Severe threat intensifies across North, Central and South Alabama
Thursday, May 9, 2025 — ALABAMA – A dangerous weather scenario is unfolding across Alabama today, with the Storm Prediction Center (SPC) elevating the risk for severe thunderstorms, especially in the northern third of the state, where a Level 2 out of 5 risk is now in effect. Isolated but potent storms are also forecast further south.
North Alabama: Storms already underway, severe watch active until 10 p.m.
As of 6:00 p.m. local time, severe storms were already being tracked across northern Alabama, including counties like Madison, Limestone, Jackson, and Morgan, where damaging wind gusts, large hail up to 2 inches (5 cm), and even isolated tornadoes are possible. The severe thunderstorm watch has been extended to include Tuscaloosa and Pickens counties, highlighting the growing area of concern.
Wind gusts could peak between 60 to 70 mph (96 to 113 km/h), raising the risk of downed trees and power lines. According to SPC meteorologists, supercell thunderstorms are developing eastward from northeast Mississippi, intensifying as they push into northern and central Alabama.
Central Alabama: Slightly lower, but still concerning risk
Although the central region remains under a Level 1 (marginal) risk, isolated strong to severe storms are still a possibility, especially later in the evening. Communities along and north of the I-20 corridor, including Jefferson, Walker, and St. Clair counties, should remain alert for quickly developing storm clusters. These could bring hail up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) and gusty winds up to 60 mph (96 km/h).
South Alabama: Isolated storms, but threats persist into Friday
Some severe activity has already been reported across parts of southern Alabama, but the main concern in this region will carry over into Friday, when the SPC outlines a Level 1 risk for areas including Dothan, Enterprise, and Andalusia.
Thunderstorms tomorrow may remain more scattered, but damaging winds and small hail remain on the table. The severe threat is expected to diminish into the weekend, though showers and thunderstorms will still be possible through Saturday and Sunday.
Outlook: Conditions calming by next week
After the weekend, dry and more stable weather is projected to return by midweek, offering Alabama residents a much-needed break from the stormy pattern.
