All of the U. S. Gulf states and most of the central plains are prone to tornadoes . Tornado watches, which cover large areas, are frequently issued in the fall, winter, and spring. A tornado struck Tuscaloosa on Sunday, February 23, 1975. This storm killed one person and caused over 8 million dollars in damage. As a result of this tornado, the City of Tuscaloosa installed a system of sirens which is activated when tornado warnings are issued.
Severe thunderstorms occur much more frequently than tornadoes, but are far less violent.
Weather forecasts and severe weather watches and warnings are issued by the National Weather Service office located just south of Birmingham, Al. This office is equipped with a modern radar system. A NOAA Weather Radio transmitter is located on the University of Alabama campus. This office also maintains a Weather Awareness and Safety page. National Climatic Data Center, Climate Diagnostics Center, the Southeast Regional Climate Center, and the National Weather Service in Birmingham.