NWS Issues Severe Thunderstorm Watch for North Half of Alabama

The National Weather Service has warned of dangerous storms approaching the region.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for much of northwest Alabama, including Tuscaloosa County, as bad weather approaches from the west. The watch, issued at 4 p.m. Monday, includes essentially the entire northern half of the state.

Why it matters

Severe thunderstorms can bring high winds, hail, and the potential for tornadoes, posing a threat to public safety. The NWS watch covers a large swath of central and northern Alabama, including several major population centers.

The details

The Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect until 10 p.m. CDT and covers 23 counties in central Alabama, including Tuscaloosa, Jefferson, Shelby, and Calhoun counties. The watch area includes several major cities such as Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Anniston, and Gadsden.

  • The Severe Thunderstorm Watch was issued at 4 p.m. CDT on Monday, March 9, 2026.
  • The watch is in effect until 10 p.m. CDT on Monday, March 9, 2026.

The players

National Weather Service

The National Weather Service is a government agency that is part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). It is responsible for issuing weather forecasts and warnings to protect life and property.

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What’s next

The National Weather Service will continue to monitor the severe weather situation and may issue additional watches, warnings, or advisories as needed.

The takeaway

Residents in the affected counties should closely monitor weather conditions, have a plan in place to seek shelter if severe storms develop, and heed any warnings or instructions from local authorities.