HUNTSVILLE — The National Weather Service isn’t pulling any punches with its forecast for tonight and Saturday.

The Weather Service’s Huntsville office is calling for “significant damaging winds (greater than 70 mph) and some tornadoes” possible.

“A line of strong-severe thunderstorms is expected to track eastward across the Tennessee Valley late tonight through early Saturday morning,” the office said. “Damaging winds and tornadoes will be the greatest threats.”

The forecast is also calling for locally heavy rainfall with totals between 0.5-1.5 inches.

“However, locally higher amounts will be possible, especially if the system slows down as it moves eastward,” the office said. “There is a slight risk for excessive rainfall to produce rises on rivers, creeks, and streams, as well as limited flash flooding.”

A wind advisory is in effect for all of North Alabama and southern middle Tennessee from 7 o’clock tonight through 1 p.m. Saturday, according to the NWS office. “… sustained winds of 20-30 mph with gusts to 45 mph” are likely.

“Locally higher gusts are possible especially in higher terrain.”