Fall tornadoes happen in Alabama but spring is worse

All thunderstorms have the potential to produce tornadoes, but the type of storm that is most commonly tornadic is the supercell. According to NOAA, The key atmospheric ingredients that lead to tornado potential are instability - warm moist air near the ground, with cooler dry air aloft and wind shear - a change in wind speed and/or direction with height.

While we have seen an uptick of storms in the state this year, the nation has seen a decrease in total storms for 2022. In the southwest region of Alabama we typically experience 7 to 9 per year.

Are Tornadoes Getting Stronger?

According to a National Geographic survey in 2022: There is no real evidence that tornadoes are happening more often. A lot more are being recorded now than in 1950, but a closer look at the data shows the increase is only in the weakest category, EF0. There's been no increase in stronger twisters, and maybe even a slight decrease in EF4s and EF5s.

As a reminder, always stay aware of weather conditions because they change swiftly along the gulf coast. If you find yourself in a tornadic situation;

Know where to shelter.

Falling and flying debris causes most injuries and deaths during a tornado. Although there is no completely safe place during a tornado, some locations are much safer than others.

• Go to the basement or an inside room without windows on the lowest floor (bathroom, closet, center hallway).
• If possible, avoid sheltering in any room with windows.
• For added protection get under something sturdy (a heavy table or workbench). Cover your body with a blanket, sleeping bag or mattress. Protect your head with anything available.