Alabama Skies: Tropical storm-strength winds possible as rainy weather enters the state

Published 10:40 pm Friday, February 2, 2024

We’ll have plenty of rainfall moving into the state Saturday, but most of the models are showing overnight hours. Saturday errands and plans should stay dry for most of us, but once the rain begins, it will stick around a while.

The other feature of the system moving through is the possibly of strong winds. The Gulf Coast could have wind gusts in the tropical storm-strength neighborhood with wind gusts up to 45 miles per hour. We could have some problems with trees and powerlines, depending on when the strong winds arrive compared to how much the ground is saturated.

Rip currents are also a concern along the beaches as the system moves into the region.

North Alabama

Sunny with a high of 65. Mostly cloudy Saturday night with rain moving into the region. Windy with gusts up to 20 miles per hour.

Central Alabama

Increasing clouds with a high of 66. Showers likely overnight with a low of 46. Wind gusts up to 25 miles per hour possible.

South Alabama

Increasing clouds with a high of 68. Becoming breezy in the afternoon. Showers overnight with a low of 48. Breezy, with wind gusts up to 30 miles per hour possible.

Gulf Coast

Patchy fog in the morning. Increasing clouds with a shower or two possible in the afternoon. High of 65. Wind gusts up to 20 miles per hour. Saturday evening and night, showers likely with a thunderstorm possible. Low of 52. Sustained winds around 20 to 25 miles per hour with wind gusts up to 45 miles per hour possible.