The National Weather Service (NWS) has activated a series of severe weather alerts for large parts of Alabama on Saturday, January 10, 2026. Residents across central and southwestern regions of the state are facing a triple threat of severe thunderstorms, flash flooding, and the risk of brief tornadoes through the morning and into the early afternoon.
Multiple Warnings in Effect Across Central Alabama
Meteorologists from the NWS office in Birmingham have been busy issuing targeted warnings. A Severe Thunderstorm Warning was declared effective until 8 am CST for Marengo County and southwestern Sumter County. Radar tracked a dangerous line of storms racing eastward at 40 mph, capable of producing damaging wind gusts up to 60 mph and hail the size of pennies.
The agency specifically warned that communities like Linden, Uniontown, Thomaston, Sweet Water, Myrtlewood, and Chickasaw State Park should prepare for potential damage to roofs, siding, and trees.
Flash Flooding Threatens Birmingham Metro Area
Simultaneously, a critical Flash Flood Warning is active until 8:15 am CST for southeastern Jefferson County and central Shelby County, which encompasses the densely populated Birmingham metropolitan area. The NWS reported that 1 to 3 inches of rain had already soaked the ground, with an additional 1 to 3 inches possible.
This intense rainfall is expected to trigger flooding of roads, underpasses, small creeks, and urban areas. The warning lists major cities at risk, including Birmingham, Hoover, Vestavia Hills, Homewood, Pelham, Alabaster, Mountain Brook, Trussville, and Bessemer.
Tornado Watch Covers 25 Counties
Adding to the dangerous weather cocktail, a broader Tornado Watch (Watch No. 3) remains valid until 10 am CST for a wide swath of 25 counties in central Alabama. This watch area includes key counties such as Jefferson, Shelby, Tuscaloosa, Montgomery, Marengo, Sumter, and Talladega.
The NWS cautioned that damaging winds and a brief tornado are possible within the watch zone. Officials are urging all residents to stay vigilant and ensure they have multiple ways to receive emergency warnings.
Flood Advisories and Broader Watch Continue
Further complicating the situation, a Flood Advisory is in place until 8:45 am CST for parts of Calhoun, Etowah, Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair, and Talladega counties due to minor flooding in low-lying areas. On a larger scale, a comprehensive Flood Watch covers much of central Alabama through Saturday afternoon because of continued heavy rainfall and excessive runoff.
The weather outlook suggests that strong to severe storms could persist into the early afternoon. Heavy rain may linger longer across southeastern sections of the state. Precipitation is forecast to taper off by late evening, with clearer conditions expected to return on Sunday.
The NWS's final advice to residents is clear: avoid driving through flooded roads, seek immediate shelter during active warnings, and if severe weather intensifies, move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building.
