According to the National Weather Service, Central Alabama has had 39 confirmed tornadoes in just 2022 alone. With severe weather season upon us, it is more important than ever to have a game plan for staying informed of potentially deadly weather conditions. Luckily, there are many resources available to help you or your loved ones stay safe. Here’s all you need to know for Alabama’s tornado information.
Local News Stations
One of the best places to stay up-to-date on tornado warnings and watches is through your local news stations. News reporters are often the first on the scene when severe weather hits and can provide live updates of what is happening. In addition, most news stations have social media accounts that they use to post updates and alerts as well.
National Weather Service
The National Weather Service is another great resource for tornado information. They provide real-time updates on active tornadoes as well as where they are expected to travel next. They also have a map that you can use to see if any tornadoes are currently active in your area.
With that said, they typically only issue tornado warnings for areas that are under a severe threat (within the next 6 hours). So, if you are not seeing any warnings or watches for your area, it does not mean that you are in the clear. Always stay vigilant and keep an eye on the sky and the various news media outlets.
Tornado App
There are also many tornado tracking apps available that can send you real-time alerts whenever a tornado is detected in your area. Some of these apps also include maps and other tools that can help you stay safe during a Tornado Warning.
Retirement Communities
Beyond just looking at news outlets and apps, being a part of a reliable retirement community can also keep those in their golden years safe and sound. Most reputable retirement communities will have a plan in place for severe weather events such as tornadoes.
This could include anything from having a designated shelter on site to regular weather updates and alerts. In fact, in our community in SummerHouse Beau Ridge, our team members are also well-trained in first-aid and CPR in case of any emergency. Beyond just that, they are also able to provide emotional and social support during times of emergencies. Having our community with you, during your retirement years, can provide a great sense of security – even through tornadoes.
Facts about Tornadoes
Now that we have gone over some of the ways that you can stay informed and safe during a tornado, let’s take a look at some interesting and helpful facts about these natural disasters.
- While they can happen at any time of the day, the vast majority of tornadoes occur between 3 pm and 9 pm.
- Tornadoes can form quickly – in as little as 10 minutes.
- The average tornado travels at around 30 mph but can gust up to 70 mph.
- Tornadoes can cause extensive damage – even leveling entire buildings.
- Tornadoes can be up to a mile wide and stay on the ground for over 50 miles.
Conclusion
While tornadoes are certainly a force to be reckoned with, there are many ways that you can stay informed and safe. From local news stations to joining a safe retirement community, there are plenty of resources that can help you stay up-to-date on tornado warnings and ways to stay safe.
