A storm system moving into Alabama from the northwest may pack more punch than first expected.

The National Weather Service has placed most of northern Alabama, including metro Birmingham, under a slight risk for severe thunderstorms this afternoon and evening. If storms do reach our area, it will likely be in the late afternoon or early evening.

Any storms that form may include gusty winds and large hail, plus frequent lightning and heavy rain. The likelihood of tornadoes is remote at best.

The storm system is moving down from Tennessee and Kentucky, where numerous severe thunderstorm warnings were issued on Wednesday. Already some flash flood warnings have been issued for parts of the Tennessee Valley.