Raining in Birmingham — Keep your umbrellas handy, Bham. Rain and slight thunderstorms are expected Friday-Saturday. (Nathan Watson for Bham Now)

Birmingham and other Alabama cities had a foggy start this morning, January 7. While the sun is creeping out now and will continue through Thursday, severe weather is expected Friday night, January 9 and into Saturday.

Cold front + heavy rain expected in Birmingham on Friday, Jan. 9

According to the National Weather Service, a cold front will bring potential for heavy rain and thunderstorms to Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Anniston and Gadsden.

Three inches of rain is expected in surrounding Central Alabama counties, and flooding issues could develop Friday night and early Saturday morning.

A “slight risk” of thunderstorms is expected from Birmingham to Huntsville.

“The severe thunderstorm risk is somewhat conditional; instability values are rather low, which will be a limiting factor.

But we note models show a strong low-level jet (winds about 5,000 feet off the ground) setting up over Alabama Friday night, which will aid in thunderstorm development.

The main risk will come from strong, gusty winds; a brief isolated tornado can’t be totally ruled out in the level 2/5 risk area.”
ABC 33/40 Weather Authority

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