Forecasters say there's a chance of severe weather across Alabama, and many areas already are taking precautions.
The weather service says there's a medium risk of tornadoes, flooding and damaging winds across central Alabama on Thursday, although chances are lower in the northern and southern ends of the state.
Dozens of school systems in central counties are dismissing students early as a precaution, and emergency managers are monitoring conditions in case the weather turns violent.
The National Weather Service says a weather system is moving into Alabama from Mississippi, meaning storms will likely begin on the western side of the state and move eastward during the day.
Storms could continue after nightfall.