"Does Huntsville have tornadoes?" It’s the number one question I’m asked by anyone thinking about moving here.

It’s a fair question. North Alabama is located in a region of the U.S. known for severe weather. But as a local, I can tell you that the conversation around tornadoes here isn't dominated by fear. As the local weather professionals will tell you; it’s all about awareness and preparation. Living in the Huntsville area isn’t any more dangerous than living in other parts of the country. Whether it’s the wild fires, hurricanes, blizzards, landslides, and floods that many parts of the U.S. are known for, or the tornadoes associated with Alabama; your safety is a matter of knowing what to do and when to do it. With modern forecasting and a simple plan, you can feel confident knowing you will have advance warning of severe weather in Alabama.

To get the most up to date and accurate information, I recently spoke with Todd Barron on my Boomtown Podcast(Boomtown Ep 9). Todd is the Meteorologist in Charge at our local National Weather Service office, and an expert on severe weather forecasting, emergency response planning, and tornado damage assessment. Here’s a breakdown of his advice on how to be weather aware, and what you can do to keep your family safe.

The Power of Advanced Notice

Tornadoes don’t appear out of nowhere. Modern meteorology gives us an incredible advantage.

"Nowadays, the forecasts that we have, especially for big events... we can pinpoint those early on," Todd explains. Meteorologists can often identify the potential for severe weather setups 7 to 10 days in advance. As the date gets closer, the forecast becomes more refined. About 3 to 5 days out, they can narrow the risk to specific regions, like northwest or northeast Alabama. In the final 1 to 2 days, the timing and potential impacts become much clearer.

This gives you plenty of time to prepare. You’ll know days in advance if you need to pay closer attention to the weather.

How to Prepare on "Blue Sky" Days

The best time to prepare for a storm is when there isn’t one in the sky. Taking a few simple steps in advance can make all the difference.

 

  • Build Your Kit: A severe weather kit is essential. Todd notes, "It doesn't matter if we're talking about earthquakes, severe weather, hurricanes, or like a zombie apocalypse; it's all the same". Your kit should include water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, batteries, a first-aid kit, and any necessary medications. Another tip from Todd is to "Bring extra socks and shoes". After a storm, debris like nails and glass can be everywhere. Keep an old pair of closed toed shoes for everyone in the family in your safe place.
  • Identify Your Safe Place: Know where you will go before a warning is ever issued. The best option is an underground storm shelter, with the next best option being a basement. If you don't have either, the safest location is a small, interior, windowless room on the lowest level of your home, like a closet, bathroom, or the space underneath a stairwell.
  • Prep Your Property: Take a walk around your yard. Secure loose items that could become projectiles in high winds, such as patio furniture, grills, and toys. And yes, "tie down those trampolines," as Todd says. He also suggests trimming weak tree branches that hang over your house as another smart move.

 

What to Do on a Severe Weather Day

When the forecast shows a risk of severe weather, it’s time to act.

 

  • Stay Informed with Multiple Sources: This is critical. DO NOT rely on a single source for weather information, especially outdoor tornado sirens. Sirens are Cold War era technology designed to warn people who are outdoors and may not be audible inside. Instead, have several ways to get alerts:
  • Final Checks: Charge your phones and power banks. Make sure your emergency kit is easily accessible in your safe place. Bring pets inside.

 

What to Do During a Tornado Warning

When a tornado warning is issued for your location, it means a tornado has been sighted or indicated by radar. It is time to take immediate action.

 

  1. Go to Your Safe Place Immediately. Don't hesitate or try to see the tornado.
  2. Protect Your Head. "The highest source of fatalities is actually head strikes from debris," Todd notes. Wear a helmet. Bike helmets, football helmets, or just about any other type of helmet will do. If you don't have one, use your arms to cover your head and neck.
  3. Avoid Dangerous Locations. The worst places to be are OUTSIDE, in a CAR, or in a MOBILE/MANUFACTURED HOME. These are not designed to withstand tornadic winds. If you live in a mobile home, you must have a plan to get to a sturdier shelter, like a community shelter or a friend's house, well before the storm arrives.

 

Confidence Through Preparation

The Huntsville area is a wonderful place to live, full of innovation, natural beauty, and vibrant communities. While severe weather is a part of life here, it doesn’t define it. By understanding the risks and taking proactive steps to prepare, you and your family can safely weather any storm.

Now that you know how prepare for severe weather, you can focus on the more exciting parts of a potential move. If you're starting to wonder what the next steps look like, don't hesitate to reach out with your questions. Feel free to send me a connection request or to drop a comment below.