Severe Storms Move Into Alabama

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The National Weather Service in Birmingham says waves of severe storms are expected across north and central Alabama through Wednesday. Strong winds and tornadoes are on the minds of many in the south; this past weekend marked the three-year anniversary of the 2011 tornados that ripped through Alabama.

Meteorologist Jim Stephvokitch says residents should have other concerns in mind as well. “We don’t want people to just focus on tornado warnings we have the potential for all modes of severe weather. That includes straight line winds, 60 to 80 mile an hour tornados, large hail, and flash flooding.”

The entire state is under a flash flood watch with as much as 5 inches of rain in the forecast.Schools around north central Alabama are releasing students early today. Forecasters are predicting strong thunderstorms across the South, with the possibility of hail and tornadoes.

Early closings and cancellations include:

Birmingham City — Closing at 1 p.m.

Jefferson County — Closing at 1 p.m.

Hoover — Closing 2 hours early, no after school activities

Homewood — All after school activities and extended day programs have been cancelled

Shelby County — Closing at 1 p.m.

Gadsden State Community College (all campuses) — Closing at 1:30 p.m.

Additionally, classes and normal campus operations at The University of Alabama at Birmingham will be suspended at 5 pm today, April 28. Normal operations are planned for Tuesday, April 29.

MAX bus service has been suspended after 4 p.m.

 

You can find additional closing information here.

 

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More April 2014 Tornadoes Coverage