Tornado Watch Issued For Tuscaloosa County Until 10 P.M.

Tuscaloosa County, Alabama

Issued by the National Weather Service in Birmingham, AL

A tornado watch has been issued for Tuscaloosa County until 10 p.m. The National Weather Service in Birmingham, Alabama, issued the watch at 4:35 p.m. CDT on March 17, 2023.

What is a tornado watch?

A tornado watch means that conditions are favorable for tornadoes to develop. It does not mean that a tornado has been spotted or is imminent. When a tornado watch is issued, you should be prepared to take shelter immediately if a tornado warning is issued or if you see signs of a tornado, such as a funnel cloud or debris rotating in the air.

What should you do if a tornado watch is issued?

If a tornado watch is issued, you should:

• Listen to local news and weather reports for updates on the watch.
• Be prepared to take shelter immediately if a tornado warning is issued or if you see signs of a tornado.
• Identify a safe place to shelter, such as a basement, storm cellar, or interior room on the lowest floor of your home.
• Gather your family and pets and go to your safe place.
• Stay away from windows and exterior doors.
• Lie down flat on the floor and cover your head with your hands or a blanket.

What is the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning?

A tornado watch means that conditions are favorable for tornadoes to develop. A tornado warning means that a tornado has been spotted or is indicated by radar. When a tornado warning is issued, you should take shelter immediately.

What should you do if you see a tornado?

If you see a tornado, you should:

• Take shelter immediately.
• Go to the lowest level of your home and find an interior room, such as a basement or storm cellar.
• Lie down flat on the floor and cover your head with your hands or a blanket.
• Stay away from windows and exterior doors.

Additional resources

• National Weather Service tornado safety website
• Ready.gov tornado preparedness website
• FEMA tornado preparedness website