Ahhh…fall in Alabama. The crisp air, leaves crunching underfoot as you walk across the Quad, the roar of the crowd on a football Saturday afternoon, and the comforting scent of pumpkin spice drifting from campus cafés. But as autumn settles in, it also brings something less cozy: the start of Alabama’s secondary severe weather season.
While spring storms often steal the spotlight, late fall — from November through mid-December — can be just as fierce as the atmosphere becomes ripe for severe weather in Alabama, including in Tuscaloosa.
Just as you layer up for cooler temperatures, it’s time to layer up your awareness. Understanding the alerts issued by the National Weather Service can help you stay safe when the skies turn stormy:
Severe Thunderstorm Watch
Conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms to develop. Stay alert and keep an eye on the sky.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Damaging winds, hail or heavy rain are happening or about to happen. Head indoors, away from windows.
Tornado Watch
The atmosphere is primed for tornadoes. Be ready to move quickly to a storm shelter or your building’s Best Available Refuge Area, or BARA.
Tornado Warning
A tornado has been spotted or detected by radar. This is not a drill — take shelter immediately in a safe location.
The University of Alabama provides multiple storm shelters across campus, open to students, faculty, staff, and visitors during Tornado Watches and Warnings. Every campus building also has a designated BARA — the safest place to hunker down if you can’t reach a storm shelter.
As you sip your seasonal latte and enjoy the fall festivities, don’t forget to download the UA Safety app. It offers a seven-day forecast and sends hazardous weather alerts for Tuscaloosa County. If the UA campus is included in a Severe Thunderstorm Warning, Tornado Watch, or Tornado Warning, a UA Alert will be issued with instructions.
During any severe weather event, follow @UA_Safety on Instagram, Facebook and X, and stream 92.5 FM UA Info Radio for updates.
Much like fall’s early sunsets, severe weather can arrive quickly. Be alert and ready if it does.
Safety Reminder: UA Alert System Test
Weather permitting, the University will test its emergency notification systems, including UA Alerts, the public address system and digital signage Wednesday, Nov. 5, at 11:55 a.m.