Alabama's spring severe weather season is expected to ramp up Wednesday, with forecasts calling for a "significant' risk of severe weather across the central part of the state.
The forecast covers all of the state from Wednesday morning through Wednesday night, with storms expected earlier in the western portions and later in the east. The National Weather Service predicts an "enhanced" risk for tornadoes, winds of 60 miles-per-hour or better and golf ball-sized hail. The enhanced category is a 3 out of five designation, with 5 being the strongest risk.
There is a "slight" chance of severe weather today and Tuesday, but Wednesday will be the big event, said Jason Holmes, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Birmingham.