Strong Winds and Isolated Severe Storms Possible in Alabama and Tennessee

Parts of the Southeast faced the threat of strong winds and isolated severe thunderstorms on Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service and local broadcasters.

Alabama

Forecasters placed portions of central and east Alabama under a marginal risk of severe weather, the lowest of five risk categories used by the weather service’s Storm Prediction Center. A marginal risk means isolated severe storms are possible but are expected to be limited in coverage and intensity.

The main concern was damaging wind gusts of up to 60 miles per hour in the strongest storms, according to local forecasts. Such winds can bring down tree limbs and power lines and cause scattered outages.

East Tennessee

The weather service issued a wind advisory for parts of East Tennessee, including higher elevations, where strong gusts were expected. Wind advisories are issued when sustained winds or gusts are strong enough to make driving difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles, and to blow around unsecured objects.

Safety tips

Forecasters urged residents to secure outdoor items such as patio furniture, trash cans and holiday decorations. Drivers were advised to use extra caution on bridges and mountain roads and to watch for debris.

People in areas under a severe weather risk should have a way to receive warnings, such as a weather radio or alerts on a mobile phone, and should know where to take shelter if a warning is issued for their location.

Context

November can bring a secondary severe weather season to the Southeast, when strong fall cold fronts collide with lingering warm, humid air. While Wednesday’s threat was considered limited, forecasters said conditions could change quickly and encouraged residents to monitor local forecasts and warnings through the evening.

Residents can find the latest watches and warnings for their county from their local National Weather Service office and local television and radio stations.

Sources: Associated Press, National Weather Service.