Take this weather seriously, but don't panic. Be prepared.

Forecast Update: We continue to monitor the progress of Hurricane Francine. The risk for severe storms and gusty winds will exist through much of the day. A wind advisory will go into effect at midnight through and continue through midnight Thursday night. Check back for updates.

🚫 We are seeing reports on social media of people in the Gulf waters at local beaches this afternoon. There are red and double red flags flying at all local beaches. 🔴🌊STAY OUT OF THE GULF WATERS TODAY!! DO NOT GET IN THE WATER!

5pm CDT Sep 11th -- #Francine has made landfall in southern Louisiana in the Parish of Terrebonne, about 30 miles south-southwest of Morgan City, as a Category 2 hurricane. Maximum sustained winds are estimated to be near 100 mph (155 km/h). TCU: hurricanes.gov/#Francine

7:40pm Wednesday: Hurricane Francine has made landfall along the southern Louisiana coastline. Meanwhile, light to moderate rain will continue to spread northward across Central Alabama. Winds will begin to pick up after midnight.

Recent hi-resolution guidance continues to depict the possibility of slow-moving showers & thunderstorms developing across Central AL, mainly throughout the day on Thursday. Confidence is increasing that urban & flash flooding could occur, with amounts locally 6" or more. #alwx

Tropical Storm Francine will continue to move north slowly through the day allowing for a prolonged period of rain as well as a tornado threat. We'll discuss each of these threats, as well as safety, so look at our page frequently today!

There are two transmitters currently down. Winfield and Demopolis (that had high winds move through this morning). We have contacted techs to work on the issues. In the meantime, you can try to switch to another transmitter to see if you can get a clear broadcast.

Winds will be gusting today up to 40-45 mph in many areas. Rain plus wind is a scary combo, and with the amount of rain we have forecasted, this wind could easily knock trees down. Please use caution today and don't drive over any powerlines if they are down!

We are already getting reports of trees down in areas west of I65. The strongest winds will continue through the morning and early afternoon, so please stay aware of your surroundings! Plan for extra time when driving and remember cars and exterior rooms are not the safest place.

This is a "good anytime" post. Generators need to be at least 20 feet away from the building. Never run a generator inside, even if the windows and doors are open. The generator needs sufficient space to vent, or carbon monoxide will build up in the house.

There isn't a lot going on right now, but don't relax your attention yet! We still have plenty of shear (turning of the winds), and combined with increasing energy, we have a chance for tornado development through the afternoon, evening, and early night. Pay attention to updates!

A band of rain is approaching the Interstate 65 corridor. There are indications this band could slow and produce waves of heavy rain/flooding this evening, possibly a tornado, along and near the 65.

A tornado watch has been issued for parts of Alabama until 10 PM CDT

Vigilancia de Tornado ha sido emitida para partes de Alabama hasta las 10 PM CDT

Here is the tornado watch, valid until 10 pm, with radar overlaid. Please also keep in mind that flash flooding could develop along parts of the Interstate 65 corridor if this line of activity slows, which our models indicate may happen.

Mostly cloudy with scattered showers and storms today, highs in the low 80s. Scattered showers and a few storms tonight, lows in the mid to upper 60s. Scattered showers and some storms Saturday, highs from the upper 70s north to low 80s south.

There is a marginal (level 1 of 5) risk for a few severe storms this afternoon and evening. Additionally, heavy rainfall is expected across much of the area with a flood watch remaining in effect into Saturday morning. Check back for updates.