SEVERE WEATHER AWARENESS WEEK: TORNADOES

Gov. Kay Ivey has declared Feb. 16-Feb. 23 as Severe Weather Awareness Week in Alabama. Severe weather happens at any time of year, but spring and fall are hotbeds of activity. 

Tornadoes are possible any time of year in Alabama, but the risk is elevated during spring and fall. These violently rotating columns of air scale in size from EF0 to EF5, and winds can range from 65 mph to more than 200 mph.

A tornado watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes developing. Tornado warnings are issued when a tornado has been spotted based on reports or radar indication. 

If a tornado warning is issued in your area, seek shelter immediately. The safest place in your home is on the lowest floor, in a windowless room such as a closet, bathroom or basement. If you’re in a car or mobile home, seek shelter in a site-built structure or storm shelter.

Any time there are active tornado warnings around Central or West Alabama, WVUA 23 will be live on TV and on wvua23.com.

We cover Marion, Winston, Cullman, Blount, Etowah, Cherokee, Lamar, Fayette, Walker, Jefferson, St. Clair, Calhoun, Pickens, Tuscaloosa, Shelby, Talladega, Clay, Sumter, Greene, Hale, Perry, Chilton, Coosa, and Marengo counties nonstop during tornado warnings.

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