This week has been proclaimed the Alabama Severe Weather Awareness Week by Alabama Governor, Kay Ivey. The National Weather Service Offices serving counties in Alabama, along with the Alabama Emergency Management Agency and other organizations, encourage everyone to help spread important severe weather safety information. Being informed and planning ahead can help residents stay safe when severe storms threaten.
 

The picture above is from the EF2 tornado on Christmas Day 2012 in Mobile, Alabama.

Severe weather watches and warnings are ineffective if the public does not receive the message or is not knowledgeable of the safety procedures to follow. The purpose of Severe Weather Awareness Week is to provide people with the knowledge necessary to protect their lives when severe weather threatens.

Severe weather - whether in the form of severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, or flash floods - can develop quickly. Once a tornado is approaching or flooding begins, it's too late to create a preparedness plan. When warnings are issued, immediate action is crucial to protect yourself and those around you.

So how does one prepare for severe weather? For a severe weather preparedness plan to be successful, it must include the following:

     KNOWLEDGE  of terminology (such as watches and warnings)
     KNOWLEDGE  of safety rules when severe weather strikes
     RELIABLE  method of receiving emergency information
     DESIGNATION  of an appropriate shelter
     DRILLS  to test the plan

For an electronic version of the Alabama All Hazards Awareness Booklet click here.

Severe Weather Hazards:

     Severe Thunderstorms

     Tornado

     Lightning

     Flash Flood
 

Severe Weather Information:

     Alerts and Warning Reception

Tornado Safety Drill:  Wednesday, February 5
Alabama does not conduct a statewide tornado drill, but we encourage everyone to hold their own safety drill on Wednesday, February 5. This "tornado safety drill" will coincide with our weekly NOAA All-Hazards Radio Test which will be run at a special time around 9am CT. While an actual tornado warning will NOT be issued, this is a great opportunity for schools, businesses, and civic organizations in southwest and south-central Alabama to practice their tornado response plans.

Alabama Sales Tax Holiday:  February 21-23, 2025
Alabama will hold a sales tax holiday for preparedness items, making it a great time to check your emergency kit and stock up on any missing essentials. Take advantage of this opportunity to ensure you're ready for severe weather this year. For a full list of eligible items, check this comprehensive list.

   
Additional Information

     Alabama All-Hazards Awareness Booklet

     YouTube - Severe Weather Preparedness Videos
     YouTube - Weather Safety Videos
     YouTube - Severe Weather Videos

     SKYWARN Program Details
     SKYWARN Spotter Class Schedule

     NOAA Weather Radio Information for our area

     NWS Mobile Tornado Museum
     Past Significant Weather Events

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The National Weather Service in Mobile, AL welcomes inquiries for interviews, information, or any questions you may have. We are also available to present severe weather awareness programs to schools, businesses, civic groups, amateur radio clubs, and hospital staff. Contact us to learn more or schedule a presentation.
 

For more information, contact:

     Jessica Chace, Warning Coordination Meteorologist
     National Weather Service Forecast Office - Mobile, AL
     251-633-6443 ext. 223