tornado shelters

Tuscaloosa residents know how to measure time: there’s 'before the tornado' and 'after the tornado'. For Dr. Shane Crawford, that milestone became a mission. After witnessing the 2011 outbreak as a UA student, he didn't just rebuild—he innovated. On this episode of Quick-Fire Quips, we explore the world of disaster resilience—from a lab where 150-mph debris meets next-gen concrete, to how the lessons of our past are fueling the innovations of 2026.

On April 27, 2011, during the four-day 2011 Super Outbreak, one hundred and twelve tornadoes touched down across the southeastern United States, killing 319 in the deadliest day of tornadoes in the U.S. since 1925. On this anniversary, disaster managers say what you do before and during a tornado can make the difference between life and death.

Alabama meteorologists are warning about severe storms coming to the Yellowhammer State this weekend and into early next week. Damaging winds, hail and frequent lighting are being identified as the main threats during around midnight on Sunday into Monday morning. Weather experts say an isolated tornado is also possible.

Officials in Birmingham, Alabama say three of five planned community storm shelters will be open before the spring tornado season next year.That's nearly…