Archive · 10 Jan 2026
Alabama Faces Severe Storms, Flooding, and Tornado Risk
On January 10, 2024, the National Weather Service (NWS) issued several weather warnings for Alabama.
There were severe thunderstorms with strong winds and hail, flash floods in the Birmingham area, and a tornado watch for many counties.
The storms were moving quickly and could cause damage to buildings and trees.
The NWS advised people to stay alert and be prepared for more heavy rain and possible flooding.
The bad weather was expected to continue into the afternoon and clear up by Sunday.
The National Weather Service issued multiple weather warnings for central and southwestern Alabama on January 10, including severe thunderstorm, flash flood, and tornado watch warnings.
A severe thunderstorm warning was in effect until 8 am CST for Marengo and southwestern Sumter counties, with wind gusts up to 60 mph and penny-sized hail.
A flash flood warning was issued for the Birmingham metropolitan area until 8:15 am CST, with 1 to 3 inches of rain already fallen and more expected, causing flooding in roads and urban areas.
A tornado watch remained in effect until 10 am CST for 25 counties, including Jefferson, Shelby, Tuscaloosa, and Montgomery, with the potential for damaging winds and brief tornadoes.
Additional flood advisories and watches were in effect for various counties due to continued heavy rainfall and excessive runoff, with minor flooding expected in low-lying areas.
- Who
- Residents of central and southwestern Alabama, including Birmingham and surrounding counties
- What
- Severe thunderstorms, flash flooding, and potential tornadoes
- When
- January 10, 2024, morning hours
- Where
- Central and southwestern Alabama, including Marengo, Sumter, Jefferson, Shelby, Tuscaloosa, Montgomery, Talladega, and other counties
- Why
- Due to a line of severe storms moving east at 40 mph, producing strong winds, heavy rain, and potential tornadoes
- Warning Types
- Severe Thunderstorm, Flash Flood, Tornado Watch, Flood Advisory, Flood Watch
- Affected Counties
- Marengo, Sumter, Jefferson, Shelby, Tuscaloosa, Montgomery, Talladega, others
- Wind Gusts
- Up to 60 mph
- Rainfall
- 1 to 3 inches already fallen, with another 1 to 3 inches possible
- Hail Size
- Penny-sized
- Warning Duration
- Until 10 am CST on January 10