The Storm Prediction Center has issued an upgraded risk for severe weather in parts of Alabama, raising concerns among forecasters. The threat of tornadoes, strong winds, and heavy rainfall looms over the southern half of the state from Monday into Tuesday.

According to the National Weather Service, south Alabama faces the potential for two rounds of severe storms starting on Monday. The storms could unleash tornadoes, including a few strong ones, accompanied by wind gusts of up to 70 mph. The southern regions could also experience rainfall of 2 to 4 inches, with isolated areas possibly receiving up to 6 inches.

Although severe storms are concentrated in south Alabama, the rest of the state will also experience significant wind conditions. Downed trees and power outages are possible even in areas unaffected by severe storms. Wind advisories will be in effect for most of the state, and coastal areas are placed under a high wind warning.

The Storm Prediction Center has classified southwest Alabama, including the Mobile metro area, as a Level 3 risk for severe weather, indicating a high probability of numerous severe storms, tornadoes, and damaging winds. Meanwhile, southeast Alabama, including Dothan, carries a Level 3 risk during the late morning hours of Tuesday.

The remaining parts of south Alabama, along with south-central Alabama, are under a Level 2 risk. This level suggests the possibility of scattered severe storms. Additionally, the southeastern part of the state is under a Level 3 risk that extends into late Tuesday morning. The rest of south Alabama, central Alabama, and southeast Alabama face Level 2 and 1 risks, indicating isolated severe storm potential.

Tuesday morning is expected to harbor storms primarily in southeast Alabama. The weather service predicts that parts of south Alabama may be placed under a tornado watch on Monday night or early Tuesday morning. The first round of storms could develop as a warm front moves northward from the Gulf, potentially producing supercell storms with tornadoes and damaging winds. Uncertainty surrounds this round of storms due to possible instability limitations.

The second round of storms is anticipated in the form of a powerful squall line advancing west to east across south Alabama. Forecasters suggest that this round poses a more significant concern, emphasizing a high potential for widespread damaging to destructive winds and embedded tornadoes.

The statewide rainfall forecast ranges from 2 to 4 inches, with isolated areas in south Alabama expected to receive up to 6 inches. The Weather Prediction Center has assigned a Level 3 risk for flash flooding in parts of southwest Alabama, indicating an increased likelihood of heavy rainfall. A flood watch may be issued as the situation unfolds.

Coastal regions will face rough conditions with wave heights potentially reaching 11 feet, leading to beach erosion and life-threatening surf and rip currents. Coastal flooding is also a concern.

The severe weather is expected to subside throughout Tuesday, making way for drier and calmer weather until another storm system approaches the state on Friday.

As the potential for damaging winds and tornadoes looms, the National Weather Service urges residents to stay vigilant, have multiple ways of receiving severe weather warnings, and be prepared for power outages.