Huntsville, Ala. – Severe thunderstorms are expected to erupt across north Alabama and southern middle Tennessee late Tuesday afternoon, bringing damaging winds, large hail, and the potential for isolated tornadoes through early Wednesday.
According to the National Weather Service in Huntsville, the Storm Prediction Center has issued an Enhanced (Level 3 of 5) Risk for severe weather across much of the region on Tuesday, May 20. The greatest threat is forecast between 3 p.m. Tuesday and 3 a.m. Wednesday, with all of north Alabama and parts of southern middle Tennessee included in the impact zone.
Cities including Huntsville, Florence, Decatur, Athens, and Scottsboro are under the Level 3 risk area, where strong straight-line winds over 60 mph and hail larger than a quarter are possible. Communities in southern middle Tennessee—such as Fayetteville and Pulaski—should also prepare for severe storm development and potential tornado activity.
Residents are urged to secure outdoor items, keep cell phones charged, and remain weather-aware, especially during the evening and overnight hours. Travel delays, brief power outages, and tree damage are possible. Tornado sirens may sound during the night, so ensure NOAA weather radios are active and loud enough to wake you.
Storms are expected to exit the region by early Wednesday morning, but additional advisories may follow if the threat shifts or expands.
