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Gov. Kay Ivey today issued a state of emergency for all 67 counts ahead of this weekend’s severe weather.

“The state of Alabama is at risk for potentially dangerous, severe weather throughout this weekend, so it is critical that everyone stays very aware of their local forecasts,” Ivey said in a statement. “Now is the time to make any preparations and have a plan, should the weather conditions become dangerous. Certainly, we are no stranger to Mother Nature’s wrath, but I encourage Alabamians to be vigilant beginning tonight. Stay weather aware and stay safe.”

According to Ivey’s office, the state of emergency will go into effect today at 2 p.m. CST, and will remain in effect for the duration of the state of emergency.

Alabama law specifies that a state of emergency ordinarily will last 60 days; however, it may be terminated earlier by written proclamation.

Significant severe storms are likely for the area on Saturday, according to the National Weather Service.

According to the NWS, tonight, isolated to scattered thunderstorms are possible.

“We aren’t confident that these storms will be strong enough to produce severe thunderstorms, but the environment will support severe thunderstorms if there is enough forcing/lift for storms to grow,” NWS of Mobile officials said on their Facebook page. “Damaging wind gusts and hail are our primary threats. Tornadoes cannot be ruled out.”

Then, on Saturday, NWS officials said they expect storms to develop by early afternoon, increasing in coverage ahead of a line of storms.

“Strong, long-track tornadoes, damaging straight-line winds and large hail are all possible with these storms,” officials said. “The severe threat will exit the area early Sunday morning as a line of storms moves through.”