Updated: Saturday, January 10, 2026 • Coverage: Central & statewide Alabama

Alabama is facing an active stretch of severe weather as multiple rounds of thunderstorms move across the state from early Friday into Saturday. Forecasters warn that the most intense storms could bring damaging winds, hail, torrential rainfall, and isolated tornadoes, with a particular concern for quick-hitting tornadoes embedded within a fast-moving storm line.

Highlights at a glance

• Tornado Watch: Issued for much of central Alabama through 10:00 AM CT.
• Storm risk (Friday): Level 2 of 5 (Slight) in parts of north/central/south Alabama; Level 1 of 5 (Marginal) for most of the state.
• Flood concern: Repeated storm rounds may produce up to ~5 inches of rain in spots; a flash-flood watch has been issued for the northern half of Alabama starting 6:00 AM Friday.
• Saturday: Isolated severe storms remain possible, mainly across the southern two-thirds of the state.

Current watches and what they mean

A Tornado Watch means weather conditions are favourable for tornadoes to develop. It does not mean a tornado has been spotted. If a Tornado Warning is issued, take immediate shelter—warnings indicate a tornado has been detected or is imminent.

For the latest county-by-county tornado watch details, see this official/local update: ABC 33/40 Tornado Watch update .

Storm timing: when severe weather may hit

North Alabama

Storms could move into north Alabama as early as around 2:00 AM Friday. A second wave later in the day is possible, but forecasters note it depends on how the first round evolves—meaning the atmosphere could either stabilise or become more primed for stronger storms.

Central Alabama

Central Alabama may see storms develop as early as around 6:00 AM Friday, potentially continuing into the afternoon. When storms linger over the same areas, the main hazards can shift from wind and hail to flash flooding.

South Alabama

For south Alabama, the stronger storm window is expected mainly in the Friday afternoon period, though showers and storms may occur outside the peak window.

Main threats: wind, hail, brief tornadoes—and flooding

The most likely severe hazard with this setup is damaging straight-line wind in stronger thunderstorms. However, meteorologists also warn that a few storms could produce hail and a brief tornado or two—especially where the storm line bows or where rotation develops quickly.

Another major concern is rainfall. Multiple rounds of rain and storms could drop several inches across parts of the state, with local totals near 5 inches possible. If water rises quickly or roads begin flooding, treat it as life-threatening: never drive through flooded roadways.

Will storms continue into Saturday?

Yes—isolated severe storms are still possible on Saturday, particularly across the southern two-thirds of Alabama under a Level 1 (Marginal) risk. Tornadoes, damaging winds, hail and more heavy rain remain possible before storms exit later Saturday. Cooler, calmer weather is expected by Sunday.

Safety checklist for the next 24–36 hours

• Turn on emergency alerts on your phone and keep it charged.
• Have at least two ways to receive warnings overnight (phone alerts + local TV/radio).
• Know your safe place: a small interior room on the lowest floor, away from windows.
• If a warning is issued, act immediately—don’t wait to “see it.”
• Avoid flooded roads; water depth is hard to judge and can hide damage.

Written by Swikblog News Desk