Local residents should tie down loose outdoor objects and be careful driving, especially in high-profile vehicles, with gusty conditions on the way.

A wind advisory will be in effect for north Alabama and southern Tennessee from midnight tonight through Friday at 6 a.m., according to the National Weather Service. Gusts of 40-50 mph associated with a line of thunderstorms are possible.

The potential problems will begin Thursday morning with sustained southerly winds of 25-30 mph, turning northwesterly in the afternoon. Gusts upwards of 40 mph are expected, with gusts up to 50 mph possible in higher elevations.

Heavy downpours and isolated pockets of damaging wind could occur as the line of thunderstorms crosses the area Thursday morning.

Cooler weather will prevail for the rest of the week with temperatures dropping throughout the day Thursday from a high of 59. The remainder of the week should have clear skies with lows in the 20s and highs in the 50s.