The National Weather Service in Birmingham is forecasting a significant severe weather outbreak across Alabama this Wednesday, and ensuring that you have a way to receive weather warnings is the most important part of your preparedness plan.

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A NOAA Weather Radio is the most effective way to receive warnings, but these radios have often been in short supply. You can't rely on outdoor sirens, so what can you do to ensure you don't miss a tornado warning in your area?

You can sign up for TuscALERT, a free service from the Tuscaloosa Emergency Management Agency and the Cities of Tuscaloosa and Northport. Alerts can be delivered to you via text message, phone call, or email, and you're able to edit your contact preferences and set the locations for which you receive alerts. I personally have TuscALERT and cannot recommend it enough.

Another way to receive weather alerts is via your phone. Make sure you haven't disabled this feature on your wireless device; check out the information from James Spann below.

Has your phone ever went off for an AMBER Alert or a Flash Flood Warning? Did you disable that feature? Severe storm...

Posted by James Spann on Monday, March 15, 2021

Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa Operation Storm Watch is here for you and your family as this severe weather outbreak approaches. If a tornado warning is issued in our listening area, we will bring you live wall-to-wall coverage from James Spann and the ABC 33/40 Weather Crew and our Townsquare Team.

KEEP READING: What to do after a tornado strikes

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