Fall Severe Weather Awareness Day 2011

Fall Severe Weather Awareness Day 2011
Wednesday, October 19th

Even though the months of March, April and May are notoriously known as severe weather season, here in Central Alabama, we also have another severe weather season in the fall. Fall severe weather season in Central Alabama runs roughly from the beginning of November until mid-December. Occasionally, the fall severe season may begin in late October or last until late December. From 2007 through 2009, Central Alabama was relatively quiet in regards to severe weather, but 2010 perked up quite a bit. Eight tornadoes occurred over two separate events in late October and November. These events also produced straight line wind damage in numerous locations.

Central Alabama Statistics From 2001 through 2010:

25% (82/333) of tornadoes have occurred in the months of November or December.
94% (17/18) of tornado related deaths and 70% (176/252) of tornado related injuries have occurred in the months of November and December.

Since 1950, Central Alabama has had at least one documented tornado in the month of November or December 53% (31/59) of the years.

Damage at FunZone in Montgomery Nov 15, 2006

Severe weather statistics are not meant to put fear into the citizens of Alabama, but these statistics emphasize the need to be prepared. Preparation can and does make the difference between life and death.

Every home should have a Safety Plan, exercise it monthly. Has anything changed in your household since Spring? Now is the time to check your emergency supplies, and ensure your NOAA Weather Radio or other portable radio has fresh batteries.

ALL tornadoes should be considered dangerous. Regardless of the strength, all tornadoes are capable of producing damage and causing injuries.

Most storm related damage occurs with Severe Thunderstorm winds- treat a Severe Thunderstorm warning the same as you would a Tornado warning.

Here are some statistics from years' past:

In 2010, several weak tornadoes occurred in late November. (click for summary)

In 2009, only one tornado was recorded in Central Alabama. (click for summary)

In 2008, 3 tornadoes formed in Central Alabama. (click for summary)

In 2007, Central Alabama experienced 3 relatively rare October tornadoes in Hale, Bibb and Lowndes Counties.
(click for summary)

In 2006, 4 tornadoes occurred on November 30th during a very unique severe weather episode across parts of West Central Alabama.
(click for summary)

In 2006, 8 tornadoes, including the FunZone F-2 tornado in Montgomery, occurred on November 15th across Central Alabama. (click for summary)

In 2005, 6 tornadoes occurred on November 28th across Central Alabama as a severe line of thunderstorms moved through. (click for summary)

In 2004, 21 tornadoes, including 16 across Central Alabama, and widespread wind damage occurred during the early morning hours of November 24 as a severe line of thunderstorms moved through. (click for summary)

In 2003, a significant line of thunderstorms plowed through Alabama on November 18, which resulted mainly in significant straight-line wind damage. Two F1 tornadoes touched down near Tuscaloosa and Oakman. (click for summary)

In 2002, the infamous Veteran's Day Tornado Outbreak brought 11 tornadoes to parts of North and Central Alabama. Two F3 tornadoes occurred across Fayette, Walker, and Winston Counties. (click for summary)

In 2001, the 3rd largest tornado outbreak in Alabama's recorded history occurred on November 24, 2001 as 36 tornadoes occurred during a 24-hour period. (click for summary)

In 2000, an F4 tornado occurred near Tuscaloosa with the December 16 outbreak of 12 tornadoes across Alabama. (click for summary)

Additional Information:

National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office