|Important Information concerning Severe Weather Season
|As most people in Alabama know, the spring severe weather season is upon us. The Alabama Emergency Management Agency (AEMA) and the National Weather Service would like to pass along some information for the upcoming severe weather season.
A Severe Thunderstorm is a storm which produces one inch or larger hail and/or winds greater than or equal to 58 mph. Winds of this magnitude have the potential to uproot large trees, which can fall on cars and homes.
A Tornado or Severe Thunderstorm WATCH means environmental conditions are right for tornadoes/severe thunderstorms to develop.
A Tornado or Severe Thunderstorms WARNING means a tornado or severe thunderstorm is occurring, or is imminent. Outdoor sirens are good when outdoors. A NOAA Weather Radio is still the best and one of the fastest ways to get weather warnings, especially in your home at night.
Have multiple sources for severe weather information. A NOAA Weather Radio will alert you and then you can check your local news station, radio or www.srh.noaa.gov/bmx for more information.
Don’t wait until you’re under a WARNING to figure out if you’re prepared for severe weather. Develop a preparedness plan for you and your family NOW and practice it. For more information on creating a preparedness plan, visit www.ready.gov or our local pages on preparedness.
If you witness severe weather, such as any wind damage, hail, flooding or tornadoes, please contact your county's emergency management office or call the National Weather Service’s Storm Reporting Hotline at 1-800-856-0758.