According to the National Weather Service, this is only the third time Alabama has been put into a Level 5 risk two days out since 2006. It’s also notably only the third time in Storm Prediction Center history that a Level 5 risk has been added to the Day 2 forecast:

It marks only the third time since at least 2006 that the highest risk level has been issued the day before an expected outbreak.

Jim Coker, with emergency management in Alabama's Jefferson County, urges safety and preparedness with severe weather barreling toward Alabama.

An "outbreak" of tornadoes and severe thunderstorms is expected through Saturday night in Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and other southern states.

A dangerous storm system is expected to sweep through the St. Louis region Friday evening, bringing the potential for destructive winds and fast-moving tornadoes, with the metro area under a Level 4 out of 5 risk for severe weather.

A significant severe weather day is anticipated for Saturday across Southeast Louisiana and South Mississippi. We remain highlighted in a level 4 out of 5 moderate risk for severe weather. This threat will begin by late morning Saturday and continue through sunset in the evening.