Storm Prediction Center Warns of Potential Tornado Threat in Alabama

Mesoscale Discussion 0261 highlights possibility of severe storms with tornadoes, high winds, and large hail

Mar. 16, 2026 at 6:24am

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The National Weather Service's Storm Prediction Center has issued a Mesoscale Discussion for parts of southwest and central Alabama, indicating a continued severe weather threat within Tornado Watch 60. The discussion highlights the potential for a couple of storms to intensify into supercells, which could produce tornadoes up to 130 mph, wind gusts up to 70 mph, and hail up to 1.25 inches in diameter.

Why it matters

Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes can cause significant damage to property and threaten public safety, making this an important weather event for residents in the affected areas of Alabama to monitor closely.

The details

The Storm Prediction Center's Mesoscale Discussion 0261 indicates that ahead of a squall line advancing eastward across western Alabama, a couple of storms are evolving within a plume of weak low-level warm advection and surface confluence. While there is some uncertainty about the storms' intensification due to lingering inhibition and weak forcing for ascent, the large clockwise-curved hodographs and ample buoyancy could conditionally favor the development of a supercell or two. If this were to occur, all severe hazards would be possible, including tornadoes.

  • The Mesoscale Discussion is valid from 6:21 UTC to 7:15 UTC on Monday, March 16, 2026.

The players

Storm Prediction Center

The National Weather Service's Storm Prediction Center, located in Norman, Oklahoma, is responsible for issuing severe weather watches, warnings, and forecasts for the United States.

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What’s next

The National Weather Service will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary. Residents in the affected areas of Alabama should stay tuned to local weather forecasts and be prepared to take shelter if severe storms develop.

The takeaway

This Mesoscale Discussion highlights the potential for severe thunderstorms, including the possibility of tornadoes, high winds, and large hail, in parts of southwest and central Alabama. Residents in the affected areas should remain vigilant and follow the guidance of local weather authorities to ensure their safety.