Alabama Tornadoes: Live Updates, Warnings, and Essential Safety Tips
While Alabama is not part of the infamous “Tornado Alley,” which comprises states like Oklahoma, Texas, and Kansas, it’s part of a lesser-known area known as “Dixie Alley,” which is still prone to tornadoes. Alabama experiences more tornadoes than most regions in the United States, with dozens occurring each year, causing widespread damage and posing a risk to human life and infrastructure.
Knowledge and preparation are the keys to surviving natural disasters in Alabama. This article covers tips on staying updated, when tornadoes are most likely to occur, and how to prepare your home and family for these unavoidable events.
When Is Tornado Season in Alabama?
While some areas have one distinct tornado season, Alabama experiences two periods of increased tornado activity. The primary season runs from late spring to early summer, from March to May, although April consistently produces the highest tornado activity. More than 550 tornadoes have touched down during this month in Alabama over the past 75 years.
However, Alabama also has a secondary tornado season in late fall, from November to December. While these two ranges represent peak tornado activity, wind funnels can form anytime in Alabama, underscoring the importance of year-round preparedness.
Whether in the Alabama countryside or a city, one way to prepare in advance is to invest in EcoFlow Portable Power Stations for backup home electricity if a tornado cuts the power. This equipment does require a significant investment, but it’s worth the peace of mind and security it provides. At a bare minimum, consider getting the EcoFlow RAPID Magnetic Power Bank to keep your phones charged so you can communicate with loved ones.
Certain parts of Alabama are more prone to tornadoes than others, with Mobile County having the most. Baldwin County and Jefferson County are a close second and third, but no area in the state has been immune to these destructive weather events.
How To Stay Updated on Alabama Tornado Warnings
Knowing how to get timely updates on tornado watches and warnings is critical for safety in Alabama. Tornadoes form and strike quickly, so you don’t want to search for the right radio station or look for a weather app to download in the moment—early preparation is key.
There are several ways you can stay updated on Alabama tornado warnings. But first, here’s a reminder of important tornado update terminology:
Tornado Watch: This means that weather conditions are favorable for tornadoes to form nearby. You should review your emergency plan and prepare to act quickly if needed.
Tornado Warning: A warning indicates a spotted or indicated tornado nearby, and immediate protective action should be taken.
Tornado Emergency: While extremely rare, a tornado emergency alerts you of a severe threat to human life and catastrophic damage caused by a confirmed violent tornado nearby.
That being said, here are different platforms for finding tornado updates, whether they be watches, warnings, or uncommon emergencies.
NOAA Weather Radio: Purchase a hand-crank or battery-powered radio that can broadcast NOAA Weather Radio with 24/7 timely weather information, which includes tornado warnings. You can even program it to receive alerts specific to your area.
Wireless Emergency Alerts: Enable these government alerts on your smartphone, which will provide geographically relevant warnings when you’re in an area that’s at risk.
Smartphone Weather Apps: Download reliable weather apps and know where to find them on your phone. Some good options include The Weather Channel, FEMA, MyRadar, or Alabama SAF-T.
Local Alerts: Call your local government office to check if they offer a public alert system you can opt into for warnings via text or email.
Traditional Media: Any battery-powered or hand-crank radio can access local broadcasts during severe weather events. These are especially important during power outages caused by tornadoes or hurricanes.
Social Media: Another option is to follow your local National Weather Service office and local meteorologists on social media to get timely updates.
How To Prepare for a Tornado in Alabama
Knowing how to prepare before a tornado is near can make the difference between terror and confidence when these disasters strike.
Here’s how to prepare your home and family for these unpredictable weather events.
Create an Emergency Plan
Your emergency plan will direct the rest of your actions. It’s your first line of defense when you hear a tornado watch or warning. Your plan should include specific details about where family members should go for shelter, protocols for communication if separated, and a set meeting location once all is clear after the tornado passes. You may want to remember that tornadoes aren’t the only natural disaster to threaten Alabama—hurricanes can also hit, so think about how you can prepare for any weather disaster with things like generators, sandbags, plywood for windows and doors, etc.
Designate a Safe Space
Locate the safest location for your family to gather during a tornado. If you have an underground storm shelter, go there. If not, find a basement, tornado-safe room, or interior room on the lowest floor of the building with no doors or windows. This may be a bathroom, hallway, or closet.
Build a Weather Emergency Kit
A stocked emergency kit will alleviate many fears associated with the damage that tornadoes and other weather events can cause. Ensure you have enough clean drinking water for every household member for at least three days, nonperishable food items, a first aid kit, and communication tools like a battery-powered radio. Other items to stock include an emergency power supply, flashlights with extra batteries, safety equipment (dust masks, fire extinguisher, helmet), personal hygiene, clean clothes, vital documents, essential tools, and a few comfort items like blankets and pillows.
If you want to take it a step further, consider investing in a backup power solution. The EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus and EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 are both robust power stations that can provide hours of electricity for critical appliances and devices, like CPAP machines and cellphones.
Maintain Your Home
Keeping your home prepared and secured for a potential tornado is key. Trim tree branches that hang near your home, remove or secure outdoor furniture, reinforce your garage door, and consider installing storm shutters. You should also regularly check your roof, including any roof-mounted solar panels, which are at risk of damage or flying off during a tornado or hurricane.
What To Do When a Tornado Hits Alabama
Take Shelter: Don’t panic; just seek shelter immediately. Go to your predetermined safe place or find a spot as low as possible. Do not get in a car.
Protect Yourself: Cover your neck and head with your arms to protect them, or get underneath a piece of sturdy furniture or a stairwell. You can also use blankets or a mattress for additional protection.
Stay Alert: Keep your NOAA weather radio or other form of timely updates nearby for updates on the situation.
Avoid Windows: Avoid flying debris from windows and glass doors.
If in a Vehicle: If you cannot reach a sturdy shelter and are stuck in a car, lower your head below the window, buckle your seatbelt, and cover your head with your arms or a blanket. If you can find an area lower than the roadway, leave the car and lie flat in that spot, covering your head.
After the Tornado: Once the tornado has passed and all is clear, check for injuries and provide first aid as needed. Avoid downed power lines, flood waters, and damaged buildings. Communicate using text messages to avoid overwhelming phone systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Tornadoes Common in Alabama?
Tornadoes are common in Alabama, with an average of around 60 tornadoes yearly over the past 30 years. Alabama is part of “Dixie Alley,” a region known for frequent and intense tornado activity due to its position in the United States, which provides ideal conditions for tornado formation.
Is Alabama in Danger of Tornadoes?
Alabama faces a significant risk of tornadoes throughout the year, especially during its two primary tornado seasons, which run from March to May and from November to December. April consistently experiences the most tornadoes.
Final Thoughts
Unfortunately, tornadoes are a regular reality for those living in Alabama. The best protection is knowledge and preparation, so ensure you know how to get timely updates, have proper resources and an emergency plan in place, and have an alternative source of electricity secured, such as EcoFlow DELTA Series Solar Generators. These solar generators can provide power in the days following a tornado if the grid is knocked out, giving you comfort and peace of mind as you recover.