Severe Weather Awareness Week in Alabama is Feb. 5-10.
Thunderstorms can occur at any time of the year and at any time of the day. When a thunderstorm produces winds of 58 mph or greater, quarter-size hail or larger, or a tornado, it’s considered to be severe.
During thunderstorms, the best thing to do is stay in a substantial building that will protect you from wind, hail, tornadoes, heavy rain and lightning.
The UA Safety app will provide alerts from the National Weather Service for severe thunderstorm watches and warnings for Tuscaloosa County.
All thunderstorms contain lightning, which is dangerous. Between 2006 and 2021, 28 people in the United States died each year due to lightning strikes.
Lightning usually strikes the tallest object in an area, which could be a power pole, an isolated tree or you. Lightning can travel up to 10 miles from the parent thunderstorm, which means you could be struck before or after the thunderstorm has moved through your area. If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to a storm to be struck by lightning.
When there is lightning in your area, take shelter in a sturdy building or a hardtop automobile. Stay away from bodies of water and metal objects such as fences, flag poles and bicycles. Once indoors, stay away from windows, doors and off porches. Avoid contact with plumbing and electrical items, including TVs and computers, until the storm passes.
Watch this video for more tips on severe thunderstorm safety.