Autauga County faces severe storm risk and dangerous heat through weekend

Damaging winds were the main severe-weather threat for Autauga County on Friday as the National Weather Service in Birmingham placed northern portions of the region under a Marginal Risk, level 1 of 5, for severe thunderstorms and kept a Heat Advisory in effect through 9 p.m. Saturday. The county forecast called for humid highs in the mid-90s, a slight chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms, and heat index values climbing as high as 107.

The sharper storm concern was north of the Jackson-Prattville-Roanoke line, which put communities north of Prattville in the higher-risk zone and left Prattville near the edge of it. Damaging wind gusts were the main hazard, with the potential to knock down limbs, interrupt power and make late-day travel more dangerous for commuters and anyone still on the road when storms develop.

Heat indices would exceed 105 degrees through Saturday. Afternoon highs would hold in the 90s and heat index readings would stay above 100 during the afternoon and early evening. The Autauga County forecast showed Friday highs around 90, Saturday around 90 and Sunday in the lower 90s.

Loose outdoor items needed to be secured before late afternoon, and anyone planning time outside had to finish strenuous work early, drink water often and get into shade or air conditioning before the hottest part of the day settled over Central Alabama.