CULLMAN, Ala. — Residents across Cullman County and the Tennessee Valley could see several rounds of changing weather conditions over the next two days, including strong winds Sunday afternoon, a line of severe thunderstorms overnight and sharply colder temperatures moving in behind a cold front Monday.
According to the National Weather Service in Huntsville, the first impact will arrive Sunday afternoon as winds increase from the south ahead of the approaching storm system.
Wind gusts are expected to reach 35–45 mph from about 1 p.m. Sunday through 1 a.m. Monday. Forecasters warn that gusty winds could blow around unsecured outdoor objects and may bring down weakened tree limbs, especially trees damaged by recent ice or decay.
Drivers of high-profile vehicles such as trucks and SUVs may also experience difficult driving conditions in open areas due to the strong crosswinds.
Residents are encouraged to secure patio furniture, trash cans, trampolines and other loose outdoor items before winds increase Sunday afternoon.
Severe storms expected Sunday night
Forecasters say a cold front moving through the region Sunday evening will generate a line of severe thunderstorms that could impact north Alabama overnight.
Current projections place the primary window for storms between about 8 p.m. Sunday and 3 a.m. Monday.
The main threat with the system is damaging straight-line winds that could reach 60–80 mph in the strongest storms. A few tornadoes are also possible, though meteorologists currently indicate lower confidence in widespread tornado development.
Large hail is considered unlikely with this type of storm line, though forecasters note that a brief hail core cannot be completely ruled out.
Because the storms are expected to occur overnight, officials emphasize the importance of having multiple ways to receive weather warnings.
Weather radios, mobile alerts, local television and radio broadcasts and emergency notification systems can all help ensure residents receive warnings while asleep.
Cold air moves in Monday
Once the cold front moves through early Monday morning, temperatures will drop sharply as colder air moves into the region.
Forecasters say the sky may produce a few light flurries Monday morning immediately behind the front. No travel impacts are expected from these flurries.
Even as skies begin to clear, windy conditions will continue through Monday with gusts around 25–30 mph.
The combination of wind and cold temperatures will make it feel much colder than the actual air temperature, with wind chills likely remaining in the upper 20s to low 30s through much of the day.
Hard freeze Monday night
The coldest conditions are expected Monday night as temperatures fall into the low 20s across the region.
With winds still blowing between 10 and 20 mph, wind chills could drop into the teens overnight.
Officials advise residents to remember the “four Ps” during cold weather: people, pets, pipes and plants.
Residents should check on elderly neighbors and other vulnerable individuals, bring pets indoors, protect exposed pipes from freezing and cover or bring inside sensitive plants.
Looking ahead
Forecasters say conditions should quiet down after the system moves through, though they continue to monitor longer-range trends.
Residents are encouraged to stay weather aware Sunday evening and overnight and continue checking for updates as timing and storm intensity forecasts are refined.
