Alabama severe weather

Alabama schools, cities and towns are shutting down in anticipation of freezing rain, ice and snow in the forecast. The National Weather Service (NWS) reports the winter weather will impact the northern and central portions of Central Alabama late Thursday night through Friday evening.

Cities, towns and residents are gearing up in anticipation of freezing rain, ice and snow forecast for Alabama, the bulk of which is predicted for Thursday night through Friday evening and into Saturday morning. As icy temperatures and arctic air continue to hit the state, warming stations are keeping their doors open, as they have all week.

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, Alabamians are asked to heed all health and safety warnings after any significant flooding and damage caused by the storm system. State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris is warning of potential hazards as well as protective actions needed after power outages and in cleanup activities

The National Weather Service says a survey team will be assessing possible tornado damage in Dallas and Chilton counties after a round of severe weather blew through Alabama.

National Preparedness Month is during September. Safety experts say preparedness should be an "all-hazard approach." This means being on guard for weather-related events like hurricanes and tornados, as well as issues related to the state’s two nuclear power plants.

At least two people have died, including one reportedly in Alabama, as destructively strong storms moved through the eastern U.S. Thousands of U.S. flights have also been canceled and more than one million residents have lost power.

Meteorologists across the state warn of the risk for severe weather this weekend. For some residents, this weather starts today. Weather experts are advising Alabamians to be aware of possible thunderstorms, damaging winds and hail.

Thousands of people across Alabama were without power Wednesday night amid the storms. At one point, the outages were affecting close to 50,000 people in the state. Witnesses posted video of tornadoes hitting Abbeville and Eufala.

The National Weather Service says there are several rounds of strong to severe storms expected to hit Alabama on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. The systems will bring heavy rains, winds, lightning, hail and possibly tornadoes.

Deadly storms in the past two weeks have unleashed dozens of tornadoes in the United States, mainly in the South and Midwest, killing at least 63 people and damaging or destroying hundreds of people’s homes. What should you do if your home is destroyed or severely damaged, once you are safe?