BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — A severe weather outbreak is poised to strike the Deep South, with a high risk of violent tornadoes expected across parts of Alabama and Mississippi. The Storm Prediction Center has issued a high-risk alert for Saturday, warning of a likely tornado outbreak across the central Gulf Coast States and the Deep South into the Tennessee Valley.

James Spann, ABC 33/40 Chief Meteorologist, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “A high risk (level 5/5) has been defined for parts of AL and MS for ’round two’ tomorrow afternoon/night.” Spann urged residents to prepare, saying, “Simply have a reliable way of getting warnings (never an outdoor siren), and a good plan, and we will get through it all together.”

The National Weather Service in Birmingham echoed these concerns, noting that a “Moderate Risk (Level 4/5) for severe storms exists across all of Central Alabama.” The severe weather is expected to begin late Friday night and continue through early Sunday morning, with the most dangerous conditions anticipated on Saturday afternoon and evening.

The Storm Prediction Center detailed that “numerous significant tornadoes, some of which should be long-track and potentially violent, are expected on Saturday afternoon and evening.” The threat will begin in eastern Louisiana and Mississippi, spreading across Alabama and reaching western parts of the Florida Panhandle and Georgia by Saturday night.

Residents are advised to stay informed and take necessary precautions as the severe weather approaches.