Alabama and Midwest US face heightened severe weather risk

The Storm Prediction Center has placed West Alabama under a slight risk (level 2/5) and added a marginal risk (level 1/5) for surrounding counties. The main threats are strong thunderstorm winds, hail and a brief chance of isolated tornadoes, with rain amounts of two inches or more that could cause minor flooding.

Across the Midwest and South, forecasters expect an active start to May with multiple rounds of severe storms. Areas from Missouri, Iowa, Illinois, Oklahoma and Texas face Level 1–2 severe storm risks, including damaging wind gusts up to 50 mph, large hail, tornadoes and flash‑flood hazards. Over 260 tornadoes were reported in April, resulting in two fatalities and displaced families. Rainfall of 2–5 inches is expected, especially Tuesday‑Wednesday, raising flood concerns from eastern Tennessee to southern Indiana.