Strong Storms, Gusty Winds Possible Across Alabama Wednesday Night

Chilly weather is headed to the South for Christmas, and storms will be possible in Alabama before the cold front arrives Wednesday.

Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa and ABC 33/30 Chief Meteorologist James Spann says that Wednesday will begin with clear skies; however, storms will develop as the cold front moves closer to Alabama.

The National Weather Service in Birmingham has placed much of the state under a marginal risk for storms Wednesday night. The primary threat from these storms will be heavy rainfall and winds.

"Models still show no surface based instability over most of the state; the main issue will come not from thunderstorms, but from pressure gradient winds. Ahead of the cold front, winds will gust to 30/35 mph late tomorrow night as the rain moves through. The higher winds will come from midnight tomorrow night until 6:00 a.m. Thursday. Rain amounts of 1/2 to 1 inch are likely," Spann said.

After the cold front moves in, West Alabama will see a chilly Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The high will be around 40 degrees.