The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch in Birmingham on Thursday, Dec. 18, from 5:07 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.. This warning applies to Fayette, Greene, Lamar, Marion, Pickens, Sumter, Tuscaloosa, Walker and Winston counties.
West Alabama weather radar
What are NWS meteorologists saying?
At 5:07 p.m., the NWS issued a statement including the following information:
“THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED TORNADO WATCH 642 IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 p.m. CST THIS EVENING FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS IN ALABAMA THIS WATCH INCLUDES 9 COUNTIES IN CENTRAL ALABAMA FAYETTE GREENE LAMAR MARION PICKENS SUMTER TUSCALOOSA WALKER WINSTON THIS INCLUDES THE CITIES OF ALICEVILLE, CARROLLTON, EUTAW, FAYETTE, HALEYVILLE, HAMILTON, JASPER, LIVINGSTON, SULLIGENT, TUSCALOOSA, VERNON, AND YORK.”
How do you stay safe during a tornado?
During a tornado, the National Weather Service recommends:
- Get as low as possible. A basement below ground level or the lowest floor of a building offers the greatest safety.
- Put as many walls between yourself and the outside as possible.
- Avoid windows.
Remember, tornadoes can move across hills and even bodies of water, so always seek shelter if one is nearby – your elevation or proximity to water are not natural sources of protection.
What should you do if you’re driving during a tornado warning?
If you’re driving, especially on interstates or highways, do not try to outrun a tornado – they can move quickly and change direction without warning.
If a tornado warning is in effect, look for ways to safely leave the road and get out of your vehicle. The safest option is to seek shelter in a sturdy building…