Thousands face tornado threat in Alabama, Georgia

Tornado watches and severe weather advisories have been issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) for thousands of people across Alabama and Georgia on Saturday.

NWS Birmingham, Alabama, confirmed that a tornado watch and several weather advisories remain in effect through Saturday afternoon for central Alabama and parts of Georgia.

“There are low to medium chances for a few strong to severe storms in our far southeastern counties through 1 PM. A brief tornado will be possible in the watch area along with damaging winds. Stay tuned for updates and be prepared to take action if a warning is issued,” the NWS Birmingham office said in an advisory.

As of 11:54 a.m. CST, low to medium chances for strong to severe thunderstorms were expected, mainly in the far southeastern counties, with threats including damaging winds, heavy rain, and the possibility of a brief tornado.

Rainfall totals could reach 1-2 inches, with isolated amounts over 3 inches in some areas. Additional local advisories include flash flood warnings and hazardous weather outlooks, urging residents to monitor alerts and take precautions.

The NWS office in Birmingham warned Saturday that a watch remained in place for central Alabama, including Barbour, Bullock, Pike and Russell counties, and the cities of Eufaula, Phenix City, Troy and Union Springs.

“A few wind gusts from 40-60 mph along the leading edge of the line may occur through 3 pm, and a brief tornado can not be ruled out in the far southeastern sections of the state,” Jim Stefkovich, a meteorologist with the Alabama Emergency Management Agency, wrote in a post on the agency’s website.

The severe weather is expected to taper off by Saturday afternoon, with rain ending in southeastern Alabama between 9 p.m. and midnight.

Temperatures will fall sharply overnight, with lows in the mid-to-upper 30s north of I-85 and low 40s to the south.