The warning was for Mobile County.

“The storm that triggered the warning has weakened below critical levels and no longer appears capable of producing a tornado. Therefore, the warning will expire,” the National Weather Service states.

Tornado Watch vs. Tornado Warning: Know the Difference

When it comes to tornadoes, understanding the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning can be vital. Here’s a breakdown:

Tornado Watch: Be Prepared!

• A tornado watch is your advance warning that conditions are ripe for a tornado to form.
• It’s your signal to review your emergency plans, make sure your supplies are in order, and identify your safe space.
• While this doesn’t mean a tornado is imminent, it is a warning that you should be prepared to act quickly if a tornado warning is issued or you suspect a tornado is approaching.
• Tornado watches are issued by the Storm Prediction Center and often cover a wide area, possibly several counties or even states.

Tornado Warning: Take Action!

• A tornado warning means that a tornado has been sighted or detected by weather radar.
• This is the reality: there is imminent danger to life and property.
• Your response should be quick: seek shelter indoors on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, away from windows.
• If you are in an RV, vehicle, or trapped outdoors, find the nearest suitable shelter and protect yourself from flying debris.
• Warnings are issued by your local forecast office and pinpoint a much smaller area, usually the size of a city or small county, where a tornado has been identified either by radar or by trained observers and law enforcement.

To stay safe during tornado season, it is paramount to know the difference between these two warnings. Stay informed, have a plan and act immediately if danger threatens.

Be prepared for tornadoes

Be weatherproof:

Keep an eye on the weather forecast to stay informed about tornado risks. Listen to local news or NOAA weather radio for updates on tornado watches and warnings

Sign up for alerts:

Familiarize yourself with your community’s alert systems. Some locations have outdoor sirens, while others rely on media and smartphone notifications during severe storms.

Create a communication plan:

Have a family plan ready that includes an emergency meeting location and related information. If you live in an RV or a home without a basement, look for a safe building nearby that you can get to quickly, such as a garage. B. a church or a family member.

Choose a safe shelter:

Choose a safe room in your home, such as: B. a basement, a storm cellar or an interior room on the lowest floor without windows.

Create a communication plan:

Conduct a regular family thunderstorm drill so everyone knows what to do if a tornado approaches. Make sure everyone in your family knows to go when tornado warnings are issued. Don’t forget pets if time permits.

Prepare your home:

Consider reinforcing your safe room for additional protection. Plans for fortifying an interior can be found on the Federal Emergency Management Agency website.

Help your neighbor:

Encourage your neighbors and loved ones to prepare for possible tornadoes. Consider taking CPR training to help with injuries.

Staying Safe During a Tornado: Quick Actions

When a tornado strikes, acting quickly is critical to ensure your safety and minimize potential damage. Follow these weather service guidelines:

Stay informed:

Stay alert and informed by tuning in to local newscasts or using a NOAA weather radio to receive updates on tornado watches and warnings.

At home:

If you are under a tornado warning at home, go to your basement, a designated safe room, or an indoor area away from windows. Keep your pets safe when time permits.

At work or school:

If you are at your workplace or school, follow tornado drill procedures. Move quickly and calmly to your designated tornado shelter, avoiding large open areas such as cafeterias, gymnasiums or auditoriums, and staying away from windows.

Outside:

If you are outdoors and a tornado is approaching, immediately seek shelter in a sturdy building. Sheds, storage rooms, RVs and tents are not safe. If you have time, get to a safe structure.

In a vehicle:

Sitting in a vehicle during a tornado is extremely unsafe. The best thing to do is drive to the nearest animal shelter. If it is not possible to reach shelter, either stay in your car and cover your head, or exit the vehicle and seek refuge in a lower area such as a ditch or ravine.

Always remember that if a tornado threat is imminent, acting quickly and following established safety procedures are critical to your well-being.

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service from United Robots that uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.