Community Safe Rooms Opened for Tornado Watch on December 16
- Due to the current tornado watch, which includes Birmingham and Jefferson County, the city has opened four community safe rooms.
- Sandusky: Jimmie Hudson Park, 305 Pratt Highway – Birmingham, AL 35214
- Pratt City: Pratt City Park, 1331 3rd StreetPratt – Birmingham, AL 35214
- Smithfield Estates: 1707-B Huntington Drive – Birmingham, AL 35214
- South Hampton: 565 Sheridan Road – Birmingham, AL 35214
The National Weather Service issued a tornado watch until 11 p.m.
The community safe rooms will remain open until the watch expires. If the watch is extended, the community safe rooms will remain open.
A tornado watch is issued by the National Weather Service when weather conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms that are capable of producing tornadoes. In the event of a tornado watch, individuals should prepare for the potential for a tornado. This includes reviewing and discussing your emergency plans, checking supplies, and identifying your safe room.
A tornado watch is not the same as a tornado warning.
A tornado warning is issued by the National Weather Service when a tornado has been sighted or indicated by radar. In the event of a tornado warning, there is imminent danger to life and property. Move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If in a mobile home, a vehicle or outdoors, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris.
Residents are encouraged to sign up for the emergency alert program Everbridge to receive updates about severe weather. To sign up for Everbridge, visit www.jeffcoema.org or contact Jefferson County Emergency Management Agency at (205) 254-2039.
Residents are encouraged to monitor the National Weather Service’s severe weather threats via a NOAA weather radio, commercial and public radio, and local television.
