Alabama is preparing for severe weather conditions as a strong cold front approaches the state. Meteorologist Jim Stefkovich from the Alabama Emergency Management Agency (EMA) has warned of the impending storms, which are expected to begin on Saturday afternoon and last until Sunday morning.

According to Stefkovich, showers will begin spreading across the state on Friday night, followed by non-severe thunderstorms on Saturday morning and afternoon. A broken to solid line of thunderstorms will then form ahead of the cold front, entering northwest Alabama in the late afternoon and moving southward, exiting through the southeastern portion of the state by late Sunday morning.

The northwest and north-central parts of Alabama will experience severe weather from approximately 5 p.m. on Saturday until midnight on Sunday. Birmingham and central Alabama will see storms starting around 9 p.m. on Saturday and lasting until 6 a.m. on Sunday. In the southeastern parts of the state, the storms will begin around 2 a.m. on Saturday and continue until 10 a.m. on Sunday.

While there is a possibility of severe storms and a few tornadoes anywhere in the state, the highest threat is anticipated to be west of I-65 and north of I-20, an area that has been upgraded to a slight risk by the Storm Prediction Center. Stefkovich noted that the risk region could expand if there is more instability in the atmosphere.

Although the heaviest rainfall is expected to clear out on Sunday morning, light to moderate rain may persist, particularly in the eastern sections of the state, until late Sunday afternoon or early evening. Stefkovich acknowledged the need for rain but also cautioned about the possibility of localized and brief flooding associated with the line of storms in the northern part of Alabama. Temperatures will steadily drop on Sunday, and there could be light snow flurries in the northeastern region, chiefly north of a Fort Payne - Scottsboro - Huntsville line. However, no significant accumulation is projected.

On Sunday, strong northwesterly winds are expected throughout the day and into the evening, with sustained speeds of 15-25 mph and gusts up to 35 mph. By Monday morning, low temperatures will reach freezing across most of Alabama, ranging from the middle 20s in the north to the middle 30s along the coast. The winds are expected to help dry roadways, bridges, and overpasses before the arrival of freezing temperatures.

As the severe weather approaches, residents of Alabama are urged to stay updated on the latest forecasts and heed any warnings or advisories issued by local authorities. Taking necessary precautions and staying prepared can help ensure the safety and well-being of individuals and communities during this potentially hazardous weather event.