Strong storms including tornados possible
Published 6:58 pm Wednesday, March 30, 2016
Thursday might be a good day to stay indoors.
The next few days could bring more than just rain to Selma. National Weather Service meteorologist Connor Baird said there will be a limited threat of severe weather most of the day Thursday and storms that could linger into Friday in the Dallas County area.
Some of the severe weather threats include tornadoes, damaging winds and thunderstorms producing quarter-sized hail.
Baird said the morning temperature in Selma Thursday will be 66 degrees and it will rise to 79 degrees throughout the day. With the warmer weather, however, comes the threat of severe weather.
“It’s not going to be a great day in general because the system is going to linger around for a while,” Baird said. “That’s something I would stay tuned for, but middle of the day to late afternoon would be the time frame [for severe weather].”
While plenty of bad weather could be headed toward Dallas County Thursday, the worst of the severe weather is expected to hit western Alabama.
Baird said west of Tuscaloosa, there is an elevated threat of severe weather, while the threat is only limited in Dallas County. A cold front is also expected to pass through northern parts of the state following the storm on Friday, but Baird said temperatures will only fall to the mid 60s Thursday night in Dallas County.
Baird said there may still be rain and isolated thunderstorms Friday, but the potentially dangerous weather will all take place Thursday. By Saturday, the weather will be cleared up and temperatures will be back to normal.
Baird encourages citizens to keep up to date all day Thursday on the Birmingham National Weather Service’s Facebook and Twitter to know when possibly damaging weather is headed toward Dallas County.
“One of the best things you can do is stay tuned to what’s going on in your area,” Baird said.
In addition to staying up to date, Baird said it is crucial to know where to go in case the severe weather requires citizens to take shelter.
“Know where the safest location within your house is, enclosed and has no windows in it in case a tornado does come,” Baird said. “If you have a strong shelter, certainly seek shelter there.”
Visit selmatimesjournal.com Thursday for information should any local watches and warnings be issued for Dallas County.