"Alabama Braces for Severe Storms and Bitter Cold in the Coming Days"

Central Alabama is facing a substantial threat of severe weather, including a higher chance of tornadoes, on Friday, which has been declared an Alert Day. The storm system is expected to bring high wind gusts, heavy rainfall, and the possibility of life-threatening weather. The Storm Prediction Center has outlined an "Enhanced Risk" of severe storms for part of Alabama, with areas south of Interstate 20 and east of Interstate 65 having the highest tornado threat. Additionally, a series of cold fronts driving Arctic air across the nation is expected to bring a steep temperature drop for the weekend, with the potential for winter storms next week and temperatures plunging below freezing for several straight days.