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Weeks before the primary tornado season began for
2008, the state of Alabama experienced several severe
weather outbreaks. Some of the tornadoes resulted in deaths
and heavy damage to homes and business. During the month of
January, storms ripped through several Alabama counties
knocking down trees and damaging power lines. In February,
central and northern Alabama counties were also heavily
impacted by damaging weather. The outbreak of these storms
remind all of us why it’s crucial for everyone to have an
emergency plan because it can mean life or death.
The need to be prepared becomes even
more important during the primary severe weather season from
March through May. As an agency we want the families in all
67 counties to know AEMA is prepared to assist with each
threat this state may face. Just as we prepare, we encourage
those at home to have a plan and do the same. The theme this
year is "Anytime, anywhere…are you ready?" That's what we
want the residents of Alabama to ask themselves before the
next disaster strikes.
Storm Prediction Center
Severe Weather Awareness Week
Tips
How you can help
tornado survivors
http://www.servealabama.gov/
US Small Business
Administration
National Weather Service Storm Surveys
Huntsville, AL NWS
http://www.srh.noaa.gov/hun/stormsurveys/2008-02-06/index.php
Birmingham, AL NWS
http://www.srh.noaa.gov/bmx/significant_events/2008/02_06/
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Tornado Tips
Before a tornado hits, the wind may die down and the
air may become very still. A cloud of debris can
mark the location of a tornado even if a funnel is
not visible. Tornadoes generally occur near the
trailing edge of a thunderstorm. It is not uncommon
to see clear, sunlit skies behind a tornado.
The following are facts about tornadoes:
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They may strike quickly, with little or no
warning.
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They may appear nearly transparent until dust
and debris are picked up or a cloud forms in the
funnel.
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The average tornado moves Southwest to
Northeast, but tornadoes have been known to move
in any direction.
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The average forward speed of a tornado is 30
MPH, but may vary from stationary to 70 MPH.
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Tornadoes can accompany tropical storms and
hurricanes as they move onto land.
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Waterspouts are tornadoes that form over
water.
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Peak tornado season in the southern states is
March through May; in the northern states, it is
late spring through early summer.
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Tornadoes are most likely to occur between 3
p.m. and 9 p.m., but can occur at any time.
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Related
Links
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Department of Homeland Security 