Home / Weather / West Alabama Braces for Severe Overnight Storms
West Alabama Braces for Severe Overnight Storms
17 Mar
Summary
- High winds caused a tree limb to fall, injuring a man in Moundville.
- West Alabama faces an enhanced risk of severe storms with damaging winds, hail, and tornadoes.
- State and local emergency managers are activating operations and preparing storm shelters.
West Alabama is on high alert as severe weather is expected to impact the region overnight. Earlier today, strong winds of 20 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph caused tree limbs to fall, leading to one injury in Moundville. The National Storm Prediction Center has raised the threat level to an enhanced risk, indicating a high confidence of severe thunderstorms with damaging winds, large hail, and tornadoes.
In response, state and local emergency management agencies are gearing up for potential activations. The Alabama EMA conducted a State Coordinating Group call and initiated a partial activation of the State Emergency Operations Center. Emergency managers are concerned about potential widespread damage from downed trees and powerlines, particularly as the storms are predicted to occur overnight, when residents are most vulnerable.
First responders are prepared, and storm shelters across West Alabama are on standby. Residents are strongly advised to have at least two reliable methods for receiving severe weather warnings, beyond outdoor sirens, due to the nighttime nature of the expected event. Fayette County Schools will operate on a two-hour delay on Monday due to safety concerns.
