Tornado Sheltering During COVID-19

Tornado Sheltering During COVID-19

As we are dealing with the coronavirus pandemic in our area, Alabama, the United States, and the world, we also need to recognize we are in the middle of Severe Weather Season as well.  This season for our area lasts typically until May.  On Monday, March 23, 2020, during our weekly 5 pm Townhall Broadcast, we were joined by John De Block, the Warning Coordination Meteorologist from the National Weather Service of Birmingham.  We talked about COVID-19, Severe Weather season, and how COVID-19 could impact storm shelters.  Here is the audio >

Also, the NWS and the Alabama Department of Public Health released a joint statement about tornado sheltering.  From the National Weather Service Birmingham Facebook Page, “STORM SHELTER INFORMATION// As we all do our part to lessen the impacts of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) on our society at home & abroad, your National Weather Service will continue to provide forecasts, warnings, and decision support to the public & our core partners to protect lives & property. Below is a joint statement from the 4 NWS offices that serve Alabama & the Alabama Department of Public Health regarding COVID-19 & storm shelters.”

So be sure to call ahead to see if your community shelter will be open.  It’s always best to have a plan ahead of the storm.  @MaryKRadio