From The Trussville Tribune staff reports
BIRMINGHAM — Storms moving into Alabama after midnight could be severe. The National Weather Service in Birmingham is continuing its enhanced risk for all of central Alabama.
Storms could produce hail, damaging winds and tornadoes. There is also a potential for strong tornadoes (EF-2 or stronger).
Meteorologists across the state will be staying up late Saturday and early Sunday to keep people aware. Be sure to have a way of getting warnings overnight. If you don’t have a weather radio, you can download a local weather app and sign up for alerts, or download the NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) weather app from Google Play or the Apple Store.
Prepare NOW
Before you go to bed Saturday night, be prepared. Don’t wait until you get the tornado warning on your phone to get items together.
- Identify your safe spot (storm shelter, basement, central room in your house with no windows) and make sure every member of your family knows your plan.
- Everyone needs a helmet. Experts say head injuries are a common cause of death in tornadoes.
- Also, have a whistle or air horn to help first responders find you if you were to be trapped in rubble.
- Experts also recommend you wear boots in case you have to walk through rubble after a damaging tornado. Boots can protect your feet from shards of glass and sharp debris.
- Be sure to have a plan for your pets. If they are outside, bring them in or put them in a safe location.
- Since this severe weather could impact parts of our state Sunday morning, all churches need to have a plan in place. Be sure your congregation knows your plan.