Lee County Storm Resources | Weather

Contact the Lee County EMA to report storm damage:

NOAA Weather Radio Channel:001081

Upload your weather photos HERE

How is a watch different from a warning?

A watch means that the potential exists for the development of a specific kind of weather. When a watch is issued you can go about your normal activities but take care to pay attention to developing conditions. A warning means that type of weather is occurring or, according to Doppler radar information, that type of weather is imminent. You should move indoors to safety and plan accordingly depending on the type of warning issued.

In case of lightning:

Take shelter in a sturdy, enclosed building. Avoid metallic objects such as fences, pipes, power poles, and bikes. Or, take cover in a hard top automobile taking care to keep the windows up and the doors closed. Keep out of boats and away from bodies of water. Avoid contact with electrical items tethered to the wall. Remember to bring pets indoors.

Tornado Safety:

-          In homes or small buildings: Go to a pre-determined shelter, such as a basement. Get under something sturdy like a heavy table, if available. Protect yourself from flying debris with pillows, heavy coats, blankets, or quilts. Use bicycle or motorcycle helmets to protect your head. If an underground shelter is not available, go to a small interior room, such as a closet, bathroom, or interior hallway, on the lowest level. Put as many walls between you and the outside as possible. Stay away from windows and doors.

-          In mobile homes: Leave well in advance of approaching severe weather and go to a strong building. If there is no shelter nearby, get into the nearest ditch, depression, or underground culvert and lie flat with your hands shielding your head.

-          In public buildings: Go to the best available, designated protective area. Basements are best, but interior locations on the lowest level also offer protection. Stay away from windows and other hazards inherent to the building.

-          In a vehicle: If caught in your vehicle during a tornado, you have two options, neither one of them good. The first option is to remain in your car and try to out run the tornado, accurately determining the path and speed of the tornado. You can pull off the road and protect yourself from flying debris and shattering glass, hoping the tornado is not strong enough to pick up your vehicle. The other option, leaving your vehicle and taking shelter in a ditch. Unknown terrain, fencing, and other obstacles could make this difficult. Take cover far enough away from your car, so it and other heavy debris does not wind up on top of you. Remember, do not put yourself in the position to have to choose between these options.

Don’t forget you can monitor conditions on your WSFA 12 Weather iPhone or Android app!

If you don’t have an iPhone or Droid log on to wsfa12onyourcell.com.

Information Source: Alabama EMA