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Severe storms could be headed our way Thursday and officials are closely monitoring the situation.

Local law enforcement and fire department officials met at the Butler County Emergency Management Agency offices Wednesday afternoon to listen to a detailed forecast from the National Weather Service in Mobile.

A storm system is expected to develop rapidly over the next 24 hours and bring severe thunderstorms and heavy rain to our area. The storms are expected to move across the area late Thursday afternoon through the predawn hours Friday. An “Enhanced” risk is now in place for the entire region.

The primary threats will be damaging winds and tornadoes. Atmospheric conditions may be supportive of strong tornadoes.

As of Wednesday afternoon, many areas in neighboring Mississippi had been moved into the “Moderate” risk category, prompting schools to set earlier closings Thursday as storms will move through the state several hours before arriving in Central Alabama.

Forecasters urge residents to pay close attention to the weather Thursday afternoon and overnight into Friday as well as have ways to receive warnings and review severe weather plans.