Severe weather possible Saturday in Alabama; here’s where and when
Damaging winds, heavy rain and a tornado can't be ruled out with today's multiple rounds of storms.
Ethan Parker 
Alabama is bracing for a volatile Saturday as multiple rounds of rain and thunderstorms move across the state. With some storms expected to turn severe, 205focus.com is tracking the latest updates from the National Weather Service and NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center.
Severe Weather Risk Zones
NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center has upgraded its outlook for today, issuing a Level 2 out of 5 severe weather risk for a large portion of northeast Alabama. Impacted areas include Huntsville, Gadsden, Fort Payne, Cullman, and the northeastern suburbs of Birmingham.
A Level 1 risk, which accounts for the possibility of isolated severe storms, currently covers the remainder of north and central Alabama. While scattered severe storms are the primary concern for Level 2 areas, south Alabama is not expected to see widespread severe weather today.
What to Expect: Timing and Threats
Forecasters are primarily concerned with damaging winds and heavy rain throughout the day. Additionally, the National Weather Service in Huntsville has highlighted a low risk for a tornado across north Alabama.
While rain chances persist throughout the day, the intensity is expected to pick up later this afternoon. A line of thunderstorms is projected to enter northwest Alabama around 3 p.m. and track eastward until roughly 11 p.m.
Flash Flooding Concerns
In addition to wind and tornado risks, isolated flash flooding is possible in areas hit by the heaviest thunderstorms. The Weather Prediction Center has placed the eastern two-thirds of the state under a Level 2 out of 4 risk for flash flooding, with potential rainfall totals reaching up to 3 inches in certain areas. Although widespread flooding is not anticipated, the danger remains localized.
The threat follows recent heavy rainfall in the Tuscaloosa area, where 3 to 4 inches of rain fell Friday afternoon, resulting in localized flash flooding and multiple water rescues.
Looking Ahead
Wet conditions are expected to linger through the middle of next week, which may help mitigate extreme heat temporarily. However, weather experts warn that a ridge of high pressure is likely to return late next week, potentially pushing temperatures back into the mid-90s by next weekend.
