NWS: Alabama At Risk For Rough Weather

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP)—Forecasters say north Alabama is at risk for some rough weather.

The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm watch for the northern half of the state through 5 p.m. Thursday.

Forecasters said strong storms with damaging winds, small hail and lightning are possible through about 9 p.m. The area north of Interstate 20 is at greatest risk.

City and county schools in Talladega are closing early because of the possibility of bad weather, and others could do the same.

The storms were associated with a cold front that forecasters said would move through central Alabama.