A common occurrence in Alabama in all months of the year is severe weather – tornadoes, thunderstorms, hurricanes, winter weather, etc.

Learn what to do when a Watch or a Warning is issued: Be Aware Be Prepared Take Action A Guide for Alerts and Warnings

Thunderstorms

Thunderstorms are the most commonly occurring mode of severe weather in Tuscaloosa County. In all months of the year, especially in the warmer months, thunderstorms could be strong enough to bring heavy rain, causing flash flooding in low-lying areas. Microbursts can form from strong thunderstorms and could produce winds powerful enough to knock down trees and power lines, as well as cause structural damage to roofs and siding. If the downdrafts of a strong thunderstorm are cold enough, hail can fall and can damage anything from automobile windshields to outside plants. Fortunately, most hail that falls is small, but hailstones can range from pea-sized to softball-sized in extreme cases. Lightning is also common during a thunderstorm, and continues to be a top weather killer in the United States. If you are outside and hear thunder, immediately seek shelter indoors.

Tornadoes

The most potentially destructive weather-related hazard in central Alabama is a tornado, which forms primarily from thunderstorms. The primary tornado season is generally from late February to early May, while the secondary tornado season runs from late September to early December. Tuscaloosa County has had its share of many small tornadoes, as well as large, long-track tornadoes from supercell thunderstorms.

While large tornadoes have tracked through Tuscaloosa County in the past, these devastating storms are rare for the region. Historically, EF-4 and EF-5 tornadoes have torn through the county on an average of about one in every 10-15 years. Most tornadoes that have formed in and around Tuscaloosa have been small and relatively short-lived.

One may notice and think that the number of tornadoes has increased over the past couple of decades. However, that is not necessarily the case. More tornadoes are being recorded for a number of reasons:

• Improved technology. Thanks to a number of technological advancements, meteorologists do not have to rely on storm spotters as much because it is much easier to detect a tornado on radar in secluded areas, as well as large population centers.
• Enhanced communication. Meteorologists and storm spotters are able to instantly communicate to each other and report what each sees in a matter of seconds. Public and private social media platforms like Twitter and National Weather Service Chat, respectively, have made it easier for the general public and storm spotters to send pictures and/or report when a funnel cloud is beginning to form and/or large hail is starting to fall.
• Increased population density. As time has passed, people have increasingly moved to the suburbs into parts of clear-cut forests that were converted into subdivisions.

Has there really been an “increase” in tornadoes in the past couple of decades? It is hard to answer this question because we do not know how many tornadoes, if any, have historically tracked across rural and undeveloped areas that have not been reported. We did not have the same ability to detect a tornado on radar or communicate reports from spotters or the general public as quickly as we do today.

Hurricanes

Due to its proximity to the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, there is also a risk for hurricanes to spin through Tuscaloosa County from the Gulf Coast. According to the National Hurricane Center, the Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th. Tornadoes, flooding and occasional strong winds are all risks associated with these tropical cyclones this far inland.

Tuscaloosa is also far enough from the Gulf Coast to feel any major effects of a hurricane, yet close enough to be a destination for evacuees to ride out the storm. We need to be prepared to be able to provide shelter for as many evacuees as possible if a hurricane was to strike the Gulf Coast.

Winter Weather

Winter weather events are somewhat rare across the region, but are certainly not out of the question. Tuscaloosa averages only less than an inch of winter precipitation per year, and most winter weather events are minor. However, any accumulation of ice on the roads could be a significant hazard and cripple the region for a couple of days.

Flooding 

With the Black Warrior River flowing right through the heart of Tuscaloosa, as well as near downtown Northport, there is always a risk for river flooding, but major flood events have been rare occurrences for the area. Flash flooding in low-lying areas, on streets, and beside creeks has been known to happen due to thunderstorms and hurricanes.  

Earthquakes

Though not weather another type of natural disaster that could have a large devastating impact is earthquakes. Some places in neighboring counties have had earthquakes measure on the Richter Scale, but all of them have been too small to cause any damage. However, scientists in 2014 predicted a major earthquake will happen with the epicenter between Memphis, Tenn., and St. Louis, Mo., which could impact parts of Alabama sometime in the future.