If the weather predictions held true, you are already dealing with the impact of a severe thunderstorm or something worse.
Meanwhile, a second wave of possible severe weather is expected this afternoon.
The storms threatened to bring damaging winds, large hail, tornadoes and flash flooding.
As of Monday afternoon, the second line of storms was expected to arrive no earlier than 3 p.m. today.
How serious those storms are will depend on the weather conditions the rest of the day today, Montgomery Emergency Management Director Calvin Brown said.
If it is cloudy and cool, the storms won't be as severe, but if the ground warms enough, it could create conditions conducive to dangerous weather, he said.
The two rounds of storms are expected to dump 5 to 6 inches of rain on the area, which means flooding is likely in low-lying areas, Brown said.
The most recent flooding in the area was caused by only about 3½ inches, Brown said.
Montgomery Public Safety Director Chris Murphy urged people who live in flood-prone areas to find alternate accommodations until conditions improve.
The city and county began preparing for the worst Monday out of an "abundance of caution," Mayor Todd Strange said.
The Montgomery Police Department and Montgomery County Sheriff's Office have altered their shifts, bringing in some officers early and having others stay late.
The Montgomery Fire and Rescue Department also brought in extra personnel and deployed rescue units to strategic locations, Fire Chief Miford Jordan said.
Thousands of people were without power in northern and central Alabama on Monday night after waves of severe storms crossed the state.
Alabama Power Co. says about 20,100 homes and businesses lost electricity in central and western Alabama as severe weather including tornadoes struck Monday. There are 480 customers without service in the Selma area.
Huntsville Utilities says about 4,200 homes and businesses were in the dark to the north in the Tennessee Valley. Falling trees pulled down electrical lines in areas including Limestone County, where damage was worst and at least two people died.
Montgomery city and county workers were gassing up chain saws and preparing Zodiac boats and all-terrain vehicles, and the emergency communications department brought in more people to take calls.
"We are not going to relax too much until sometime Wednesday," Murphy said.
No shelters had been opened as of Monday afternoon, but the Alabama Red Cross was monitoring the weather.
The area actually was expected to experience three rounds of possible severe weather, but it was spared when storms failed to materialize Monday morning.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
TO REPORT A POWER OUTAGE
Call Alabama Power's automated outage reporting line at 1-800-888-2726.
FOR WEATHER NOTIFICATIONS
Visit alert.montgomeryal.gov to sign up for notifications from the Montgomery City/County EMA
SAFETY TIPS
• Listen to local news or NOAA Weather Radio for emergency updates. Watch for signs of a storm, like darkening skies, lightning flashes or increasing wind.
• Postpone outdoor activities if thunderstorms are likely to occur. Many people struck by lightning are not in the area where it's raining
• If a severe thunderstorm warning is issued, take shelter in a substantial building or in a vehicle with closed windows. Get out of mobile homes that can blow over in high winds.
• If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be in danger from lightning. If thunder roars, go indoors! The National Weather Service recommends staying inside for at least 30 minutes after the last thunder clap.
• Avoid electrical equipment and telephones. Use battery-powered TVs and radios instead.
• Shutter windows and close outside doors securely. Keep away from windows. Do not take a bath, shower or use plumbing.
• If you are driving, try to safely exit the roadway and park. Stay in the vehicle and turn on the emergency flashers until the heavy rain ends. Avoid touching metal or other surfaces that conduct electricity in and outside the vehicle.
• If you are outside and cannot reach a safe building, avoid high ground; water; tall, isolated trees; and metal objects such as fences or bleachers. Picnic shelters, dugouts and sheds are NOT safe.
Source: Alabama Red Cross
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