Tornado warning for southwest Alabama until Thursday morning

The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning at 10:15 p.m. Wednesday that is in effect until 6 a.m. Thursday for Baldwin, Mobile and Washington counties.

Tornado Watch and Warnings: What You Need to Know

When it comes to tornadoes, understanding the difference between a tornado warning and a tornado watch can be vital. Here's an overview:

Tornado warning: Be prepared!

• A tornado warning serves as an early warning that conditions are favorable for the formation of a tornado.
• It is the signal for you to review your emergency plans, make sure your supplies are in order, and identify your shelter.
• While this does not mean that a tornado is imminent, it is an indication that you should be prepared to act quickly if a tornado warning is issued or you suspect a tornado is approaching.
• The warnings come from the Storm Prediction Center and often cover a large area, possibly spanning multiple counties or even states.

Tornado warning: take action!

• A tornado warning means that a tornado has been sighted or detected by weather radar.
• This is the reality – there is an immediate threat to life and property.
• You should react quickly: go to an interior room on the lowest floor of a stable building, away from windows.
• If you are in an RV or vehicle or are stranded outdoors, seek the nearest stable shelter and protect yourself from flying debris.
• Warnings are issued by your local weather service and are limited to a much smaller area, usually the size of a city or small county, where a tornado has been identified either by radar or by trained observers and law enforcement officers.

To stay safe during tornado season, it is extremely important to know the difference between these two warnings. Stay informed, have a plan, and act promptly if danger threatens.

Get ready for tornadoes

Be weatherproof:

Check the weather forecast regularly to see if you are at risk for tornadoes. Listen to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio station to stay up to date on tornado watches and warnings.

Sign up for notifications:

Familiarize yourself with your community's warning systems. Some places have outdoor sirens, while others rely on media and smartphone alerts during severe weather.

Create a communication plan:

Create a family emergency plan that includes a designated meeting place and important contact information. If your home doesn't have a basement, find a nearby safe building, such as a church or a relative's home, that you can get to quickly.

Choose a safe shelter:

Choose a safe room in your home, such as a basement, storm shelter, or an interior room on the lowest floor with no windows.

Practice your plan:

Conduct severe thunderstorm drills regularly so everyone knows what to do if there is a threat of a tornado. Make sure all family members know the safe place to seek shelter, and don't forget your pets if time permits.

Prepare your home:

Consider reinforcing your safe room for additional protection. Plans for reinforcing an interior space can be found on the Federal Emergency Management Agency website.

Help your neighbor:

Encourage your neighbors and loved ones to prepare for possible tornadoes. Consider getting CPR training so you can help in case of injuries.

What to do if a tornado strikes?

When a tornado strikes, quick action is critical to ensure your safety and minimize potential damage. Follow these guidelines from the weather service:

Stay informed:

Stay alert and stay informed about tornado warnings and alerts by listening to local news broadcasts or a NOAA Weather Radio station.

At home:

If you receive a tornado warning at home, go to the basement, a designated safe room, or an indoor room without windows. If time permits, keep your pets safe.

At work or school:

Follow your tornado drill and move quickly and calmly to your tornado shelter. Stay away from windows and do not go into large open spaces such as cafeterias, gymnasiums, or auditoriums.

Outside:

If you are outdoors and a tornado is approaching, seek shelter immediately in a sturdy building. Sheds, storage units, RVs and tents are not safe. If you have time, get to a safe building.

In the vehicle:

It is not safe to be in a vehicle during a tornado. Driving to the nearest shelter is recommended. If you cannot reach a safe shelter, either crouch down in your car and protect your head, or exit your vehicle and seek shelter in a low area such as a ditch or ravine.

Always remember that when there is an imminent tornado threat, acting quickly and following established safety procedures are critical to your well-being.

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service from United Robots that uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.