Alabama kicks off ‘Severe Weather Awareness Week’

A tornado rips through Madison County on April 27, 2011. That storm was responsible for multiple deaths across the state as well as millions of dollars in damage.  (RECORD PHOTO/Tommy Self)

 By Aldo Amato

Staff Reporter

Following the events of April 27, 2011, Madison County residents can no longer take severe weather lightly.

That is why this week is “Severe Weather Awareness Week” for the state of Alabama and local meteorologists cannot stress storm preparedness and weather safety enough.

Meteorologist David Nadler with the National Weather Service (NWS) in Huntsville said that with the upcoming spring storm season, Madison County residents should have a plan in case of severe weather.

“The biggest thing is preparedness and having a plan of action and practicing it,” he said. “Know what it means of being under a tornado warning vs. being under a tornado watch.”

Most residents, especially those in urban metro areas, tend to believe the myth that severe weather, like tornado activity, will never hit an area that that.

However, Nadler said that myth is a dangerous one to believe that every resident, rural or urban, should always be prepared for severe weather.

“It is just a myth and I think people need to be prepared no matter where they live,” he said. “We are in one of the most active severe weather areas and we will [usually] see very violent severe weather during the upcoming months.”

Some tips that Nadler and others have suggested are to make sure residents have fresh batteries to go along with their flashlight and weather radios. Weather radios are commonly found at local grocery stores and cost up to $30.
Nadler said to find a designated area in case severe weather strikes is the most important thing to remember.

“Do wait to take safety action,” Nadler said. “If we put a tornado warning out, we are serious about it. If you know there is a threat and get to a shelter immediately.”