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Crenshaw County and nearly the entire state of Alabama will face a likely severe weather threat on Easter Sunday.

According to data released by the National Weather Service in Mobile, portions of eastern Mississippi stretching into western Alabama will face a moderate risk from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. tomorrow, the second-highest risk level ascribed by the NWS.

An enhanced risk level (the third-highest level) has been noted for a large portion of central Alabama, including Crenshaw County, from 2 p.m. until 2 a.m. on Sunday.

The NWS is warning that the storms could produce “all modes of severe weather, including including tornadoes (possibly strong and long-tracked), damaging winds, and large hail.”

Strong winds of up to 20 to 30 MPH with gusts up to 40 MPH are also expected during this time period.

According to Crenshaw County EMA director Elliot Jones, several storm shelters will be open tomorrow in the county.

These include:

• Pleasant Home- 8401 Ivy Creek Road, Brantley
• Weedville- 991 Pine Level Road, Brantley
• Chapel Hill- 2143 Chapel Hill Road, Rutledge
• Panola- 392 Panola Road, Lapine
• Danielville- 5025 Bowden Road, Honoraville
• Petrey- 82 School House Circle, Luverne

In the time of social distancing due to COVID-19, Jones announced that the shelters would be open with several caveats.

“It is very important to remember that if you choose to enter a shelter, you will be sharing a small closed space with others. Please wear some type of facial covering to protect yourself and others from possible exposure to the coronavirus,” Jones said

“We have to keep in mind that just because a person does not have symptoms does not mean they not are a carrier and totally unaware of being so. The shelters are open for safety from severe and dangerous weather, but it is your choice to enter at your own risk.”

Monitor the Crenshaw County EMA Facebook page and other local severe weather sources for up-to-date localized updates on this storm system.