmingham and Clanton.
The main hazards include damaging straight-line winds and hail up to the size of quarters. While the tornado risk remains low, isolated power outages and hazardous travel conditions are possible. The threat level is marginal to slight (levels 1 and 2 out of 5), with the more severe risk concentrated in the northwest corner of the state.
Residents are urged to stay weather-aware, have multiple ways to receive alerts, and identify safe shelter locations in advance. Secure loose outdoor items and charge devices in case of outages.
Storms are expected to taper off late Thursday night, but rain chances linger into Friday as a cold front moves through the region.
