Tuesday - March 29, 2022
A strong storm system is expected to move through the area tomorrow, beginning around 8:00 pm Wednesday through 2:00 am Thursday morning. Calhoun County is currently in the enhanced risk area, with potential threats including damaging winds up to 70 mph, tornadoes, and localized flooding. Potential rainfall amounts could total between 1.5-2".
Ahead of the severe storm threat, Calhoun County will be placed under a Wind Advisory at 9:00 am Wednesday, as non-thunderstorm winds of 20-25 mph with gusts up to 50mph are expected throughout the day.
Take the time today to make your preparations for tomorrow! Secure any outdoor belongings such as trash cans, trampolines, and outdoor furniture. Ensure that your neighbors and elderly family members/friends have a way to stay informed and will have access to adequate shelter, should it be needed.
See the most recent graphics from the National Weather Service below, followed by 5 quick preparedness tips:
Now is the time to prepare your family's emergency plans to ensure that you can be ready for tomorrow evening's potential for severe weather. Need a starting point? Here's 5 tips to help you get prepared:
1. Know your county! Be sure that you can find Calhoun County on the map. This is especially important when it comes to watches and warnings.
2. Have multiple ways to receive emergency alerts.
Everbridge - Calhoun County EMA's Everbridge alert system gives you the option to choose how you receive alerts to your phone. You can choose to receive alerts by text message, phone call, and/or email. Sign up here: https://member.everbridge.net/index/431562608869440/#/signup
Nixle - Text CalhounEMA to 888-777 to receive Calhoun County emergency alerts by text messages.
NOAA Weather Radio - Available at CVS, Walgreen's, Rite Aid, Walmart, Lowe's, etc. Great for overnight use and the elderly or hard-of-hearing, as the alert sound is very loud. Easily programmable at home, or bring to Calhoun County EMA and we can program it for you.
Outdoor sirens - Outdoor sirens are meant to be heard outdoors. Sirens work off of the National Weather Service polygon system. A siren will only sound if it is located within that NWS polygon. For example, if a portion of Anniston is included in the NWS polygon, only the sirens in that polygon including Anniston will sound; sirens in Jacksonville will not go off (unless they are also included in the NWS polygon). Do not rely on outdoor sirens as your only alert source.
Social Media - Follow Calhoun County EMA on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Weather apps - Utilize your favorite local TV station's weather app
3. Know where you can take shelter in the event that a tornado watch or warning is issued. Save this graphic and find the one closest to you!
4. Prepare a family communications plan. Write down important names, phone numbers, and addresses of close friends and family members, emergency meeting places, out-of-town contacts, and other important numbers and information. Use this Ready.gov checklist to create your Family Emergency Communication Plan: https://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/2021-04/family-emergency-communication-plan.pdf
5. Make a disaster supply kit! Build an emergency kit that could help you survive for days after an emergency: https://www.calhounema.org/home-preparedness
Be sure to stay weather aware tomorrow and follow Calhoun County EMA for up-to-date information!