The climate of alabama
general information
The state of Alabama is classified as having a humid subtropical climate under the Köppen climate classification.
The average annual temperature is 64 °F (18 °C). Temperatures tend to be warmer in the southern part of the state with its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, while the northern parts of the state, especially in the Appalachian Mountains in the northeast, tend to be slightly cooler.
Generally, Alabama has very hot summers and mild winters with copious precipitation throughout the year.
Alabama receives an average of 56 inches (1,400 mm) of rainfall annually and enjoys a lengthy growing season of up to 300 days in the southern part of the state. Hailstorms occur occasionally in the spring and summer, but are seldom destructive. Heavy fogs are rare, and are confined chiefly to the coast.
Thunderstorms occur throughout the year – they are most common in the summer, but most severe in the spring and fall, when destructive winds and tornadoes occur frequently, especially in the northern and central parts of the state. Most of Alabama is located in a region of tornado alley known as "Dixie alley". Alabama ranks number 2 in the U.S for the deadliest tornados. Hurricanes are quite common in the state, especially in the southern part, and major hurricanes occasionally strike the coast which can be very destructive.
Text from Wikipedia
Tornadoes in alabama
After living in Alabama more than three years and experiencing some severe weather threats we agree that it's more than helpful to install the app from the News channel abc 33/40. abc 33/40 Chief Meteorologist James Spann has been a television weather anchor for 32 years. We highly recommend to follow him on Social Media (facebook, twitter, YouTube, Instagram and Pinterest) and his Alabama Weather blog to be always alert if severe weather is coming in.
Read all about James Spann Tornado Safety here. If you follow his instructions you don't have to be worried about tornadoes in Alabama.
He also recommends the following Weather Warning Apps
what you need to be prepared
NOAA Weather Radio
for every! family member
Make some noise
Just in case for first respond
Always have a plan
If bad weather heads your way its best to have a plan. Each member of your family should know where to go and what to do in case of an emergency.
First things first. Do you live in a mobile home - than you have to grab your emergency bag and head to the next public shelter.
If you can stay in your home you should locate a room on the lowest level without any windows. Best would be in the center of the house.
Here are some things you should have in your shelter:
A helmet for every person that lives in your household, a good flashlight maybe a headlight so you have your hands free, a fog horn to alert help, First aid kit, Water for 72hours (1gallon per person per day), nonperishable food, a can-opener, Paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, Paper towels, and some way to hear the news a weather radio or cellphone and a charger.
Emergency bag pack list:
- A complete fresh set of Clothes
- Closed hard-soled shoes
- Rain-jacket
-
Warm blanket and/or a sleeping bag
-
Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
- Paper and pencil
- Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children
- Personal prescriptions
- Important Documents or copies
- Cash - not only notes but also quarters ( for ice from the public icemachine)
- Your spare car keys, house keys
- Charger Powerbank etc.
- Fire Extinguisher
-
Matches in a waterproof container
- Downloadable documents
- Shelter Essentials
- Emergency bag pack list
Public Shelters in Tuscaloosa County
In case of a Tornado warning you need to be in a safe place. If you live in a mobil-home or you are on the road you need to go to your closest shelter. This website provides a list of all public shelters in Tuscaloosa county. Best to familiarize yourself with your options before you need it. #Alwayshaveaplan.
