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Tornadoes, strong winds and hail are possible for Dallas County residents after the Storm Prediction Center has placed the area in an enhanced risk of severe weather for Wednesday.

This has prompted a tornado watch for Dallas County until 5 p.m.

Daniel Martin, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Birmingham, said the potential for severe weather is likely to start around 2 to 3 p.m. Wednesday.

“A large cluster of thunderstorms is currently over Mississippi, and that cluster will move over Alabama later today,” Martin said. “The main threats are from tornadoes, damaging winds and quarter-sized hail.”

Rainfall potential

While Martin said the main instability is over South Alabama, Dallas County could possibly experience some severe weather as evidenced by the enhanced risk being placed over the area. An additional risk today is from localized flash flooding.

“Expect two to four inches of rain today,” Martin said. “Where some of the heavier bands develop, the rainfall could exceed four inches, and that would be the main areas where flash flooding could set up.”

Storm Shelters

Dallas County has eight storm shelters. They are located at:

• Burnsville (behind fire station) located 8609 Alabama Highway 14E, Selma,
• Orrville (behind Keith High School) located at 1274 Co Rd 115, Orrville,
• Tipton (Jim Minor Garden Homes) located at 2534 Brown Street, Selma,
• Valley Grande (horse arena) located at 3271 Co Rd 65, Valley Grande,
• Southside High School (behind fieldhouse) 7975 U S Hwy 80 E, Selma, and
• Plantersville (beside Noodies BBQ), 530 Pecan Rd, Plantersville.

Closings

The Dallas County Courthouse will close at 1:30 p.m. due to the threat of severe weather.

John T. Morgan Academy will close at 12:45 p.m. Wednesday.

Dallas County Schools will close at noon Wednesday.

Selma City Schools will close at noon Wednesday.

All Wednesday after school activities at John T. Morgan Academy have been cancelled.

Strong winds possible Wednesday

Additionally,  gusty winds between 20-30 mph will be likely all day today. These winds are not associated with the severe thunderstorms. The high Wednesday is expected to reach 75 degrees.