As part of severe weather awareness week in Alabama, today is the day for the annual statewide tornado drill. At some point during the day, the NWS will issue a simulated tornado watch, and then a simulated tornado warning. When the practice warning is issued, all of the normal warning systems will be activated, including NOAA Weather Radio’s alarm and outdoor warning sirens. Cooperating broadcasters, like ABC 33/40, will also put the message on the air. We ask that you note the time you hear the warning; later today we will tell you when it was issued and you can see how long it takes to get a warning. If you do not hear the simulated tornado warning at all, then that means you probably are not able to hear a real warning. And, that is not good.
Needless to say, the solution to getting the warning is having a NOAA Weather Radio receiver at every home and business in Alabama. The new digital format allows you to choose the county or counties for which the alarm sounds. The system works very well and NOAA Weather Radio penetration in Alabama is simply too low.
I also need to mention that our friends in Tuscaloosa will hold a special all day event today at McFarland Mall. There will displays by the National Weather Service, the local National Weather Association chapter out of Mississippi State University, Tuscaloosa Fire/Rescue Safety House, Tuscaloosa County Joint Operations Command Trailer, Tuscaloosa Police Helicopter and SRT van, Local Emergency Planning Committee, Red Cross and the SKYWARN Storm Spotters. In addition, some NOAA Weather Radio receivers will be given away. The ABC 33/40 crew will be there, and we will broadcast the weather live at 12 Noon, 5:00, and 6:00. If you are in the Tuscaloosa area be sure and drop by and say hello!
Needless to say, the solution to getting the warning is having a NOAA Weather Radio receiver at every home and business in Alabama. The new digital format allows you to choose the county or counties for which the alarm sounds. The system works very well and NOAA Weather Radio penetration in Alabama is simply too low.
I also need to mention that our friends in Tuscaloosa will hold a special all day event today at McFarland Mall. There will displays by the National Weather Service, the local National Weather Association chapter out of Mississippi State University, Tuscaloosa Fire/Rescue Safety House, Tuscaloosa County Joint Operations Command Trailer, Tuscaloosa Police Helicopter and SRT van, Local Emergency Planning Committee, Red Cross and the SKYWARN Storm Spotters. In addition, some NOAA Weather Radio receivers will be given away. The ABC 33/40 crew will be there, and we will broadcast the weather live at 12 Noon, 5:00, and 6:00. If you are in the Tuscaloosa area be sure and drop by and say hello!