Our next storm system will arrive early Friday morning, bringing our second chance of severe weather this week. Many of us will receive some heavy rain and strong winds, some of us will have some severe storms, and a few of us will have a tornado threat.

A Level 3 risk covers the northwestern region of the state and includes Florence, Russellville, Hamilton, and Fayette. The biggest risks are for damaging winds, lightning, and hail, but a tornado can’t be ruled out.

Storms are possible to begin about 6 or 7 a.m. in western areas of the state, moving east as the day goes on.

A Level 2 covers most of the rest of the state. Risks are the same as the Level 3 with a lower probability.

Storms are expected to be out of the state by around 4 p.m., but we’re not finished with the cold front’s impact then. We can still expect to have winds up to 50 miles per hour even after the storms are gone.

We’re still watching a winter storm marching towards Alabama. Make plans this weekend to prepare for temperatures below freezing for several days. We’ll discuss details on that forecast once we get through this severe weather event.

North Alabama

Showers and storms with a high of 61. Some storms could be severe. Windy with gusts up to 30 miles per hour during storms. Becoming partly cloudy in the evening with a low of 26. Wind chills as low as 16 degrees possible.

Central Alabama

Showers likely with thunderstorms possible. A storm or two could be strong to severe. High of 66. Wind gusts up to 50 miles per hour possible. Becoming clear Friday night with a low of 28.

South Alabama

Showers likely with a thunderstorm possible. One or two of these storms could be strong to severe. High of 72 and wind gusts up to 50 miles per hour. Mostly clear Friday night with a low of 28.

Gulf Coast

Showers likely with a thunderstorm possible in the morning, then showers possible in the afternoon. A storm or two could be severe. Gradually clearing with a high of 71. Wind gusts up to 45 miles per hour. Partly cloudy overnight with a low of 33.