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The Storm Prediction Center has upgraded the risk to a high risk for most of Dallas County on Saturday, as a strong storm system will move into the area bringing high winds and the possibility of long track tornadoes.

Jessica Laws, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Birmingham, said the ingredients appear to be aligning for a severe weather outbreak. Winds of 70 mph, large hail and strong, long-track tornadoes are likely with this event.

She said models are showing that the overnight storms will be much more isolated than originally predicted. Those storms, if any develop in the Dallas County area, could produce strong winds and tornadoes. That line will move through before sunrise Saturday.

With less convection occurring, Laws said that could provide more fuel for the afternoon storms.

“The reason why the risk was upgraded to a high risk is due to all of the ingredients coming together,” Laws said. “The overnight storms will be much more isolated than originally thought, especially over (the Dallas County) area. So that means there will be more fuel for the afternoon storms.”

The main threat for Dallas County will be from 2 to 10 p.m. Saturday. The storms in the early to late afternoon will be more isolated, Laws said, but those storms will be likely to produce a tornado.

“We will really have to watch for any storms that develop out ahead of the main line,” Laws said. “They will be isolated, but they could produce strong tornadoes. There will also be a line of storms that will come through, and tornadoes will be possible with those storms as well.”

In addition to severe winds that will be possible with storms, Laws said that the wind not associated with storms could gust to as high as 30 to 40 mph. Residents may need to be prepared for a power outage as well.

“Because the winds will be so high before and after the storms, there is a chance that we will see a lot of downed trees and power lines,” Laws said. “So everyone will need to be aware of that, especially if people will be involved in cleanup efforts.”

Laws encouraged residents to prepare ahead of time for what they will do in the event of a watch or warning during the outbreak.

“You need to go ahead and make your plans for where you are going to go if you need to take shelter,” Laws said. “Prepare an emergency kit. And make sure that you have helmets for everyone. One of the most common injuries during tornadoes is from flying debris or from structural damage. Wearing a helmet will help protect your head and prevent it from being struck.”

Gov. Kay Ivey has declared a state of emergency effective at 2 p.m. Friday, March 14. Central and will remain in effect for the duration of the state of emergency. Alabama law specifies that a state of emergency ordinarily will last 60 days; however, it may be terminated earlier by written proclamation.

“Now is the time to make any preparations and have a plan, should the weather conditions become dangerous,” Ivey said. “Certainly, we are no stranger to Mother Nature’s wrath, but I encourage Alabamians to be vigilant beginning tonight. Stay weather aware and stay safe!”

Toya Stiles, director of the Dallas County Emergency Management Agency, said residents need to make preparations now for when and where they will be once a watch or warning is issued.

“All storm shelters are now open,” Stiles said Thursday. “Residents need to ensure that they have multiple ways to receive weather alerts, know where their safe place is when a tornado warning is issued, have an emergency disaster supply kit nearby. Stay tuned to the local news and take this storm seriously.”

For those who do not have adequate shelter or are living in a mobile home, Stiles is encouraging those residents to enact their plan once a watch is issued.

“I strongly advise residents to seek shelter at one of the nearby shelters,” Stiles said. “Do not wait until a tornado warning is issued.”

Dallas County storm shelters and locations:

• Burnsville (behind VFD): 8609 Alabama Highway 14E.
• Orrville (behind Keith High school):1274 Co Rd 115.
• Tipton: 2534 Brown Street.
• Valley Grande (Horse Arena): 3271 Co Rd 65.
• Southside (behind Field house): 7975 U S Hwy 80E.
• Plantersville: 530 Pecan Road.
• Selma city shelter: 1609 J L Chestnut Ave.