The Storm Prediction center has issued tornado watch number 17 for parts of North and Central Alabama, southern Tennessee and western Georgia. It is valid until 5 p.m. CST.
Counties in Central Alabama include: Bibb, Blount, Calhoun, Chambers, Cherokee, Chilton, Clay, Cleburne, Coosa, Etowah, Jefferson, Randolph, Shelby, St. Clair, Talladega, Tallapoosa, Tuscaloosa, Walker and Winston.
In addition, a severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for parts of Marion and Winston Counties in Northwest Alabama until 11:45 a.m. Areas affected include Bear Creek, Haleyville and Natural Bridge.
Other severe thunderstorm warnings are in effect for Lauderdale, Colbert, Franklin and Lawrence Counties.
With very strong winds through the atmosphere, wind damage will be possible. We are already receiving reports of trees down with the line. There will also be the potential for a few isolated tornadoes.
