Mobile, AL — A tornado watch is in effect for Southwest Alabama until 6 a.m. Thursday as Tropical Storm Francine pushes inland. The National Weather Service warns that the storm’s outer bands could produce tornadoes and severe thunderstorms overnight.
The watch area includes a 55-mile-wide zone from northwest of Slidell, Louisiana, to southeast of Crestview, Florida. According to the NWS, small supercells embedded within Francine’s convective bands may trigger isolated tornadoes throughout the night and early morning hours.
Residents of Southwest Alabama are urged to stay vigilant, monitor local weather reports, and be prepared to take shelter if necessary. A tornado watch means that conditions are favorable for tornadoes. Wind gusts of up to 50 knots and turbulence may also impact aviation in the area.
