BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center has issued a tornado watch for much of Alabama, the western Florida Panhandle, southeast Louisiana, central and southern Mississippi, southern middle Tennessee, and coastal waters. The watch is effective from 9:10 p.m. Saturday until 4 a.m. CST Sunday.

Primary threats include the likelihood of a few tornadoes, with the possibility of a couple of intense tornadoes. Widespread damaging wind gusts up to 70 mph are expected, and isolated large hail events up to 1.5 inches in diameter are possible.

ABC 33/40 Chief Meteorologist James Spann emphasized the potential for strong, potentially damaging winds as the line of storms passes through Alabama. “With the saturated soil and the potential for damaging winds, you might consider taking action for a severe thunderstorm warning like a tornado warning tonight due to the potential for falling trees,” he said.

The line of thunderstorms is expected to enter the northwest corner of Alabama around 10 p.m. and move quickly through the state overnight. Spann noted that the main concern remains strong, potentially damaging straight-line winds, with the possibility of a few isolated tornadoes, especially over southwest Alabama.

“Gradient winds ahead of the line could gust to 30-40 mph in spots; a wind advisory is in effect,” Spann said. “The line will move quickly, rain amounts should be one inch or less for most places, and major flooding issues are not expected.”