Tornado Watch In Jefferson County Continues Into Friday Morning

BIRMINGHAM, AL — The National Weather Service has reinstated a tornado watch for Jefferson County until 1 a.m. Friday, part of a watch including 23 other central Alabama counties.

A severe thunderstorm warning and flash flood warning are also in effect for Jefferson, Blount and St. Clair counties.

Counties in the tornado watch include:

• Autauga
• Bibb
• Calhoun
• Chambers
• Chilton
• Clay
• Cleburne
• Coosa
• Dallas
• Hale
• Jefferson
• Marengo
• Perry
• Randolph
• Shelby
• St. Clair
• Talladega
• Tallapoosa
• Tuscaloosa
• Elmore
• Lee
• Lowndes
• Macon
• Montgomery

Earlier Thursday, a tornado that caused significant damage in Helena, Pelham and Oak Mountain moved from Bibb County into northeastern Shelby County then to St. Clair County, according to the NWS. Traffic was reportedly stopped on Highway 280 near Doug Baker Blvd. due to a down power line.

See tornado damage in Shelby and Jefferson counties here.

Damage in the communities of Greystone, Lee Branch, Eagle Point and Dunavant have been reported from this particular tornado as well.

James Spann reminded Alabamians Thursday morning to be prepared for dangerous weather, by following the proper protocols:

• Have two ways of hearing warnings. Never rely on a siren. Every Alabama home and business needs a NOAA Weather Radio (the most popular model is the Midland WR-120, which is sold in most big box retailers). The other way is your phone; be sure emergency alerts are enabled (look under settings and notifications).
• Know the safe place in your house, and in that safe place have helmets for everyone. Bicycle helmets and batting helmets work well. Portable air horns and hard-soled shoes are recommended as well.
• If you live in an apartment complex, you can't be above the first level. Shelter with a friend on the ground level or ask management to open the clubhouse during a tornado warning.
• If you live in a mobile home, you can't stay there during a tornado warning. Know the location of the nearest shelter or business that is open 24/7. Know how to get there quickly.

Patch will update this report as conditions change and the NWS issues more warnings or watches.