By NICOLE LOGGINS / Staff Writer

Shelby County residents can expect severe weather over the weekend starting on the afternoon of Friday, March 2.

Throughout Friday afternoon, there will be an increase in showers and thunderstorms, which will likely be severe.

“There may be super cells which could develop tornadoes,” said Holly Britton, meteorologist with the National Weather Service office in Birmingham.

Britton suggested checking the National Weather Service website at Weather.gov for updates and having a safety plan in place.

“Have multiple ways to get severe weather information, in case the power goes out,” she said. “That’s very important, in case your laptop dies or your TV goes out.”

Seek shelter in the lowest level of your home, in a basement if you have one, said Britton.

“You want to be in an interior room, in a small bathroom or closet,” she said. “Put as many walls between you and the storm as possible.”

Britton also recommended putting on a helmet to protect your head from any falling debris or covering yourself with a mattress.