The recent severe storms and flooding that occurred across Kentucky last month is a reminder that extreme weather events can happen at any time. Preparing for this is vital to keeping your family safe.

A severe weather outbreak is expected on Saturday in Alabama, according to the National Weather Service. NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center has added -- and now expanded as of Thursday afternoon -- a rarely-used Level 4 out of 5 risk for parts of a large part of Alabama for Saturday.

A severe weather outbreak in Alabama through Saturday with the threat of hail, damaging winds and tornadoes. Some tornadoes could be strong and long-track.

The storm, which forecasters said could produce tornadoes, is expected to strengthen Friday and move towards the central US.

The same powerful storm that battered Southern California with heavy rain and brought blizzard conditions to the San Bernardino Mountains is putting millions on alert from coast to coast.

A multi-day outbreak of severe thunderstorms will begin today and last through the weekend in the Midwest, South and East. Strong, long-tracked tornadoes, widespread damaging winds, large hail and flash flooding are all threats this dangerous bout of severe weather could produce.

A powerful low-pressure system is likely to spawn a dangerous outbreak of severe thunderstorms in portions of the Midwest, South and East, where tornadoes, widespread damaging winds, large hail and flash flooding are all concerns.

The setup Friday through the weekend is a dangerous one in parts of the South, Midwest and East. Some tornadoes could be strong and widespread damaging winds are also a major threat.

Much of the Pee Dee is under a severe drought. Heavy rains with such dry soil could produce flooding more easily as it is tougher for the water to drain. So although the rain is welcomed, too much in a short time makes it extra dangerous.