November brings with it falling leaves, shorter days and the possibility of severe weather.
While severe weather season across much of the United States is in the spring, Alabama experiences a secondary severe weather season that typically runs from the beginning of November until mid-December. During this time, the state can experience all forms of severe weather.
Watches Versus Warnings
When the National Weather Service issues a severe thunderstorm watch, it means conditions are favorable for the formation of severe thunderstorms in or near the watch area. A tornado watch means conditions in the atmosphere could produce a tornado in or near the watch area.
During a watch, pay attention to the weather. Use the UA Safety app to locate the nearest storm shelter or best available refuge area so that you can move to safety if a warning is issued.
Watches are usually issued for large areas covering multiple counties and usually last for several hours.
Unlike watches, warnings are issued for smaller geographic areas, drawn on maps as polygons, and usually last less than an hour.
If a severe thunderstorm warning or tornado warning is issued for your area, you should immediately act and seek shelter.
A severe thunderstorm warning means a severe thunderstorm with large hail or damaging wind is occurring or is about to occur in the warned area. During a severe thunderstorm warning, seek shelter in a sturdy building until the storm has passed.
A tornado warning means a tornado has been spotted by a trained observer or has been detected on radar. During a tornado warning, all UA activities, including classes, are suspended. Seek shelter in a storm shelter or BARA until the tornado warning is canceled or expires.
When Severe Weather Strikes
UA will issue a UA Alert for severe thunderstorm warnings, tornado watches and tornado warnings that include the UA campus.
UA will open campus storm shelters and BARAs during all tornado watches and warnings. Find a list of these locations on the shelters webpage or by using the UA Safety app.
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. 1, at 11:55 a.m.
If you do not receive the UA Alert test as an SMS text message on your mobile phone, make sure your contact information is up to date in myBama. Instructions for updating your contact information can be found on the Office of Emergency Management’s website.